There are three dedicated ICT subject classrooms in the College, which have all been upgraded in the last few years. The subject is delivered by enthusiastic and dedicated staff that all possess a high level of knowledge and technical ability in the subject area. The excellent staff/student relationship is evident in all our classrooms.
Mrs K Hutchinson (HOD)
Mr S Nelson
Mrs C McNulty
Everywhere that you look in today’s digital world you can see how the use of ICT has an influence in our everyday lives.
The study of an ICT based subject will help provide you with the ANALYTICAL (thinking), COMMUNICATION (writing, talking, giving presentations) and TECHNICAL skills (using a computer at a high level) that you will need when you enter the world of work.
ICT based subjects at Portadown College are all thriving. The dynamic and forward-thinking department has a proud history of delivering popular and enjoyable subjects which achieve excellent results at both GCSE and A-level every year.
We actively encourage our students to take part in local and national events to broaden their knowledge and give them opportunities to experience “real” work environments. This helps our students to make informed decisions about further education and career choices and prepare them for employment.
Examination Board: CCEA
This subject provides students with the opportunity to explore the links between the business and digital world in one qualification. Digital technologies play a pivotal role in business and economic activities and this exciting new qualification provides a perfect blend.
By choosing this qualification students will develop their business knowledge and skills set in a range of software applications which will provide them with a sound basis on which to build their future career.
The course is broken down into three units:
| Course breakdown | Assessment | Weighting |
| Unit 1: Software Applications for Business (Yr 11)In this unit, students will learn about relevant functions in software applications and develop their skills in using them in business contexts. Students will use a range of applications including; word processing; spreadsheets; database; presentation; web development; email and internet. | External computer based examination 2 hours | 40% |
| Unit 2: The Business Environment (Yr 12)In this unit, students gain a broad introduction to the business world. They learn about recruitment, selection, training and marketing as well as the implications of digital technology for business. Students consider different roles, including stakeholders and customers, as well as how best to communicate a message. | External written examination 1 hour | 35% |
| Unit 3: Developing Digital Solutions (Yr 11&Yr 12)A practical unit where students use the skills they have developed in the previous units to plan and develop a digital solution for a business. | Controlled Assessment | 25% |
Students will gain a qualification which will provide them with opportunities to acquire transferable digital skills in a range of software applications which are useful in many careers. .
Students will also acquire other skills valued in further and higher education, as well as in the workplace; these include research, investigation, analysis, communication skills, problem solving and working with others.
Students can further their studies in this subject area at A-level by choosing to study CCEA A-level in Digital Technology and/or Business Studies.
The information age is here to stay and when you as a student leave the College you will play a very different part in our global society. By the time you reach the world of work or university, it is essential that you are competent in the use of I.C.T.
By choosing to study a GCSE in Business Communication Systems, you will have made a conscientious decision as to how you are shaping your future.
Examination Board: CCEA
The influence of ICT is rapidly expanding and changing the way people live, learn and work. This exciting qualification reflects the needs of our changing economy, and as such is designed to boost the digital skills workforce of the 21st century.
By studying this skills-based course you will develop your aptitude in applications such as website and database development. In addition to these skills you will also develop a sound knowledge and understanding of ICT in a range of contexts.
The course is broken down into three units:
| Course breakdown | Assessment | Weighting |
| Unit 1: Digital Technology (Yr 11)In this unit, students will explore a range of different technologies and some of the topics that will be covered are; Digital Data; Computer Hardware; Network Topologies; Spreadsheet applications; Cyberspace; Cloud Technology and Digital applications. | External written examination 1 hour | 30% |
| Unit 2: Digital Authoring Concepts (Yr 12)In this unit, students gain an understanding of the concepts in the development of digital systems. Topics include; HTML; database development; multimedia design and testing. | External written examination 1 ½ hours | 40% |
| Unit 3: Digital Authoring Practice (Yr 11 & Yr 12)A practical unit where students are given are the opportunity to design, develop and test digital multimedia systems. Students will create an interactive website and a database system. | Controlled Assessment | 30% |
Students will gain a qualification which will provide them with opportunities to acquire transferable skills in a range of development environments which can be applied to almost any occupation. Students will also acquire other skills valued in further and higher education, as well as in the workplace; these include research, investigation, analysis, communication skills, problem solving and working with others.
To continue this subject at A Level, students are required to obtain a minimum of grade ‘B’
By choosing to study a GCSE in Digital Technology Multimedia, you will have made a conscientious decision as to how you are shaping your future.
Examination Board: CCEA
Students will get an insight into what goes on ‘behind the scenes’, including computer programming which many students find fascinating. This qualification is relevant to the modern, changing world of computing, and as such is designed to boost computing skills essential for 21st century.
Software controls every computer system function in the world. The ability to write computer programs in languages that are used widely in the industry is one of the most valuable skills to have in the world today. This course will give students a real, in-depth understanding of how computer technology works.
The course is broken down into three units:
| Course breakdown | Assessment | Weighting |
| Unit 1: Digital Technology (Yr 11)In this unit, students will explore a range of different technologies and some of the topics that will be covered are; Digital Data; Computer Hardware; Network Topologies; Spreadsheet applications; Cyberspace; Cloud Technology and Digital applications. | External written examination 1 hour | 30% |
| Unit 2: Digital Development Concepts (Yr 12) In this unit, students gain an understanding of the concepts in the development of digital systems. Topics include; Data representation; algorithms; programming constructs; simple error and handling techniques and contemporary trends in software development. | External written examination 1 ½ hours | 40% |
| Unit 3: Digital Development Practice (Yr 11 & Yr 12)A practical unit where students are given are the opportunity to design, develop and test coded solutions using a programming language. | Controlled Assessment | 30% |
Students will gain a qualification which will provide them with opportunities to acquire transferable skills in a range of development environments which can be applied to almost any occupation.
Students will also acquire other skills valued in further and higher education, as well as in the workplace; these include research, investigation, analysis, communication skills, problem solving and working with others.
Students who achieve a minimum of a grade ‘B’ in this subject can further their studies by choosing either the WJEC A Level in Computer Science or CCEA A Level in Digital Technology.
By choosing to study a GCSE in Digital Technology Programming, you will have made a conscientious decision as to how you are shaping your future.
Examination Board: CCEA
Digital Technology opens up an incredible world of opportunities for work, not only within the technology industry but also in supporting roles within other industries.
CCEA has developed a short video and Q&A resource to tell the story about our new innovative A Level Digital Technology. The revised qualification replaces A Level ICT and will develop strong digital skills to prepare today’s learners for careers in tomorrow’s digital world.
Students will develop a wide range of ICT skills together with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of ICT. During this course, students develop the capacity to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically as they look at ICT in a range of contexts to solve problems and develop an understanding of the effect of ICT on individuals, organisations and society. Students will cover exciting units such as information systems and applications, structured ICT tasks and ICT projects, and are encouraged to become discerning users of ICT.
The CCEA revised GCE Digital Technology specification comprises two levels: AS and A2. The AS can be taken as a ‘stand-alone’ qualification without progression to A2. However, to obtain the Advanced GCE qualification, candidates must complete both the AS and A2 levels.
| AS Content | Assessment | AS Weighting |
| Unit 1 Approaches to Systems Development | External Examination
| 50% of AS (20% of A Level) |
| Unit 2 Fundamentals of Digital Technology | External Examination
| 50% of AS (20% of A Level) |
| A2 Content | Assessment | A2 Weighting |
| Unit 1 Information Systems | External Examination
| 40% of A Level |
| Unit 2 Application Development | Internal Assessment Portfolio of evidence
| 20% of A Level |
Students should have studied GCSE Digital Technology or equivalent and achieved a Grade B. Direct Entry to this course may also be considered from those with a strong performance at GCSE at the discretion of the Head of Department/SLT.
A Digital Technology qualification can lead to a wide range of careers including project management, multimedia designer, software design, games design, computer programming, graphic design, system analyst and business analyst.
Students cannot study A-level Digital Technology and Computer Science.
A Year 14 student who has progressed through the College from Year 11: “I chose A-level ICT because I realized that the skills gained in the subject would be useful in any career in the future. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed studying ICT at A-level and the coursework element really interests me. It’s great how the coursework is worth such a large percentage of your overall mark. It allows you to divide up all the work over the entire year rather than leaving it all to the one exam in June.”
A Year 14 student who completed their GCSEs in another school: “I thoroughly enjoyed studying GCSE ICT at my previous school and decided to continue the subject at Portadown College. The way in which ICT is delivered in both schools is very similar which helped me to easily settle into the subject. I have thoroughly enjoyed the subject and plan to use the skills and knowledge I have developed at A-level when I pursue a career in Finance at university.”
Examination Board: EDUQAS WJEC (TBC)
Computer technology is progressing at an ever-increasing pace in both the business and personal worlds. This course will appeal to students who want to develop their programming knowledge and who enjoy working out solutions to problems. The emphasis on programming, mathematics and algorithms which underpins each component mirrors the ubiquity of programming in computer science, encouraging learners to think like programmers.
This new and exciting course offered by the College offers a contemporary approach to Computer Science from both the theoretical and practical perspectives. The course will encourage students to think creatively and innovatively in producing their solutions and to consider relationship between different aspects of computer science and its impact on today’s global society.
The course will allow students to develop an understanding of and ability to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems including writing programs to do so.
| AS Content | Assessment | AS Weighting |
| Unit 1 Fundamentals of Computer Science | Written Examination 2 hours | 25% of qualification (62.5% of AS qualification |
| Unit 2 Practical Programming to Solve Problems | On-Screen examination (Consists of a series of set tasks completed on-screen by candidates) 2 hours | 15% of qualification (37.5% of AS qualification) |
| A2 Content | Assessment | A2 Weighting |
| Unit 3 Programming and System Development | Written Examination 2 hours | 20% of qualification |
| Unit 4 Computer Architecture, Data, Communication and Applications | Written Examination 2 hours | 20% of qualification |
| Unit 5 Programmed Solution to a Problem | Internal Non-Exam Assessment | 20% of qualification |
Students should have studied GCSE Computer Science and achieved a Grade B. Entry to this course may also be considered from those who achieved an A grade in Further Maths or Physics at GCSE level at the discretion of the Head of Department/SLT. Those who do not have a GCSE in Computer Science must have programming experience, preferably in python.
Career opportunities in the Computer Science field include networking, game development, software engineering, agile business analyst, technical architect, test engineering and computer networking.
Students cannot study A Level Digital Technology and Computer Science.
The average tech salary in Northern Ireland is £33,000. A graduate software developer can expect a starting salary from £24,000–£32,000. That compares to an average salary of £26,232 across all jobs in Northern Ireland. (source: https://bringitonni.co.uk/life-in-it/ )
There are lots of job opportunities in IT in Northern Ireland, but IT skills will also open doors for you to travel and work around the world. IT skills will allow you to work across different industries and take many different career paths.
Over 2000 leading tech companies operate in NI, including Allstate, PwC, Neueda, Microsoft, First Derivatives, Liberty IT, Kainos, Novosco, Fujitsu, SAP, Broadsoft, Xlinx, Rapid7 and Whitehat Security.
IT jobs often need you to be creative and analytical. The skills you build will transfer easily to any career or business you want to follow in the future.
The IT sector is inclusive, diverse and team orientated. Around 81% of IT professionals have flexible working arrangements. With IT skills in such high demand, employers offer good conditions to help keep their team happy and motivated. Perks can include free tea, coffee, snacks and lunches, free beer Friday, yoga, social gatherings and well-being initiatives.
IT projects involve working in a team of enthusiastic and like-minded people. You’ll help each other to develop and fulfil your potential. This makes for a rewarding career.
You’ll get many different opportunities to use your IT skills for social good. Big data is being used to help fight climate change and predict the spread of diseases such as COVID-19.
Employers in Northern Ireland and further afield are looking for people with the IT skills they need. There is a skills gap in Northern Ireland, many high-growth businesses in industries such as artificial intelligence, software development and cyber security struggle to find enough people with relevant skills to fill all the jobs they would like to create.
There are many different routes to take, whether you leave school after your GCSEs or follow an academic route all the way through to a master’s degree. Both provide the opportunity to build a successful career in IT. You could also join an Earn as you learn scheme or complete an apprenticeship, It’s just about finding the path that’s best for you.
Have a look at some of the different opportunities.
A Higher Level Apprenticeship is an apprenticeship with a targeted qualification between Level 4 (HNC equivalent) to Level 8 (PhD equivalent).
A Higher Level Apprenticeship develops professional and technical skills, as well as gaining recognised higher qualifications while in paid employment.
In a Higher Level Apprenticeship scheme the employer recruits a learner for two years. The learner will gain their qualification while working four days a week in an industry relevant role and attending training at college one day a week.
On completion of the apprenticeship students may have the opportunity to take on further training or take up a full time post with their employer.
There are a wide range of Higher Level Apprenticeships available including Software Engineering, Computing Infrastructure, Computing and Cyber Security.
Foundation Degrees enable employers to access students at the end of their final year.
Learners study full time at college for two years including a four month work placement in their final semester as part of earning their third level qualification.
There are currently opportunities in Foundation Degrees in the areas of Computing Infrastructure, Interactive Media, Software development, Computing and Cyber Security.
Higher National Diploma (HND) courses are an ideal opportunity for IT companies to engage with learners.
For two years learners will acquire the skills and disciplines in their chosen field and have the opportunity to network with employers at events and conferences.
Academies are developed under the Department for the Economy (DfE) Assured Skills programme and Invest Northern Ireland.
They are bespoke programmes which have been developed in conjunction with the employer and higher education institutions to get the skills they need to support a growing business. Academies seek to assure potential investors, and existing employers considering expansion, by supporting companies to add value to their training and skills development activity.
Assured Skills Academies delivered include – Cyber Security, Data Analytics, Power BI, Software Development and Software Testing.
Get paid to study for your degree part-time – and get valuable real-world experience while you do it.
Kainos are just one of many local companies who run an Earn as you Learn scheme. At Kainos you would join as an Apprentice Software Engineer, earn a great salary and all the benefits that they offer their staff. You’ll work four days a week, and the other day will be spent studying for your degree part-time at Ulster University, over four and a half years. They’ll pay your tuition fees as well as your salary – altogether, it’s a package worth up to £100,000.
You’ll get to work with experienced software development professionals on live projects for real clients – it makes for faster, better learning opportunities that are much more rewarding. And you’ll get to enjoy everything that comes with joining an exciting, dynamic and award-winning business at the forefront of the industry.
You’ll have money in your pocket along the way, be debt-free when you finish and come away with a full degree and a great job to walk in to.
One of our Year 14 Computer Science leavers took up a position with Kainos on this scheme in the Summer of 2022. We look forward to hearing more about this.
Students should speak to their Digital Technology, Computer Science or CEIAG teacher if they would like more information on any of the above.
