ICT

Role of ICT In The Curriculum
As an essential element in each pupil's educational experience, learning to use and apply information & communication technology has an important part to play in the process of achieving the broad educational aims of the school.

Developing pupils' ICT capability means that:
a. Pupils will know about the nature and variety of ICT equipment and software tools.
Generally, through their experiences of using a wide range of ICT devices (electronic calculators, video/sound recorders, mobile phones, PDAs, computers...), pupils will become aware of the great variety of ways in which information & communication technology can be applied. More specifically, there should be opportunities throughout pupils' period in the school for them to become familiar with a variety of software tools, including word processors, databases, spreadsheets and software for desktop publishing, computer control, drawing and design, simulations, and so on.

b. Pupils will have become skilled in the use of ICT for a variety of tasks.
Through frequent and thoughtful use of a range of standard software in the context of normal learning activities, pupils can learn to select appropriate ICT tools for a task and employ them effectively, taking proper account of their limitations. Being skilled in the application of ICT tools to particular tasks also means being able to judge when and where their use is or is not appropriate.

c. Pupils will have developed a critical awareness of the effects of ICT on individuals and societies.
Through using ICT themselves and through studies of applications of ICT in society pupils
should come to understand how the concepts and skills of information technology (communicating ideas, handling information, modelling, measuring and controlling), when used appropriately and effectively, can enhance the quality of learning, living and working. At the same time, they should become aware of ways in which the application of ICT can have adverse effects on people, organisations or society in general. Overall their school experiences of information technology should equip them to make balanced and informed judgements about the implications of ICT.

d. Pupils will have acquired a range of positive personal qualities and attitudes.
Working with ICT in schools helps young people to develop confidence in their ability to use
ICT tools successfully, and to derive satisfaction and pleasure from that success. Pupils' ICT experiences in school should also encourage them to be flexible and open minded in their response to technological change, whilst developing a healthy scepticism about how far each change actually represents an 'advance' for individuals and societies.

Delivery of ICT Capability to key Stage 3 (11 - 14 Year-olds)
Currently, the approach to ICT delivery at key stage 3 in Our Lady of Sion School is mixing specialist ICT teaching with an "across the curriculum" approach. The main benefits of this approach is that it ensures coverage and provides for continuity and progression.

The Key Stage 3 curriculum is based on the European Computer Driving Licence Version 4  (ECDL). The content is broken down into 7 units as listed below:

1. Concepts of Information Technology
2. Using the Computer & Managing Files
3. Word Processing
4. Spreadsheets
5. Database
6. Presentation
7. Information & Communication

The course relies on a "learning by doing" approach and the nature of the course makes it suitable for everybody from complete beginners to those with some prior knowledge. The curriculum is underpinned by ICT in context approach rather than simply learning how to use the software.

Exam Results and Statistics
In 2011 21 pupils took GCSE ICT 1. The A-C pass rate was 100%, with 71.4% at A/A* grades. For GCSE ICT 2, the A-C pass rate was 100%, with 52.4% A/A* grades.
6 pupils took A-Level ICT. The pass rate was 100%, all at A-B grades. The average points score was 8.67.

In 2010 17 pupils took GCSE ICT 1. The A-C pass rate was 100%, with 70.6% at A/A* grades. For GCSE ICT 2, the A-C pass rate was 100%, with 58.8% A/A* grades.
4 pupils took A-Level ICT. The pass rate was 100%, with 50% achieving A-B grades. The average points score was 6.5.

In 2009 20 pupils took GCSE ICT 1. The A-C pass rate was 100%, with 45% at A/A* grades. For GCSE ICT 2, the A-C pass rate was 95%, with 20% A/A* grades.
Three pupils took A-Level ICT. The pass rate was 100%, with 75% achieving A-B grades. The average points score was 8.


Staffing
Mr. P. Chapman MA (Ed) BA BSc(Hons)
Ms. K. Shea BEd

To see Year 7 Syllabus Click here
To see Year 8 Syllabus Click here
To see Year 9 Syllabus Click here
To see ICT GCSE Course Click Here
To see A-Level Syllabus Click here

Click Here for synopsis of Internet Awareness Eveing 'Staying Safe On-line' Mon 31st January 2011
Click Here for Think U Know Information leaflet on Internet Safety

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