Information Communication Technology has the potential to enhance the quality of teaching and learning across the curriculum. Using ICT in school will help pupils cope with the future demand for a higher level of technical knowledge and awareness. At St Bees School we are committed to the further development of the ICT skills of our staff and students in order that the pupils who leave the school are confident users of new technologies - they should be 'ICT capable' members of a modern technological society.
"The importance of information and communication technology
Information and communication technology (ICT) prepares pupils to participate in a rapidly changing world in which work and other activities are increasingly transformed by access to varied and developing technology. Pupils use ICT tools to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information responsibly, creatively and with discrimination. They learn how to employ ICT to enable rapid access to ideas and experiences from a wide range of people, communities and cultures. Increased capability in the use of ICT promotes initiative and independent learning, with pupils being able to make informed judgements about when and where to use ICT to best effect, and to consider its implications for home and work both now and in the future." - The National Curriculum for England: information and communication technology.
- To develop, in all pupils, confidence and proficiency in the use of ICT in the classroom.
- To ensure that all pupils can confidently use their ICT skills to enhance their learning in all their subjects.
- To develop an appreciation of the use of ICT in the context of the wider world.
- To enable all pupils to have equal access to ICT and to experience success in their work.
- To provide continuity and progression in the strands of the ICT National Curriculum during Key Stages 3 & 4.
- To develop ICT skills through curriculum contexts.
- To develop, in all members of the school community, the ability to use ICT appropriately and to choose software suitable for a particular task.
- To make available up to date hardware and software resources as appropriate.
Curriculum Organisation
ICT is taught as a discrete subject from first form to third form and is an option subject at GCSE and GCE Level. In addition, pupils will have additional ICT experiences within other subjects.
Resources and Access
The main curriculum network is based on PC workstations. There are two dedicated computer rooms with 38 workstations, colour and black & white printing and a scanner. The school operates an 'open-access' policy to these rooms. There are additional clusters of network equipment available for student use in the Library, sixth form centre and International centre. Additionally there are stand alone computers available in a number of curriculum areas and an interactive whiteboard in the science department.
ICT at Key Stage 3
Subject Philosophy
As a department we follow the broad outline of the government guidance at Key stage 3, but try to be flexible in our teaching and meet the needs of St Bees School and its pupils.
- experience more exciting and interesting ICT lessons. Each ICT lesson consists of a series of brief activities in order to provide variety and hopefully maintain interest for the whole of the 70 minutes.
- are actively involved in the lesson, thinking hard. Typically we would get the ICT lesson off to a flying start by providing a thought provoking starter activity at the beginning of each lesson. Other challenging tasks would then follow.
- are more able to do things for themselves. We teach practical skills and allow pupils to pick these up naturally for themselves through practice. When we feel that they need to expend their skill repertoire we would introduce this new skill within a realistic task and context which needs the new technique.
- make rapid progress and achieve higher standards. The pace of lessons is always brisk and we try to ensure that every child achieves to their best potential.
- have extra support if they are not living up to their potential. This can be done both in class and in lunch breaks and after school as necessary.
- are included, stimulated and make progress. We provide a variety of contexts within which we set our work and try to ensure that these contexts are appropriate for everyone. We differentiate our work and resources so that everyone makes progress. We are flexible and often produce tasks for St Bees School productions i.e. pantomime programmes and tickets for concerts when necessary.
Lesson Structure
The Pupils receive one 70 minute lesson per week. As with other subjects we use a three-part lesson structure. This consists of a brief starter activity to get pupils involved straight away in the lesson, followed by the main activity, and concluding with a plenary session in which the main themes of the lesson are reinforced. We always share the lesson objectives with the pupils and use verbal and written instructions as necessary.
The following is an example of the structure of a typical key stage 3 ICT
lesson:
1 - 15 minutes Starter: What is a corporate image? Pupils compare pasta boxes form different organisations and try to identify similarities and differences.
They consider the colour and font schemes, layout, audience etc.
2 - 10 minutes planning another publication for the same organisation. Pupils prepare the layout for a new pasta box for the same organisation identifying those aspects that will not change such as layout, logo and fonts etc, and those things that will change such as the date, images and articles etc.
3 - 10 minutes Software techniques for transferring the design to the computer. Pupils are shown how to create a new publication, create input boxes for text, graphics etc., import a graphic and text and so on.
4 -20 minutes Creating a design. Pupils use the software techniques to produce a box for the product. They consider size and any details that need to be included on the box
5 -10 minutes Plenary: Design brief for the task. The Pupils are shown a variety of materials and are asked to identify the features that contribute to the organisation’s corporate image.
GCSE
ICT at Key Stage 4
Introduction to the Key Stage 4 GCSE Course
GCSE ICT Full Course
This course occupies one option block (4 lessons per week). The course has
both a practical element and a substantial technical aspect including topics such as systems analysis. Pupils have to design, implement and test 4 different tasks and will use a variety of software to complete the tasks. Coursework is worth 60% of the final mark and the examination is worth the final 40%.
The course is suitable for pupils of all abilities, the examination being offered at both Foundation and Higher levels.
The course should be suitable preparation for AS/A2 level GCE.
Key Stage 4 Option Choices – More Information
ICT - Full Course GCSE
Examination Board: EDEXCEL 1185
This GCSE helps prepare candidates for a world increasingly dominated by the use of
ICT systems, which influence every aspect of everyday life. Studying ICT will help
provide the analytical, communication and technical skills that are needed by active
participants in this exciting and dynamic world. The course will provide an essential
foundation for any further courses including those specific to the use of computers
and technology such as AS or A2 ICT and many courses at university or college. It also builds a framework form which essential practical skills and theoretical skills are gained before entering the world of work. It is an important starting point for participation in the modern digital world.
What will you do?
You will learn to apply your knowledge, skills and understanding of ICT to a range of
situations such as the use of computers in businesses, hospitals and a host of others.
You will analyse, design, implement, test, evaluate and document information and
communication systems for use by others and develop understanding of the wider
applications and effects of ICT. You will consider the social, economic, political,
legal, ethical and moral issues and security needs for data that surrounds the
increasing use of ICT.
How will you do it?
In practically all lessons you will use computers, sometimes for research purposes,
sometimes enhancing and extending your use of software, sometimes for designing
systems solutions and quite often for typing-up revision notes. A typical lesson would
consist of a short lecture/demonstration from your teacher, than a practical activity for
you to do that lasts about 30 or 40 minutes, followed by a brief session in which you
and the teacher together consolidate your learning. There will be periods of several
weeks when you will mainly be preoccupied wit the production of coursework. You
will be given a textbook that will help you with the theory aspect of the course and
with homework requirements.
What will you achieve?
The scheme of assessment consists of:
A terminal examination carrying 40% of the total marks.
Coursework carrying 60% of the total marks.
The terminal examination consists of one written paper and is offered at two levels:
Foundation (Grades C - G)
Higher (Grades A* - D)
Pupils will be entered for the tier most suited to their needs.
The coursework will consist of four projects. One involving the use of desktop
publishing, spreadsheets, databases, and one usually based around presentation software.
Homework Requirements
Pupils will be expected to complete 1 hour of homework and/or practical work each week. The homework is often researching or planning for practical tasks completed in lesson times.
Parental Support
Parents are encouraged to discuss with Pupils the work they are undertaking in ICT.
Parents can assist Pupils by aiding them with their research and helping them to appreciate how ICT continues to change the world of work and leisure.