Key Stage 3 The Key Stage Three curriculum is studied during Years 7 & 8. Pupils learn how to use a variety of software to enable them to create effective products such as: Presentations Leaflets and newsletters Profit and loss spreadsheets Databases Business documents Websites
Project-based work allows pupils to learn how to plan, design, create and evaluate their work. They are given individual targets and encouraged to meet and exceed these targets through a reward system. They are further encouraged to explore independent learning and to build their learning power (BLP) Work is differentiated so that pupils of all abilities can take pride in their achievements. Gifted and Talented pupils are given extension tasks allowing them to develop their ideas and skills to a higher level.
Key Stage 4 This is an exciting time to study Key Stage Four in ICT at The High Arcal School as it is now being taught from Years 9 through to 11.
All students follow a taught course in ICT leading to the OCR National First Award in ICT at level 2 (equivalent to 1 GCSE). In addition, those students who may wish to further develop their ICT skills can opt for the OCR National Award in ICT at level 2 which is equivalent to 2 GCSE’s.
Units available for this qualification include ICT Skills for Business, Web Page Creation, Digital Imaging, Spreadsheets, Databases, Designing Multimedia Products, and many others. Both awards feature 100% coursework.
Level 2 awards in ICT can be extended to the OCR National First Certificate in ICT (3 GCSE’s equivalent) and OCR National Certificate in ICT (4 GCSE’s) by increasing the number of units studied.
Further information can be found at http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/publications/OCRNationalsinICT(forfirstteachingfromSeptember2006)Level2.html
Post 16 opportunities and progression routes for further study
The level 2 qualifications in ICT are equivalent to GCSE grades A* to C and so provide a good basis for continued study at Level 3 or equivalent.
Our Expectations The ICT Department has high expectations of all their pupils. Great emphasis is placed on exemplary behaviour, enthusiasm to achieve and exceed targets, and a mature approach to the use of equipment and presentation of work.
We believe that all pupils should take pride in the work they produce at school and at home. Homework is set on a weekly basis and is expected to be completed within the deadline set.
During most lunch times, ICT club is available for pupils who wish to improve their work or complete their homework or coursework. ICT club is very popular and is always well-attended.
In return for the pupils’ commitment we offer a continually up-dated curriculum that is both innovative and challenging.
Parents Involvement
The school is currently piloting a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Kaleidos. Through this VLE, parents will have access to parts of the school network and will be able to view work which has been set and monitor their child’s progress through teaching units and assessments. An e mail environment will be set up where messages both to and from school can be exchanged.
A useful website widely used at school is: www.teach-ict.co.uk
