ICT is entering its third decade here at St. Andrew's and it is now very much a second generation pursuit, with most families having computer-literate parents and access to a computer in the home. Added to this is the ever-expanding speed and scope of the Internet and use of mobile devices for communication and entertainment. Today's child, more than ever, needs to have the confidence and skill to be able to adapt to whatever the industry will throw in his or her path next.
Here at St. Andrew's we concentrate on early exposure to computers, with specialist instruction from Year 2 onwards. We have a dedicated computer suite for ICT teaching as well as access to a computer in every classroom. We are ever mindful of changes and advances in ICT and our scheme of work is flexible and responsive. New innovations are incorporated where they would help to improve our teaching.
The core skills of Word Processing, Data Handling, Presentations, Graphics, Web Page design, HTML code and Computer Programming form the backbone of the work covered.
However, other worthwhile and exciting applications will be experienced along the way, for example animation and video production techniques. The emphasis is on gradually building self confidence and the ability to work and discover independently. Many of the skills which transfer from one application to another are practised over and over again to build that confidence.
In Year 5 we introduce pupils to touch typing which we hope will increase their confidence and output in Word Processing, an essential skill which cuts right across all departments. In Year 8 pupils prepare a large portfolio of coursework which forms part of their assessment leading to the award of the ISEB's Certificate of Achievement in ICT.