ICT
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Support Staff |
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Information & Communication Technology (ICT) is delivered to all Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 pupils as a discrete subject. It is also fundamental to the teaching and learning of all subjects across the School's curriculum.
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Key Stage 3: most pupils have two periods of ICT per fortnight. All pupils will have access to their own computer during lessons.
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Key Stage 4: depending on their teaching groups pupils pupils will receive between one and five lessons of ICT per fortnight. This allows pupils to complete either the OCR National in ICT First Award or National Award.
ICT forms a major part of a pupil's learning experience in school and its use as a learning tool and for the preparation of work is encouraged in all subjects.
The Comenius Programme is a project run by the British Council, which was established to develop knowledge and understanding among young people and education staff of the diversity of European cultures and languages, and the value of this diversity. It also aims to help young people to acquire basic life skills and competences for their personal development, for future employment and for active European citizenship.
RoboCup 2009 in Graz, Austria
Sweden 2010
We are involved in a Comenius project which looks at the joint development a new soccer robot, using the diverse skills of each school of our partnership schools/colleges across Europe. A list of all the partnership schools/colleges is shown on the map below. During the project we have the opportunity to participate in national and international competitions.
Year 7
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Use programming constructs to create a still frame animation and a simple interactive game.
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Study the ways that information is presented and produce a presentation to show they have understood these concepts.
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Use DTP to create a brochure using templates, whilst learning the difference between types of images and how to use word-processing effectively.
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Learn how to access the internet correctly and safely.
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Use spreadsheets to explore modelling and data handling.
Year 8 -
Learn how to use and create a databases using MS Access on the theme of Superheroes.
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Develop an understanding of public information systems using the theme of weather to develop a public information system of their own.
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Learn basic computer programmng concepts using scratch to make an interactive multimedia animation.
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Use appropriate software to develop a website on a topic of their choice.
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Develop skills on spreadsheet functionality and formulae covered in year 7
Year 9
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Students in Year 9 complete a portfolio of work towards an OCR National qualification in ICT. This qualification allows students to develop core skills without the pressure of an examination, but at the same time gain accreditation that is equivalent to a GCSE A*-C grade. We have recently mapped Unit 23 (Creating Video) of the OCR National in ICT to the National Strategy Programme of Study and as result this is the portfolio of work that is completed in Year 9.
During the departments Key Stage 3 Personal Learning and Thinking Skills days pupils took part in activities based around the theme of "Robolympics". The groups displayed a range of skills and understanding during the activities, which offered pupils a chance to develop an ambitious project of building (and programming) a Robot Olympian, whilst also promoting the event through multimedia. At the end of the project pupils reflected and gave feedback on their performance, in relation to their own Personal Learning and Thinking Skills.
- The OCR Level 2 Nationals in ICT have been developed to recognise learners' skills, knowledge and understanding of Information and Communication Technology functions, environments and operations.
- All units are centre-assessed and externally moderated by OCR. There are no timetabled exams for this qualification; candidates may complete units at a time that suits the centre. The full award and units from this qualification are graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction.
- Students can gain the equivalent of between 1 and 2 GCSEs and the course comprises units such as:
Unit 1: ICT Skills for business
Unit 4: Design and produce Multimedia
Unit 22: Creating sound using ICT
Unit 23: Creating video
- The OCR Level 3 Nationals in ICT have been developed to recognise candidates' skills, knowledge and understanding of ICT functions, environments and operations. They have been designed to accredit candidates' achievements in a modern and practical way that is relevant to the workplace.
- The OCR Nationals in ICT Level 3 offers students a more in-depth look at ICT in the modern workplace, and gives an insight into its role in specialist careers. As an alternative to exam-based courses, these qualifications provide ongoing learning and assessment of the practical skills and knowledge required to succeed in ICT-related careers.
- All students courses will study the four mandatory core units of:
Unit 1: Digital business communication
Unit 2: Collaborative working
Unit 3: Problem solving
Unit 4: Creating a digital showcase
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All students will study two additional units:
Unit 10: Digital imaging and photography
Unit 11: Digital video
Unit 11: Digital video
The ICT department offer extra curricular activities to students to support their studies and develop their interest and skills in ICT. We actively encourage our students to look at the application and capability of ICT both within and outside of school. Here are some examples:
- Thursday After School: Robotics Club in C1
- Bishop Challoner's Summer School: ICT Projects
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Robotics Club: In October 2009 the robotics club had a visit from Steve Thomas a specialist programmer in the field of robotics. Steve came into School to teach the pupils how to use the Mindstorm software to programme their robots. The students looked at how to use light, sound and touch sensors and how to make the robots move back and forth when the sensors were activated. The staff and students thoroughly enjoyed this experience and are now able to programme the robots to perform various routines.