ICT

Key Stage 3

Year 7  

• Introduction to use our school e-mail system and how to log on to the school’s Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle)
• Producing a PowerPoint slide show on the topic of being safe when using the Internet
• Learning how to use Microsoft publisher to present information. In this situation, the task is to create an information sheet about a theme park.
• Learn how to use a spreadsheet (MS Excel) Basic formatting and simple formula are taught through a topic based on “Harry Potter”
• Looking at ways to save our environment, finding out information and presenting this using MS PowerPoint. Using some of the more advanced tools including slide transitions, rehearsing timings, and adding sound files.
• Using a program called “Scratch” to program a simple computer game.

Year 8

• Create a school newsletter using MS Publisher, making use of some of the more advanced tools available.
• Creating a website on a topic of their choice.
• Further practice with word processing using more advanced tools such as mail-merging letters to customer records stored a database.
• Further practice using a spreadsheets. Less copying this time than in year seven, with more planning and thinking required to solve given problems.
• Using a drawing program to create a three dimensional picture or illustration.
• Using MS PowerPoint to create an information system. This is a mixture of a slide show and a website as it makes use of hyperlinks and action buttons. The topic is based on a travel agent company.
• Using “Scratch to create computer games” Teaches sequencing and logic.

Year 9

• Further work with spreadsheets. The tasks are more problem based and are designed so that students are more able to design and solve problems to given situations.
• More advanced use of MS Word. Some of the less known tools and features are taught.
• Create a PowerPoint presentation to a given audience. The topic must be researched and presented with a purpose in mind.
• Learning how to use and create a database (Microsoft Access). Creating a database for a shop selling televisions. Creating forms, reports, carrying out queries, both simple and complex.
• Learning through completing a project. Based on a driving school, students use what they have learned solve a range of problems. This includes advertising, finances, customer data records, letter writing, and creating an interactive driving test quiz. (Highway code)

For those who have opted for ICT, students begin the first piece of coursework by producing and interactive presentation on “Health and Safety” at work. 

Key Stage 4

ICT is an option subject and students are provided with two hour per week in years 10 and 11 to complete the following coursework.

The main unit of work (Unit 1 worth 40%) covers a variety of skills and awareness in using ICT software. Being well-organized and saving files and folders in sensible locations is to be expected. The work is project based on a company who sell music on line. (Downloadable Tunes) Using a whole range of different software programs, students solve a range of problems. They carry out research and find out things for themselves. They present this information in ways they think are suitable for the audience and situation they at working in.

The second unit of work (Unit 23 worth 20%) involves creating a short video, which must have a purpose or aim to it. In this unit, students use SERIF Web Plus X4 to create a short film/video clip on a topic of their own choice from a range provided.

The third and final unit of work (Worth 40%) will be covered in year 11. As of this time it is undecided on the exact topic of choice, but it is very likely be either creating a database or a website to solve problems in a business situation / context.