Information and Communication Technology is constantly changing and here at St. Anne’s school we understand the need for pupils to gain a wide range of ICT skills, both during their core ICT lessons and as part of other curriculum subjects. It is our aim that all pupils will leave the Secondary school with a good level of understanding of the key skills needed to deal with desk top publishing, spreadsheets and databases as well as using ICT to support their project work.

Curriculum aims

    Learning and undertaking activities in information and communication technology (ICT) contribute to achievement of the curriculum aims for all young people to become:

The importance of ICT

    The increasing use of technology in all aspects of society makes confident, creative and productive use of ICT an essential skill for life. ICT capability encompasses not only the mastery of technical skills and techniques, but also the understanding to apply these skills purposefully, safely and responsibly in learning, everyday life and employment. ICT capability is fundamental to participation and engagement in modern society.

    ICT can be used to find, develop, analyse and present information, as well as to model situations and solve problems. ICT enables rapid access to ideas and experiences from a wide range of people, communities and cultures, and allows pupils to collaborate and exchange information on a wide scale.

ICT acts as a powerful force for change in society and citizens should have an understanding of the social, ethical, legal and economic implications of its use, including how to use ICT safely and responsibly. Increased capability in the use of ICT supports initiative and independent learning, as pupils are able to make informed judgements about when and where to use ICT to enhance their learning and the quality of their work.

Key concepts

    There are a number of key concepts that underpin the study of ICT. Pupils need to understand these concepts in order to deepen and broaden their knowledge, skills and understanding.

Capability

    Using a range of ICT tools in a purposeful way to tackle questions, solve problems and create ideas and solutions of value.

    Exploring and using new ICT tools as they become available.

    Applying ICT learning in a range of contexts and in other areas of learning, work and life.

Communication and collaboration

    Exploring the ways that ICT can be used to communicate, collaborate and share ideas on a global scale, allowing people to work together in new ways and changing the way in which knowledge is created.

Exploring ideas and manipulating information

    Solving problems creatively by using ICT to explore ideas and try alternatives.

    Using ICT to model different scenarios, identifying patterns and testing hypotheses.

    Manipulating information and processing large quantities of data efficiently.

Impact of technology

    Exploring how ICT changes the way we live our lives and has significant social, ethical and cultural implications.

    Recognising issues of risk, safety and responsibility surrounding the use of ICT.

Critical evaluation

    Recognising that information must not be taken at face value, but must be analysed and evaluated to take account of its purpose, author, currency and context.

    Reviewing and reflecting critically on what they and others produce using ICT.

Curriculum opportunities

    During the key stage pupils should be offered the following opportunities that are integral to their learning and enhance their engagement with the concepts, processes and content of the subject.

The curriculum should provide opportunities for pupils to:

make choices about when and where it is appropriate to exploit technology to support them in their learning and everyday life

work creatively and collaboratively

be independent, discriminating and reflective when choosing when to use technology

apply ICT to real-world situations when solving problems and carrying out a range of tasks and enquiries

share their views and experiences of ICT, considering the range of its uses and its significance to individuals, communities and society

use ICT in other subjects and areas of learning with contexts that are relevant and interesting to them.

Key Stage 3

    The lessons at key stage 3 are developed from the National Curriculum to give our pupils access to a wide range of skills and knowledge. The pupils have access to e-books to support their learning and are assessed in each of the key skills:

Communicating Information: This covers word processing, using text and images for desk top publishing, creating web pages, communicating to different audiences and evaluating the success of these skills.

Data handling: Collecting primary data, inputting data into databases, using this information to create graphs and charts and evaluating the data to draw conclusions.

Modelling: Using spreadsheets to create models and test hypotheses and predictions. Pupils learn how to evaluate models and use the information to create graphics and analyse the data collected.

Control systems: Pupils learn about the application of control systems in everyday life. Pupils develop flowcharts to control heating systems, theme park rides and security control systems. Flowol software is also used to run simulations based on the flowcharts developed.

Health and Safety: An essential part of ICT today is knowing how to stay safe online and stay healthy when using computers and other ICT devices.

Long Term Planning

    The long term plan for Key Stage 3 is shown below:

www.nc.uk.net / www.qca.org.uk