KS3 Information and Communication Tecnology

Curriculum Content

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 pupils take 6 modules:

1. Using ICT
2. Using data and information sources
3. Making a leaflet
4. Modelling and presenting numerical data
5. Handling data
6. Control and monitoring.

In Year 8 pupils take 4 modules:

1. Public information systems
2. Publishing on the web
3. Information - reliability, validity and bias
4. Modelling and presenting numerical data.

In Year 9 pupils take 4 projects covering all five of the ICT strands.
Pupils get one period of ICT per week throughout KS3. ICT is used to deliver the subject content of other subjects of the National Curriculum, as required.

Resources

The main resources at Key Stage 3 are well-equipped computer rooms with stimulating wall displays. Class sets of textbooks and guides to computer programs are provided.

Teaching Methods

Information is presented both orally and in written form. Textbooks and worksheets are used to complement the practical hands-on approach.

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 and desktop publishing. 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.

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.

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