Facilities

ICT has been a priority area of development over the last few years. The infrastructure has been up-graded and there are now three computer suites with new higher specification PCs. All computer rooms have data projectors and one room has an interactive whiteboard. The facilities have been improved yet further with the completion of the Business and Enterprise Centre with the addition of another computer suite, three teaching rooms with clusters of PCs and an internet café.

The department is staffed by two full time ICT teachers and four members of the mathematics department who are also trained in ICT.

Key Stage 3

In years 7 and 8 one lesson per week is dedicated to providing the curriculum for the Key Stage 3 ICT strategy. Pupils develop skills in word processing using Word, desktop publishing using Publisher, presentations using Powerpoint, spreadsheets using Excel, databases using Access and control technology using Flowol and Logo. Schemes of work are based on the Framework for ICT by Nelson Thornes.

In Year 9, the students have three lessons per week. They are following NC ICT.

Assessment

In years 7 and 8 short assessment tests are undertaken at the end of each topic using the Key Stage 3 assessment tests in Framework for ICT. Teacher assessment is also carried out on set tasks.

In year 9 pupils are assessed by teachers on particular set tasks.

In May 2007 students will undertake the on-line Key Stage 3 National Tests for ICT as part of the pilot for the real tests which start in May 2008.

Key Stage 4

Optional Course

Students who choose ICT as an option will have the opportunity to study and gain a GCSE in ICT. This GCSE course encourages the investigation and study of Information and Communication Technology in a variety of contexts, for example the home, school, recreation, community, business and industry. In these contexts, students are given opportunities to acquire competence, capability and critical skills through the creation, implementation, use and evaluation of a range of ICT systems. Students can develop their interest in, enjoyment of, and critical reflection about information and communication technology as an integral part of modern society.
Students develop their competence through the use of information technology in reasoned ways to solve significant problems using appropriate principles, techniques and equipment effectively and safely.

The course is divided up as follows:

• Year 10 complete Project 1 (Data Handling) which represents 30% of final grade.
• Year 11 complete Project 2 (Modelling) which represents 30% of final grade.
• End of Year 11 final examination which represents 40% of final grade.

Those students who opt for GCSE will be expecting to aim for the higher grades (A* - C) as they will have an increased opportunity to study and prepare for the final exam.

Core Course

All students will work towards a qualification in ICT leading to a possible full GCSE where the emphasis will be on practical coursework tasks.

Key Stage 5

Students who choose this option at AS/A2 level will study for OCR's Applied ICT.

Year 12 work is made up of three units:
Unit 1 Using ICT to Communicate
Unit 2 How Organisations use ICT
Unit 3 ICT Solutions for Individuals and Society.

Year 13 consists of three more units:
Unit 9 Working to a Brief
Unit 11 Interactive Multimedia Products
Unit 14 Developing and Creating Websites.

Assessment

Unit 2 How Organisations use ICT is assessed by pre-prepared work and an examination. All other units are assessed by portfolio.