ICT
ICT is an ambitious, high achieving department that is aiming to provide a diverse technological experience to students. This is intended to engage students in their specialist area around the subject. Academic achievement is expected but equally as important are the skills that students are taught and the understanding they gain of the concepts involved in technological advancement
Staff
The ICT department consists of a team of 4 full time staff who have specialisms in a wide spectrum of subject related fields such as interactive media, graphics, web design, computing, training and ICT in Engineering
Key stage 3
At Key Stage 3, theory and the skills being are taught that impact on students knowledge of ICT and it's relevance in their world. There is active use of themes/scenarios that are contemporary and the work is intended to engage and motivate students. Students functional skills ICT are intended to be improved by use of the resources as well as their ability to problem solve, use higher order thinking skills, teamwork and communicate effectively using a variety of formats. Assessment methods follow APP criteria however the National Curriculum Programme of Study is also adhered to.
Students can expect to be learning anything from basic programming, spreadsheets, databases, blogging, podcasting, video editing, game making.
Key Stage 4
Key Stage 4 begins in Year 9 in ICT when students complete the first 2 units of the OCR Nationals ICT Level 2 course. This covers the mandatory unit on the course focussing on ICT Skills for Business and one other unit. In Year 10 and 11, students can then choose whether they wish to continue with the OCR Nationals course or diversify into other areas of ICT such as the IMedia Level 2 course.
Key Stage 5
Currently at Key Stage 5 the ICT department offers Applied A Level in Year 12 and 13. This course consists of teaching theory and practical skills in the subject. The course is assessed by a mixture of timed practical exams and coursework.
Extra Curricular
ICT rooms are open throughout the school on most lunch times and often these are staffed with staff from the department who can assist students with work. Animation and programming clubs are usually run during the year.