The ICT department consists of three ICT teachers and three technicians. The teachers are enthusiastic about their subject and continue to develop their own skills in order to provide an interesting and varied curriculum for the students.

The school is currently developing Fronter a virtual learning environment, which will allow students to access resources and communicate outside of school.

Using the computer network, Key Stage 3 students have the opportunity to gain knowledge skills and understanding in the areas of communicating information, data handling, modelling, multimedia and control in line with the national Key Stage 3 strategy. Year 7, 8, 9 are taught in form groups and have one lesson a week.

ICT is popular at Key Stage 4 with students studying the OCR Applied ICT which is equivalent to two GCSEs. Students produce several pieces of coursework covering databases, spreadsheets, presentation skills, multimedia and graphics. An alternative course of GCSE Business and Communications Systems is available which is an ICT based course offering students the opportunity to develop ICT skills required for an office environment. Both courses allow students to complete the ICT functional skills.

In addition to offering a varied and full curriculum of study to students, the ICT technicians run a lunchtime club which provide students with the opportunity to use the ICT facilities for private study.

At Key Stage 5 pupils have the opportunity to study the OCR Applied ICT A Level. This course has few examined units as most of the work is completed through coursework modules. It is a rigorous course and the students gain skills in database design, systems analysis, networking, multimedia and Internet design.

Staffing

Ms Metcalf
HoD

Mr Folley

Mrs McCormack