Key Stage 3 ICT

Curriculum Content

Although the KS3 ICT curriculum is still in a state of change, the basics remain the same, and are as follows:

The course covers the five strands of the National Curriculum in Information and Communication Technology (ICT.) Pupils follow the National KS3 scheme for ICT.

In Year 7 and Year 8 we decided as a faculty, and working with our local authority advisor to create to year long ICT projects for year 7 and year 8 pupils, who are allocated one hour of ICT per week at Baysgarth currently. Both projects encompass the same aspects of ICT, with the year 8 project designed to build on knowledge learnt during the project in year 7.

Year 7 Project: Finnley Airways – "A brand new low cost airline is setting up, and needs the help of Baysgarth year 7 pupils to solve its many ICT issues."

Year 8 Project: Fantasy Land Theme Park – "A new revamped theme park is in town, and wants the help of Baysgarth year 8 pupils to ensure it runs top notch ICT systems throughout the theme park."

In Year 9, for the very first time in the academic year 2007/2008, pupils in year 9 started a GCSE level course in ICT. It is our hope that all our pupils will leave our school with a GCSE equivalent qualification in ICT. We feel that by starting early in Year 9, we will have a better chance of achieving this. The school has opted for the OCR National set of qualifications (see the key stage 4 ICT page)

Resources

Technology College status means that all pupils have access to an up-to-date computer network in several dedicated computer suites, with all software necessary for studying ICT up to A level. In addition, wall displays show pupils' work and are highly informative. All pupils now have access to their very own school e-mail address. At the end of Key Stage 3 pupils have had the opportunity to learn the basic knowledge required to apply Information and Communication Technology effectively to other subject areas, and to be confident with the use of Information and Communication Technology equipment. They should also be aware of the impact that Information and Communication Technology has on society.

Teaching Methods

In years 7 & 8, pupils and teachers work from a bank of resources which Baysgarth staff has adapted from the National Curriculum. Our school website is gradually building up an electronic resource list, so that pupils can access work from anywhere at anytime.

In year 9, the Baysgarth ICT faculty has built a specific website to guide pupils through the OCR Level 2 Nationals qualification.

Skills and Knowledge

Pupils follow a programme of study based on the National Curriculum for Information and Communication Technology. This covers the following areas:

Communicating information: word processing, computer art, desktop publishing and web design technology. Different types of information have to be entered into the computer, edited, refined, combined, saved and printed. The work is directed at given audiences.

Handling data: the use of commercial databases, the collection of data, the production and the interrogation of databases.

Modelling: the use of spreadsheets as predictive models and gaming models to simulate situations. Graphical representation of data is also covered using spreadsheets.

Measurement and control: the use of Information and Communication Technology to control environments and processes is investigated through computer simulations.

Applications and effects: the impact that Information and Communication Technology has on society is covered through discussion and written work.

Health and safety: within the computer room is also stressed.

Baysgarth ICT Faculty Information

  • Specialist ICT Teachers
  • Specialist Network Manager and ICT Technician
  • Modern Qualifications
  • Up-to-date Equipment (Sept 10 – Windows 7 with Office 2010)
  • 300+ desktop computers
  • Brand New School Website
  • A brand new 'Frog' VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) for September 2010
  • Online Resources
  • Staff & Pupil E-Mail System
  • Each pupil has unlimited network storage
  • Extra Curricular Clubs
  • After School Courses
  • ICT specific Trips