ICT
In teaching ICT to our pupils, we are not only dealing with important package-based skills such as word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and graphics work, but also including topics of current and more general interest. We think it is helpful for our pupils to know something about, for example, how best to deal with social networking, what encryption means, how best to organise a backup system, the development of online systems such as music and video downloads using the Internet. We also include some background ideas about how computer systems have developed and what this might mean for our futures.
Courses
We offer a three-year course in ICT for Years 7, 8 and 9. ICT in Years 10 and 11 is developed as part of the curriculum in other subjects, whilst everyone in the Sixth Form studies ICT as part of a Key Skills course.
Facilities
The formal teaching of ICT skills is done in one of our four well-equipped computer rooms. All machines are connected to the Internet via our local area network. Around the school, our network includes around 300 machines, connected using local hubs linked by optical fibre. Most departments make use of interactive whiteboards and projectors and have access to colour laser printing, scanning and digital video cameras.