Key Stage 3

Information and communication technology (ICT) prepares pupils to participate in a rapidly changing world in which work and other activities are increasingly transformed by access to varied and developing technology. Pupils use ICT tools to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information responsibly, creatively and with discrimination. They learn how to employ ICT to enable rapid access to ideas and experiences from a wide range of people, communities and cultures. Increased capability in the use of ICT promotes initiative and independent learning, with pupils being able to make informed judgements about when and where to use ICT to best effect, and to consider its implications for home and work both now and in the future.

During key stage 3 pupils become increasingly independent users of ICT tools and information sources. They have a better understanding of how ICT can help their work in other subjects and develop their ability to judge when and how to use ICT and where it has limitations. They think about the quality and reliability of information, and access and combine increasing amounts of information. They become more focused, efficient and rigorous in their use of ICT, and carry out a range of increasingly complex tasks.

(The National Curriculum)

All of the resources for all of the lessons will be available on the Virtual Learning Environment ( North Tyneside Learning Portal) for the pupils to access from school, home and libraries.

Year 7

Over the year pupils will complete a number of units of work which all relate to a Theme Park.

Pupils will be running the ICT department at the Theme Park and will be responsible for all ICT business solutions, including:

• Advertising and Marketing
• Producing an Interactive Presentation
• Control
• Spreadsheet Accounts

Year 8

This year Pupils will study a number of units of work which will all link to the topic of the 2012 Olympic Games, Including:

• Create a database to record all of the events results using Access
• Design and create a website to advertise an event at the games using Dreamweaver
• Design and create a medal for the gold winner using Fireworks
• You will produce an electronic poster which will advertise an event at the games using Mediator

Year 9

This year Pupils will study a number of units of work which will all link to the topic of a radio station, called Sounds FM Including:

• Project management
• Database of tracks and artists
• Presentation to promote the radio station
• Spreadsheet to calculate prize money
• An electronic poster
• Website
• An e-portfolio to link all of the work together

 

Course Delivery

Over the three years in ICT pupils should have the opportunity to use:

Software:

• Word processors (MS Word)
• Desktop Publishers (MS Publisher)
• Spreadsheet (MS Excel)
• Database (MS Access)
• Presentation software (MS PowerPoint and Matchware Mediator)
• Web authoring software (Macromedia Dreamweaver)
• Graphics software (MS Paint, Paint.NET and Macromedia Fireworks)
• Animation software (Macromedia Flash)
• Sound Recording software (Audacity)
• Video Editing software (Windows Movie Maker)
• Internet Access (MS Internet Explorer)
• Email
• Control Software (MS Logo, Flowol 2 and Flowol 3)

Hardware:

• Scanners
• Digital cameras
• Digital Video recorders
• Microphones
• Headphones
• Dictaphones
• USB Stick

 

Assessment Method

Assessment is carried out continually through the Key Stage, the pupil is given feedback on their work and given an opportunity to make improvements if necessary. There will also be an end of unit test.

Throughout the three years pupils produce a number of pieces of work which are assessed, leading to a National Curriculum level at the end of the Key Stage.