Information and Communications Technology

ICT is taught as specific timetabled lessons to all pupils in every year group as well as through other subjects across the curriculum.

The school is fortunate to be well stocked with modern PC computer hardware and software. The whole school network connects both main buildings using the latest fibre-optic technology. There are three dedicated computer network rooms plus a number of network stations situated in the school library and most subject areas throughout the school. There are also a number of separate computers that are used in specialist areas. The main ICT room has an interactive white board. Pupils have access to nearly 100 computers on the school network, both during and outside their normal lessons, all using the latest Windows and CD multimedia software. We have a well-developed school intranet web site, which provides information about the school and subjects for pupils. All pupils have their own email address, which enables them to communicate with other pupils from many other countries.

Computers have widespread use in the world of work, and modern courses at school make increasing use of micro technology for information and as a tool for learning across the whole curriculum. Pupils use a wide range of software designed for various subject areas as well as the general application programs currently in use by the world at large. IT forms a major part of a pupil's learning experience in school. Its use as a learning tool and for the preparation of work is strongly encouraged in all subjects.

Our pupils are provided with lessons dedicated to IT, which are taught by specialist staff. The topics covered include computer awareness and use of the networks; practice with various application programs, such as word processing, data handling, computer graphics, spreadsheets, desk-top publishing (DTP) and computer aided design (CAD); plus computer programming and the control of external devices. Information retrieval from the Internet and multimedia CD-ROM together with its presentation forms a significant part of any project work in IT and also in many other subjects on the curriculum.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7 - 9) is based on the QCA scheme of work for ICT available at:
http://www.standards.dfee.gov.uk/schemes/ict2_pdf

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 - 11) pupils are working towards a GCSE in IT from:
http://www.ocr.org.uk/schemes/newgcse/ictafs/ictafs.htm