ICT

Key Stage 3  (Programme Of Study)

Our aim is to ensure that every pupil who leaves Kingsmead will be practised users of computers and will be familiar with current software. To make sure that this happens, pupils will take Information and Communications Technology (ICT) lessons throughout their time at Kingsmead. In Year 7 the pupils will study a range of uses of ICT including the control of movement, word-processing, graphics, desk-top publishing and research skills using the Internet and other sources. While the pupils come to Kingsmead with a wide range of experience, by the end of year 7 they will all have acquired the basic skills necessary for them to develop into independent users of ICT.

 

In Year 8 the pupils will use the same basic software packages as in Year 7, consolidating and building upon the knowledge and skills acquired in their first year. In addition, the pupils will be expected to collect their own information from a variety of sources, thus developing important research skills.

 

The Year 9 Information and Communications Technology (ICT) course shows how ICT can be used in a variety of ways to make the performing of a task more efficient. A projected school skiing trip is used to enable the pupils to practise and develop further all the skills acquired in Years 7 and 8 and to introduce new skills such as web-page authoring.

The assessment of this work is used to determine the National Curriculum level the pupils will be awarded at the End of Key Stage 3 and to recommend the courses available to them in Years 10 and 11.

 

Key Stage 4  (Programme Of Study)

The course focuses on developing an understanding of the fundamentals of ICT and the tools required for preparing and participating in an evolving information-based society. The course will provide students with the analytical, communication and technical skills they require to be active participants in an exciting dynamic world. The students will practise skills in databases, spreadsheets, desk-top publishing, web page design and multimedia presentations.

The coursework accounts for 60% of the final grade and consists of three projects. The remaining 40% comes from two terminal examinations in Year 11.