ICT Curriculum

Key Stage 3

Throughout lessons in KS3 students will develop their core skills in making effective use of a computer that will prepare them for future studies and employment. 

At the start of KS3, students will be given a grounding in the core skills required to make effective use of industry standard software applications and a range of productivity tools.

Staying safe online is a core fundamental part of every students wider learning as digital platforms become an ever-growing element of our daily lives.  Students will explore a range of ideas and techniques to allow them to stay safe online whilst making the best of the resources available to them.

Digital media forms an important part of students KS3 learning. Students will learn how to identify the client’s requirements for a media product, use preproduction documents to develop the product and finally develop a media product in response to a brief. The learning is project based using engaging real-world scenarios which allow students to understand how ICT impacts the way that we live and work.  

Projects throughout Y7 include: 

• Digital Literacy – File Management, E-Safety 
• Digital Media – PowerPoint – Presenting Information 
• Data Handling – Excel – Modelling, Presenting Information 

Projects throughout Y8 include: 

• Digital Literacy – File Management, E-Safety 
• Digital Media – PowerPoint – Presenting Information 
• Data Handling – Excel – Modelling, Presenting Information 
• Data Handling – Microsoft Access – Handling Data, Big Data 

Projects throughout Y9 include: 

• Digital Literacy – File Management, E-Safety 
• Digital Media – PowerPoint – Presenting Information 
• Data Handling – Microsoft Access – Handling Data, Big Data 
• Productivity Tools Use – Developing technical skills in the use of key productivity tools including spreadsheets; word processors; databases

This program will provide students with a solid foundation that can then be built upon at Key Stage 4.

At the end of KS3, students can choose whether to continue to study ICT into KS4 and gain a qualification. For those that do not continue to study ICT we hope they continue with their education with a lifelong love of ICT, understanding of ICT and appreciation of ICT. We also hope that the will have developed skills such as file management, formatting and staying safe online.

Key Stage 4

Media focused courses which will provide knowledge in a number of key areas in the media sector from pre-production skills to digital graphics production with a strong focus on ICT skills. This course is suitable for students at all levels and abilities, engaging and inspiring students through a range of disciplines.

Students will get the chance to develop valuable skills and techniques in different disciplines, produce a practical response to a digital media brief, and explore potential careers in the industry.

They will have a practical introduction to life and work in the industry and allows students to: 

• Developing technical skills and techniques 
• Producing a digital media product in response to a brief 
• Reviewing and reflecting on the process and outcome

In Year 10, students will: 

• Develop their understanding of how media products create meaning for their audiences. Learners will examine existing products and explore media production techniques. 
• Develop skills and techniques in media production processes by reworking media products from one, or all, of the following sectors: audio/moving image, publishing, interactive design. 

In Year 11, students will: 

• Apply and develop their planning and production skills and techniques to create a media product in response to a client brief.