Aims of Course
Work in this subject is based on the KS3 National Strategy and National Curriculum programme of study for ICT.

To enable students to become familiar with Information Communication Technology by learning to use the following:

• Windows computer systems
• Apple computer systems
  

To enable all students the opportunity to use and become familiar with the various generic types of software:

• Word processing
• Graphic design
• Spreadsheets
• Data handling programs
• Desk top Publishing
• Art CAD (Computer Aided Design)

All projects and homework can be accessed by visiting www.pewsey-vale.com

Organisation
Students have one lesson per week in their Maths/Science sets. Most of the work is produced on the computer and stored on the network. Print outs are kept to a minimum and in black and white if possible in order to reduce costs. Finished, modified and corrected work is printed if appropriate. Several topics will be covered during the year.

Assessment
Work is assessed against National Curriculum Attainment targets.

In ICT we aim to choose interesting and relevant topics for the students. Work is marked regularly, spelling, punctuation and layout errors are indicated and advice given often on screen, rather than on paper. During the year, merit marks and grades are given. Work is displayed and lunchtime clubs are offered.

Attainment Targets in Information Communication Technology start at Level 1 and rise to Level 8. Most students in Year 7 come into us at Level 3, though of course, can be at any level. By the end of Year 7, most students are on levels 3 or 4, by the end of Year 8, most range from 3 to 5 and by the end of Year 9, most are between levels 4 and 6. If your child is performing above these levels they are above average and exceptional students will reach level 8 by the end of Key Stage 3.

Homework/Independent Study
ICT is very different to most other school subjects in that it has to be done at a computer and there is often no paper evidence at the end of a lesson. Homework/independent study is therefore not usually set in this area, though on occasions it is appropriate, for example, gathering data or collecting research materials and it is set when appropriate. However, it is most important that children work hard in all ICT lessons to meet the deadlines set. If these are not going to be met, it is expected that the child attends lunchtime clubs in order to complete the work. Many, but not all students, now have computers at home and can extend their work and can email work to and from school- but discs are not allowed between home and school without permission, to prevent the spread of viruses.

How Parents/Carers can help

• Ask about the work that your child does in ICT, you can access the departments website at www.pewsey-vale.com to track your child’s work.
• Encourage them to go to clubs (especially those children not confident with a computer). You could give them tasks, e.g. writing letters, birthday lists etc!!
• Consider buying a computer for use at home; at school we predominately use PC’s.
• Do not allow your child to bring in discs from home, to prevent transfer of viruses.
• Donations of computer hardware, software, ink and A4 paper are always appreciated.
• Please insist that your child adheres to the school’s policy on ‘Responsible use of email and the internet’ and support the school if we have to inform you that they have broken the rules.
  

Contact: Subject Leader – Mr K McGuinness