Information and Communications Technology Form 4

They teach the children ICT skills that will be useful to them when they are doing their schoolwork and homework on a computer. The children will come to the computer room to develop the skills necessary to make effective use of the applications available and to carry out valuable work in a wide range of subjects including English, History, Geography, RS, Maths, Science, DT, French and Latin. Children learn ICT skills far more quickly if they are using the technology in a purposeful way within a context that they understand. We shall make full use of up to date hardware, and software applications, to assist the staff in their delivery of the curriculum for all subject areas.  An important aim of the ICT curriculum is to foster digital literacy in the children so that by the end of Form 4 the children are able to make independent and effective use of computers.

Through their ICT lessons the children will gain experience of a range of different computer applications found both in the home and in the workplace.  This is to make them aware of the importance of ICT in the wider world.

The Internet (under strict supervision) is available to pupils carrying out research and revision work

In addition to timetabled lessons in the computer room, all pupils will have access to the room during lunchtime to work on their own ICT projects or to complete curriculum related work.  The children all have a ‘safe’ Gaggle email account which includes a ‘Digital Locker’.  The children may use their Digital Locker to transfer computer files between home and school.

Form 4 units of work:

Assessment

The children are assessed formatively through being observed as they work on a computer. There is also a summative assessment process on completion of each topic. For some topics the children are required to complete worksheets and to print hardcopies of their output. There are no examinations in ICT.

Extension work

Additional work of a more demanding nature is given to the more able pupils to extend their knowledge and understanding of the topics being taught.

The Game Maker club allows children the opportunity to create their own computer games and at the same time learn some of the principles of object oriented programming.

Children who display a particular talent in specific aspects of ICT are invited to attend the Advanced Users club. Through their attendance at this club they have the opportunity to take an externally accredited certificate in their chosen specialism.

The Internet 

The Internet (under strict supervision) is available to the children for research and revision work.

In addition to timetabled lessons in the Computer Room, all the children have access to the room during lunchtime to work on their own ICT projects, to complete curriculum related work or to check their St John’s email account.

Internet Access Policy

The Internet is accessible from every workstation on the school's network.  The Web is an extremely valuable resource and the children make extensive use of it across the whole-school curriculum.  In addition to pupils using it to research topics, they will also use the Internet for e-mail communication and Web publishing.