Key Stage 4

Qualification

CiDA

The DiDA suite of qualifications is unique in its scope, philosophy and delivery methods.

Inspiring and challenging
DiDA promotes creative use of digital applications. Its real-life, outcome-driven approach inspires and challenges learners to demonstrate what they know and are able to do in authentic contexts.
Modern and future-proofed
DiDA is a modern, world-class suite of qualifications that is designed to equip learners with the skills they need to live, learn and earn in the 21st century.
Creative and collaborative
DiDA enables learners to make the leap from passive consumers to active producers of quality digital content.  It develops their ability to organise themselves and their work and encourages them to reflect critically on their own and others' use of ICT.

Students will complete two units of work. If they progress well they may completed an addition third unit equating to a CiDA+ qualification. Students must complete

Using ICT: In this unit they will manage and plan a project using ICT tools. You will gather information from a variety of sources. Data will be collated and analysed to produce information. Databases, spreadsheets and websites will be used to present & communicate their findings.

Students will then complete one of the following units:

• Multimedia: You will design and create multimedia products. These will include: sound, images, video, animation and text. Prototyping and testing will also be carried out.
• Graphics: You will learn how to import graphical images, create original graphics and use specialist graphic software.
• ICT & Enterprise: you will identify a business opportunity and promote it. Models will be used, including business plans. A wide range of business documentation will be designed and created in order to create a corporate identity.
• Gaming: This unit is in development and should be available from September 2008
• Web Authoring: This unit is in development and should be available from September 2008

On completion of the course students will be awarded a Certificate in Digital Applications, which is the equivalent to two GCSE's in ICT. Those students which make good progress may complete an additional third unit which is an Extended Certificate in Digital Applications.

Curriculum

Classwork - 4 hours per week

Course Delivery

There are no formal written examinations. Students complete a substantial project for each unit and showcase their achievements in an e-portfolio. Summative project briefs (SPBs) are published in the 'SPB' section of the Edexcel website. Students complete these on-line units independently and are support through teacher guidance and practical ICT solutions.

Assessment Method

Students will complete this course over Year 10 and Year 11. Students will create an e-portfolio for each unit for work they complete. The e-portfolio will be sent to the moderator for assessment either in January or May of Year 11.

Students will be awarded either a Distinction (A*), Merit (A), Credit (B) or Pass (C). On completion of this course students will achieve 2 GCSE's as a Certificate in Digital Applications.