ICT

Intent and Aims

Our intent is to enthuse learners, inspiring them to look further into ICT in the world around them. Our aim is to provide a high-quality computing education which equips our learners to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. We aim to prepare learners for their future by giving them the opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills that will equip them to be active participants in an ever-changing digital world, both as users or workers in the ICT sector. We want students to be able to use IT products such as word and picture processing tools and databases and have a basic level of digital literacy that allows them to use electronic devices, as well as experiencing programming and the creative side of ICT. Our curriculum also focuses on online safety ensuring that our learners can use technology safely as well as understanding the importance of technology in the world around us.

  • Inspire our learners to a lifelong relationship with ICT
  • Promote the many uses of ICT in the world around us
  • Ensure that students are aware of the risks associated with online technology and are able to use computing and electronic devices safely
  • Develop creativity and enthuse our learners to experiment to take each topic further
  • Develop lifelong digital literacy skills to assist them throughout life
  • Develop an understanding of how this changing technology assists us in everyday life
  • Experience computer programming and how software is developed
  • Build an understanding of the historical reasoning for improving technology.

Key skills

  • Plan creatively
  • Create electronic resources in a variety of formats
  • Analyse programs, documents and webpages, considering the role of its different components
  • Evaluate programs, documents and webpages to consider their accuracy, robustness and safety

Key concepts

  • Using technology safely, respectfully, responsibly and securely, including: protecting their online identity and privacy; recognising inappropriate content, contact and conduct and how to report concerns
  • The use of a variety of products including: databases, word and picture processing, games and programs, websites and presentations.
  • Programming using two or more programming languages
  • How instructions are stored and executed within a computer system and how data can be manipulated and represented digitally.
Our programmes of study

Our KS3 course is focussed on engaging pupils through the practical application of computer skills. We try to deliver a wide range of activities including: programming, robotics as well as the functional use of IT programs such as word, data and picture processing tools. Online and computer safety is integral to all we do.

We start Year 7 with an introductory course aimed at ensuring basic IT functionality and safety. We then introduce computer programming using the basic programming language scratch as well as computer aided design.

In Year 8 and 9 we revisit the idea of computer safety, introduce a more advanced programming language Python and use MicroBits to show programming in action.

 

 Year 7    
Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term
E-Safety – Looking at the dangers hidden within the Internet.

Information and Presentation - Investigating websites to look for accuracy, reliability, facts or opinions.
Scratch Programming
Using Scratch software to create
animations and games.

Control – Logicator software is used to model different situations using sensors.
CAD – Sweet Home 3D is used to alter and create villas, filling them with furniture etc.

Logo Control 2 – Logo software is used to model a variety of different situations.
Year 8    
Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term 
Internet Safety – Refresh and remind the students of the dangers of the Internet.

Python Programming – Tutorials to create patterns using python turtle and basic python language.
Image Manipulation – Students gather images and create a single image using PhotoShop.

MicroBit – Students use BBC MicroBits to program using python, from initials through to games.
Animation – Using specialist software students create an animation from a given scenario.

Website Development – Students plan and create a website for a given scenario.
Year 9    
Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term 
Staying Safe Online - Looking how to set accounts, usernames etc to safety mode.

Spreadsheets – Students experiment with different scenarios to use different elements of spreadsheets.
Sound Manipulation – Students use specialist software to experiment and create a podcast.

AI and Machine Learning – Investigating the outside world using AI and look at its growth and implications.
Game Maker – Students design characters and a platform game and using specialist software create the game.

We offer both the OCR Cambridge National course and Computer Science.

Cambridge National in creative iMedia

This course is designed for students who wish to know more about the functional use of IT, including giving them the skills to use in careers beyond school. We follow a creative IT course to engage pupils and allow them to experience a broader range of activities such as: PhotoShop, Flash etc in order to create products from client specifications.

Computer Science

In Computer Science we follow the more theoretical side of ICT. Looking at how computer systems work, learning to code in Python and how to create basic programs. There is a focus on higher level mathematical skills such as entering formulae.

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We offer the BTEC IT course. This is aimed at those students who wish to further develop their functional IT skills.

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