In this unit students will consider the information that they need in order to collect appropriate data to test a hypothesis. Students will collect data using questionnaires, design a structure to contain the data and enter it into a file by the use of spreadsheets and word. Students will also create a database and will analyse the results and draw conclusions from the data that they input. During the process students will learn how to add fields to the database and consider data-validation techniques that might be used to check the data for accuracy. Once all data has been collated they use the results to produce a report.

In this unit, you will learn how simple models are built by first investigating rules, then by seeing how rules can govern the behaviour of simple models by the use of spreadsheets. You will discuss the ways in which different models could be used to present different information in a spreadsheet, identifying the inputs, the rules (formulae) and the outputs. You will also learn the use of absolute cell referencing and other formulae that will make the model more appropriate for the end user. You will test the effectiveness of the model by using sample data representing a number of scenarios as well as chart creation.

Students will work to prepare a printed publication related to a topic that is been studied in another subject within the school. Students will gather, process and output information in text and image form and explore a variety of image-capture and image-manipulation methods to create suitable image data. There are opportunities for links with English when pupils develop the text for the publication. Links are made to other subjects when choosing the topics for the articles, e.g. History or Geography. The publication can be produced in another language, providing opportunities to collaborate with the modern foreign languages department or within the student’s own environment.

In this unit students will use a variety of search mechanisms to explore the potential of ICT-based information sources. They will research different topics and prepare a presentation for a specific audience. They will use different websites and CD-ROMs as their main sources of information. Students will explore a range of types of information, such as statistics, legislation and advertising campaigns, and make judgements about the purpose of the information and the viewpoint of the organisation that produced it. Students will be given a framework for their research. They aim will be to answer specific questions and refine and organise their information as required for the specified topic.

In this unit students will learn the basic rules of passwords and how to protect their work and how to work safely online. Students will create a multimedia presentation using text, images and sound about themselves. In creating their pages, students are expected to be sensitive to the needs of their audience.