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 & 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.
ICT in Sixth form
The department follows the AQA specification for the lower and upper sixth. The 2009/2010 academic year will see the Lower Sixth and the Upper Sixth following the new specification. The pupils are taught for 8 periods in total and this is split into 2 double periods and 4 single periods. This is generally split between practical and coursework in the double lessons and theoretical work in the single lessons. All pupils are expected to use their preparation time to complete both the theory and the practical elements of the course. Any pupil that does not choose ICT as an option in sixth form will receive some ICT skills through the award programme in lower sixth and in cross curricular cooperation. All pupils have access to the ICT rooms and can make use of our facilities and knowledge if and when necessary.
The following is an outline of the new specification at AS ICT level
GCE Information and Communication Technology (2520)
AS outline
The AS specification has 2 units:
AS outline
At AS, there are 2 complementary units concerned with applying ICT to solve problems and the study of the opportunities for and effects of using ICT in the world today.
Candidates have the opportunity to put into practice a wide range of software and hardware to create solutions to solve problems:
- INFO1: Practical Problem Solving in the Digital World.
- INFO2: Living in the Digital World.
A2 outlineThe A2 specification has 2 units:
A2 outline
At A2, students study the concepts associated with the use of ICT in the 21st century. They also have opportunities for acquiring skills needed in the IT profession such as co-operative working and project management. These practical skills can be developed in areas of ICT that are of interest to them. Students can also use these newly acquired skills as a springboard into other qualifications and working environments:
- INFO3: The Use of ICT in the Digital World
- INFO4: Coursework: Practical Issues Involved in the Use of ICT in the Digital World.