St Gerard's School IT Department
Pupils have one lesson of IT per week in all years at St Gerard's school. In years 7 - 9 pupils familiarise themselves with the various IT packages available in preparation to undertake the ECDL course in years 10 and 11.
The European Computer Driving Licence ®
The European Computer Driving Licence ® (ECDL) is the internationally recognized qualification which enables people to demonstrate their competence in computer skills.
The record breaking ECDL is the fastest growing IT user qualification in over 125 countries.
ECDL is designed specifically for those who wish to gain a benchmark qualification in computing to enable them to develop their IT skills and enhance their career prospects. It is the qualification preferred by many employers including the NHS, the MoD, government, banks and other major organisations.
To qualify for the ECDL pupils have to pass a series of seven tests or modules as follows:
- Basic Concepts of IT
- Using the Computer and Managing Files (Windows)
- Word Processing (Word)
- Spreadsheets (Excel)
- Databases (Access)
- Presentation and Graphics (PowerPoint)
- Information and Communication (Internet Explorer & Outlook)
With the exception of Module 1 all the tests are practical, i.e. you sit at a computer to do them.