Curriculum Statement

 

 

ICT Suite

 

 

KS3

 

Students focus on ...

In year 7 the students learn the importance of file management and are introduced to Cloud Technology through their school email. The students are introduced to Scratch, a creative and fun application that provides scope for imagination and at the same time are trained to work accurately with programming blocks. As soon as the students are familiar with the school network and confident in their ICT skills they move on to a graphics project. The project is divided into two sections to learn about bitmap images as well as line vector images. The students once again are able to be creative but also understand the importance of working carefully and sequencing instructions in the correct order. The students are taught how to evidence the development of their work as well as obtain feedback to assist the development process.

In year 8 the students develop their spreadsheet skills. The ability to transfer a paper based system to an electronic one is a key skill. Students must use the correct formulae, use suitable formatting and choose the most appropriate graph to display the data. The students also are introduced to business skills using business terminology of cost, income, profit and loss. The students learn financial life skills and how a spreadsheet can help with planning their own personal finances in later years.

In year 9 the students work on a project titled ‘The History of Computing’ encompassing the life and work of Ada Lovelace, Charles Babbage and the work undertaken at Bletchley Park with Alan Turing. The students develop research and study skills and are encouraged to write directly from their own understanding and knowledge. This project is finalised by presenting their work to a high standard. The students move onto a further project which encompasses hardware, programming, binary and cyber threats. The two projects come together when the students are taught how to build a website in order to exhibit both projects into their own e-portfolio website.

KS4 (NCFE Interactive Media)

 

The student can produce websites for a target audience, combining their graphic skills in building line vector and bitmap objects.  As part of the students’ coursework they are expected to research good practice, write about how a product has been designed before they commence work on their own ideas.  The students will evidence their planning as well as how they develop their first ideas through to final products with feedback from peers culminating in a review of their own work. 

Assessment

KS3: Skills and knowledge are marked to ensure progress is taking place throughout the term. Each student presents their evidence in a portfolio of work.  Where accumulative projects are set this is marked on completion of the project. 

KS4:

Investigate interactive media production 

Learners will experiment with interactive media products and understand the elements of the development process using hardware and software solutions. 

Assessment: 30 Guided Learning Hours, Internally and externally assessed. 

Plan and prepare for an interactive media product 

Leaners will produce a proposal and plans for an interactive media product meeting the requirements of a brief. Guided  

Assessment: 30 Guided Learning Hours, Internally and externally assessed 

Development and production of an interactive media product 

Learners will understand how to use appropriate software and hardware for the development and creation of an interactive media product and its assets.  

Assessment: 40 Guided Learning Hours, Internally and externally assessed 

Present and promote an interactive media product 

Learners will present and promote an interactive media product in the creative media industry.  

Assessment: 

20 Guided Learning Hours, Internally and externally assessed 

15 hours, controlled assessment.  The learner will follow a set design brief composed of 3 tasks. 

Homework

KS3: Homework will be given at regular intervals and will make use of resources on GCSE pod.

KS4: Homework at KS4 will be built around deadlines for completion of coursework tasks and will be given at appropriate times throughout the year. 

Support at Home

Share your own ICT/tablet skills with your child. Help them see the practical aspects of ICT at home e.g. managing household bills on-line.

Additional Support in school and/or resources

Access to the ICT room at break times/lunchtimes. Use of free programmes where suitable so pupils can continue developing skills at home. E.g. Python, Microbit.org. Ability to download Microsoft Office with their Office 365 email address.

Extra-Curricular

The ICT room is available every lunchtime for all year groups to use for homework, coursework or any other ICT skill practice. 

Deep Learning Days are used throughout each year to ensure all students can be active and safe citizens of the online world. We develop their understanding of how to stay safe in all aspects of their online life as well as the different type of threats to the security of their data and online existence.