In years 10 and 11 we offer a Diploma in Digital Applications as a double option. DiDA is entirely coursework based. Students work on up to 4 units throughout the 2 years and each unit is worth the equivalent of one GCSE. Each unit is assessed online with pupils creating an e-portfolio or website to showcase all the work they do. Every year Edexcel publish a Summative Project Brief (SPB) for each unit. We select the most appropriate SPB for the year group to follow – all students work to the same brief. As well as completing a variety of ICT tasks, students must produce and follow a comprehensive project plan and develop their own independent and effective ways of working.

In Year 10 students work on Units 1 and 3, finishing off these in year 11 if necessary and also starting Units 2 and 4.

Unit 1 – Using ICT covers aspects of ICT familiar to students, spreadsheets, databases, desktop publishing and presentations.

Unit 2 – Multimedia. Students use Macromedia Flash to create complex animations.

Unit 3 – Graphics. Students create a series of Graphic products using Macromedia Fireworks.

Unit 4 – Enterprise. Students work in groups to decide upon and promote an identity for a business or cause. The work is written up and presented individually.