ICT

Teachers & Roles in Deptartment

Mrs A. Marshall - ICT Co-ordinator
Mr T. Hynd - ICT Teacher
Mr D. Lant - ICT Teacher

Technical Staff

The managed service is supported by Civica staff working remotely in Leeds and by our on-site technician Mr A Jones

About ICT

We aim to provide pupils with the skills and the competence to use information technology both in school and outside, effectively to support their learning, life and work. By giving them the independence they need with a range of technologies and software, it is our aim for students of all ages to solve problems and to develop an understanding of the wider applications and effects of information technology on individuals, organisations and society as a whole. We aim to do this through schemes of work which are designed and implemented to make the best use of ICT and to support lifelong learning throughout the school. The network uses the Yorkshire and Humberside Grid for Learning to filter the internet in order to safeguard children.

The department has 2 dedicated ICT suites of PCs (with 32 terminals), supported by a range of peripherals, including colour laser printers, scanners, digital drawing boards, interactive whiteboards, sound recorders and digital cameras.

Curriculum

All students in KS3 and KS4 have an ICT entitlement intended to provide them with skills that make them both e-confident and e-competent.

KS3

Year 7 – 9 students follow a course based on the KS3 government strategy for ICT. This programme of study provides differentiated learning appropriate to all students. It is reviewed annually to provide a challenging experience for all, giving the opportunities to develop a range of skills while solving problems associated with digital editing, animation, desk top publishing, spreadsheets, the use of the internet, web designing, multimedia and control programming. All units of work are internally assessed, leading to a KS3 level. Extension work is available to provide opportunities to achieve the top levels.

KS4

All students have an ICT entitlement that gives the opportunity to achieve external awards based on just one hour per fortnight; In September 2009 we started the OCR National course. The aim is for all students in KS4 to have the opportunity to achieve this award, which carries GCSE points by the end of Y11. Given only one hour per fortnight, this may require additional time, lunchtimes or twilight lessons to complete. All work is practical, there are no examinations. http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/ocrnationals/ict_level_2/documents.html

There is also the option for a GCSE in ICT. The course followed is the DIDA (Diploma in Digital Applications). Most students achieve a double GCSE. This course is a challenging course requiring the students to manage major projects and produce e-portfolios of work. However there are no examinations and pupils are able to determine their own work schedule within a given framework. The mini website supported by Edexcel provides all the information and project briefs. http://www.edexcel.com/quals/dida/Pages/default.aspx

KS5

Students in KS5 are given the opportunity to further develop their ICT skills through advanced GCE study (the OCR course) http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/type/gce/ict_tec/ict/index.aspx

Overview

The new specification which started in 2008 sees students develop a wide range of ICT skills together with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of ICT. Candidates are encouraged to become discerning users of ICT.

Benefits of the new course

• This new specification provides the ideal foundation for those students who wish to pursue ICT at degree level or as a career.
• Assessment has been streamlined: the coursework element is still 40% but examinations are now just 2 hours.
• Coursework assessment has been retained as the best method to assess practical skills.
• AS coursework is structured around tasks which cover a wide range of skills. The criteria for A2 coursework allows a wide range of in-depth projects. 

Homework

Homework is given to pupils in core ICT lessons and may consist of three main types:

1. To do some research and gather / prepare material for the following lesson.
2. To complete tasks set during the lesson (this may involve work having to be done during a lunchtime, especially if the child does not have a computer at home).
3. To develop a knowledge and understanding of the wider aspects of ICT in society.

The value of homework is outlined in the Homework Policy of the school. The work being given to pupils through ICT for homework is intended to achieve one or more of the following:

• To complement work completed during school time.
• To enable pupils to develop skills, attitudes and habits involved in independent study.
• To allow work during lesson time to focus on activities where the presence of the teacher is essential.
• To provide opportunities to inform parents about the nature and standards of their child’s ICT activities and education.

Pupils enter their homework into the Planner, at a convenient point within the lesson. If homework has been set, and not handed in, the appropriate action will be made by the subject teacher in line with school policy.

Extra-Curricular Activites

The ICT break-out space is available for students use for schoolwork during lunchtimes, before and after school. They are encouraged to utilise the school resources and can also use the MLE for accessing resources and uploading their work to work on at home, utilising the My Site functions of the MLE.