ICT is a continually changing and expanding subject and we as a department aim to ensure that our students are fully prepared for the technology of tomorrow. We provide a positive learning environment that allows our students to become confident and autonomous users of ICT. They develop transferrable skills that will support their learning across the curriculum and equip them for life beyond school.
We are an expanding department and in September 2012 we introduced GCSE Short Course ICT for all our students at KS4. Our current Year 10 students are the first cohort to study the subject to GCSE level and will take the examination at the end of Year 11. We have for many years successfully taught A-level ICT, which has proved to be a popular choice with students. We are, from September 2013 introducing A-level Computing as an additional subject.
Our accommodation comprises three ICT suites used for the teaching of discrete ICT lessons. Each room is equipped with an interactive whiteboard and laser printers. All computers run Windows 7 Professional and Microsoft Office 10 applications in addition to specialist curriculum software.
The department is staffed by three experienced and dedicated specialist teachers, two of whom also contribute in other subject areas. Each member of the team teaches across at least two Key Stages and is committed to contributing to the development of the subject and to the schemes of work.
Our courses are designed to ensure students learn far more than practical ICT skills. The department has developed programmes of study that allow students to have a greater understanding of social and ethical issues surrounding the use of ICT and encourages them to develop work that is appropriate for its intended purpose and audience.
The department looks for opportunities to provide students with extracurricular opportunities. For example, we have arranged enrichment days for year 12 students where they have attended university based computing workshops. We also seek to make contributions to staff development through the delivery of ICT workshops.