ICT
News
Last Summer’s results were excellent once again with 97% of the Year 11 students getting the equivalent of at least 2 GCSEs in ICT at C or above. For the department the most pleasing things were that almost 20% of these grades were at A* level and that 2 students who were most likely to get an E or lower (based on KS2 SATS) achieved C grades. 98% of students who took the course exceeded their FFTd targets – the most ambitious set of targets provided to the school.
Staff
The ICT department is staffed as follows:
- Mr. Houghton (Subject Leader, Assistant Principal, Head of Franklin)
- Mrs. Gunner (Assistant Head of Faculty)
- Mr. Schofield
- Mr. Reynolds
KS3
The Key Stage 3 ICT Curriculum covers year 7&8. Year 7 focuses on developing organisational and planning skills whilst building up a student’s confidence at using a variety of text and picture based software. Work is based around a student booklet for each unit which includes level descriptors and teacher feedback so that parents can see how a child is progressing and what could be done to improve
Year 8 uses this basis to add in work on data handling, collation, modelling and combining pieces of software for longer projects. Most units are based around a student booklet with the same format as year 7. From Sept 2011 all units will use this approach.
KS4
The Key Stage 4 Curriculum begins in year 9 and uses the Level 2 BTEC First Extended Certificate. This is equivalent to 2 GCSE grades A*-C. It is 100% coursework and completed in one year using homework and classwork. Homework is set weekly and is available through a set of homework booklets. The course is highly flexible with last year’s leavers using up to 6 from a range of 11 different units.
Grouping arrangements:
In year 7 ICT uses the common grouping arrangements i.e. 2 upper groups and 2 lower. The same work is used in all groups with differentiation available to ensure all students have an appropriate challenge.
In year 8 the ICT department uses English sets. This is currently 2 upper and 2 lower groups. The approach used is similar to year 7 with a student from any set able to access the upper levels of attainment.
In year 9 English sets are again used. They are currently 1 upper and 3 mixed groups.
G&T provision:
The ICT department offers a range of provision for gifted and talented students
Within lessons
Work is differentiated to provide all students with an appropriate challenge. Where possible the units have an alternative pathway that gives an opportunity for an extended piece of work which can exercise and develop a wider range of skills.
The use of the BTEC course in year 9 gives students the opportunity to follow their interests after completing the initial compulsory section. Some of these pathways include Level 3 units (these units are equivalent to A-Level standard).
Outside of normal lessons
Students with an interest can take opportunities through the Junior Technician scheme. This can lead to different things based on interest. In the past these students have provided first line technical support to staff within the school, researched and suggested purchasing decision and have produced presentations and videos for a number of events. A JTech team built this new MVC website.
Later in the year we are looking at re-establishing CC4G. A computer club aimed at year 7 & 8 girls which will be run by students from further up the school.