Computing & ICT is a subject which aims to provide students with the skills required to interact with the modern world.
This very important subject is a requirement today as there are very few jobs that have not been affected by the introduction of computers and ICT in all its aspects. The course will provide an excellent introduction to how to use computers in the future workplace, as well as providing students with the skills required to negotiate their future education successfully.
The Computing & ICT Department has two dedicated ICT teaching rooms that are equipped with a number of networked PC computers, networked printers, networked A3 printers, interactive whiteboards with speakers and 68" HD touch-sensitive screens. Also available is a dedicated ICT resources room available for more individual, self-monitored work.
We pride ourselves as being a very popular, friendly, hardworking department that ensures our students receive high quality, vibrant lessons where they learn and thoroughly enjoy Computing & ICT. There is also mutual respect and outstanding relationships between staff and students.
For further information please contact the Computing & ICT teacher Mr. Harewood (adam.harewood@horizonstrust.org.uk)
The SHAPE Curriculum
ICT & Computing is committed to ensuring that our students benefit from our whole-academy approach to education using the SHAPE curriculum. By embedding the ethos of this approach, we are able to make sure that our students are aspiring and resilient members of society when they leave us.
- Safe: Our students will learn how to use equipment safely and how that dangers in the online world can be reduced by becoming better digital citizens.
- Healthy: Physical health matters covered include the ergonomic use of computers, the side effects of too much screen time and the need to understand that ICT is an aid to human life and not a replacement. Our mental health is also covered through our work with e-safety and the effects of cyber-bullying and new forms of mental abuse.
- Attendance: Our students will only become successful if they attend lessons. To achieve this, we have created a range of stimulating and engaging activities that inform and inspire.
- Progress: Our curriculum is broken down into units that cover a half-term period. At the end of every unit is an evaluation session where students are assessed on the skills they have learned. Accurate record keeping and reporting will highlight areas that students might need further learning and also where the students have been successful in knowing and understanding new knowledge and ideologies.
- Employable: Our students will gain the key skills that are required to ensure that they become productive in the future. Some of the units covered are directly linked to the world of work (using real-world examples) whilst others allow the students to develop the transferable skills that will prove invaluable post-16 and beyond.
Key Stage 3
During Key Stage 3 our students will receive a firm grounding in the basics of ICT whilst extending their knowledge in all aspects of the system lifecycle. Students will be able to enhance their transferrable skills base by focusing on report writing, evaluation of their work completed and making improvements. In addition to this, students are given the opportunity to develop their skills in a range of computing related disciplines such as design, sequencing, coding, fault-finding and binary arithmetic.
Students will become safer online through a number of e-safety lessons, whilst in Year 9, our students also learn about healthy eating through spreadsheets (!). When students attend ICT and Computing lessons, they will gain the necessary skills to be successful in this and other subjects, allowing them to make progress towards post-16 and employment.
Year 7
In Year 7, students will study the following units:
- Introduction to ICT & Computing
- Presentation skills – “All About Me”
- Digital Literacy – Screen Time Management
- Sequencing – “Being British”
- Digital Literacy – Cyberbullying
- Digital Literacy – Privacy Management
Year 8
In Year 8 we build on the key skills developed by introducing a mini-project:
- Coding with Scratch – E-Safety
- The Restaurant Project
- Desktop Publishing
- Spreadsheet Modelling
- Website Design
- Databases
- Video Production
Year 9
Year 9 consolidates the Key Stage 3 learning in preparation for Key Stage 4 and beyond.
- Advanced Website Design – “E-Safety”
- Introduction to Digital Photography – “Calendars”
- Advanced Spreadsheets – “A Good Breakfast”
- Databases – “A Murder Mystery”
- Coding – “Artificial Intelligence”
- Multimedia Production – “Podcasting, Vlogging and Blogging”
Key Stage 4
The Computing & ICT department offer three courses at Key Stage 4:
- Open Awards Entry Level 3 Online Basics allows students to show how they can be safe online, are able to use the internet effectively and what practical employment skills can be completed online.
- Functional Skills in ICT (Level 1) challenges the students to show their skills and knowledge in a practical way that directly relate to a number of employment areas.
- Open Awards Level 1 Award and Certificate in Employment Skills for Creative and Cultural Industries is more creative in the deliverables from the student:
- Photography – Using a camera
- Taking Digital Photographs
- Lighting in Photography
These qualifications allow students to gain credit for their abilities whilst at the same time show their progress through Key Stage 4. These qualifications are recognised by employers and show that the student has gained several ICT skills that are relevant to most employment.