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Information & Communication Technology
Head of Department: Mrs V Bryant
Mrs A Goodman
Mrs B Lambert
The Importance of Information & Communication Technology
Information Technology is the product of a world-wide technological revolution. ICT is seen as having two roles: an essential service across the curriculum and as a discipline in its own right. We aim to equip our students with the skills and attitudes that will enable them to utilise with confidence the technological and communications advances of this century.
Facilities
The department uses desktop and laptop computers using Windows operating systems. Computer rooms and some classrooms have interactive whiteboards. All students have access to Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, Access, Publisher and PowerPoint as well as a selection of specialist programs which support subject areas. Computers are networked with Internet, Intranet and e-mail connection. The School has its own web-based e-mail for students to use. Students and staff can book scanners, printers, digital cameras and digital video recorders and over 300 computers. The present focus is on providing pupils with access to the same facilities at school and at home so that homework, coursework and research tasks can be completed efficiently.
The National Curriculum
The syllabus in the Lower School covers the National Curriculum Programme of Study for Information & Communication Technology and the requirements of the European Computer Driving Licence. By the end of our three-year course, our students are critical and autonomous users of ICT, aware of the way in which ICT tools and information sources can help them in their work. They understand the limitations of such tools and of the results they produce, and the concepts associated with ICT systems and software and the associated technical terms. Emphasis is placed on cross-curricular use of ICT and preparing students to use computers in examination subjects. Each student sets up a virtual ICT services business in Year 7 which is used as the basis for Lower School work. Present Year 7 pupils may choose to complete ECDL units in Year 9.
Homework and Testing
Although ICT homework is not set, Internet research and ICT programs are used increasingly by students completing tasks set in other subjects. A considerable amount of coursework is produced in electronic form. Increasingly, learning resources can be found on the Intranet which is accessible from home. Students have access to computers and the Internet outside lesson time for their own use. Weekly clubs cater for students wishing to extend their interest in Modern Foreign Languages, Mathematics and Science specialist programs. Students may contribute to websites published by the school.
Outline Syllabus
Year 7
• The Windows Environment
• Health & Safety issues
• Starting an ICT business
• Word Processing
• Spreadsheets
• Desk Top Publishing
• Searching the Web
• File management
• Using e-mail
• Touch-typing
• Graphics
• PowerPoint Presentations
Students develop these skills in the process of introducing documents that will be useful to them.
Year 8
• Graphic design
• HTML and web page design
• Internet Technologies
• Desk Top Publishing
• Creating and using templates
• Spreadsheets
• Using the digital camera
• Animation
Year 9
• Use of ICT in business
• Designing websites
• Electronic communications
• Problem solving
• Producing integrated documents
• Methods of displaying and manipulating data
• Creating and using databases
• Creating spreadsheets for GCSE Mathematics coursework
• Design and animation
In Years 8 and 9, each student runs her own virtual ICT services business.
The ICT course is closely linked to the requirements of subject areas.
Sixth Form
A range of Sixth Form courses is available, including website design, PowerPoint presentations and Making Movies. Through the 'E Team', Sixth Form pupils work with younger students on community projects.