The IE Award in ICT is a unique qualification aimed at the 14 - 19 age group designed to reflect the learning styles and habits of a new generation of digital learners. The course is validated by Cambridge International Examinations. Despite the ICT in the title the course offers far more than that.

What does the course cover?

• That is entirely up to the school.
• Examinations test what students do not know. The Diploma has no examinations or tests so schools are free to design their curriculum in a way that suits the needs, interests and skills of the teachers and students.

How is the course taught?

• While teachers are free to teach in whatever style they choose, at IEA we encourage use of the Minimally Invasive Education approach to learning which allows students to become risk takers who are more creative and motivated than students taught in more traditional ways.
• Teachers should encourage students to decide for themselves what they need to learn and to carry out their own research.
• Students should be encouraged to work in teams made up of students with a variety of skills.

What do students have to do?

• Work on a major project of their own choice.
• Work on a project which should be as 'real' as possible. Higher grades students must work for a real client on a real project.
• Work individually or in groups.
• Demonstrate what they can do in any way they feel appropriate.
• Take responsibility for their own learning.
• Reflect on their own work and that of their peers.

What level should we study/teach?

• There are four levels of qualification from Foundation to Innovator. (See assessment page)
• Students will be awarded a qualifcation according to the quality of their work so it is not necessary to enter for a particular level. If a 15 year old does advanced level work they will be awarded an advanced level qualification.
• There is therefore no ceiling on achievement.

What are the benefits of the course?

• Concentrates on the strengths of the students, not their weaknesses.
• Rewards students for what they can do.
• Allows schools complete freedom to design a curriculum appropriate to the needs of students and the resources available.
• Promotes cross-curricular work.
• Excellent preparation for higher education.
• Provides non-subject-specific extension work for 6th formers preparing for university.
• May be used as an extension for gifted students or for special needs students.
• Can be taught as a discrete course or can be embedded in the curriculum.
• Promotes motivation as students can do what interests them.

CIE

University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) is the world’s largest provider of international qualifications for 14–19 year olds. It is part of the University of Cambridge and a not-for-profit organisation.