I.C.T.
Subject Leader - Mrs M Evans
e-mail: margaret@pleckgate.blackburn.sch.uk
Key Stage 3:
All pupils follow a Key Stage 3 course in ICT with 1 lesson per week.
These take place in our dedicated ICT rooms; each equipped with Windows XP desktop machines, an interactive whiteboard and projector system.
Our schemes of work follow the Programme of Study for ICT, using materials to support the recommended strategy for content and delivery.
In Year 7 pupils cover 7 units, including a new unit dedicated to network and Internet safety. Pupils log onto the school network via a personal account which remains with them, storing all ICT work throughout their 5 years at Pleckgate.
Year 8 and 9 pupils continue to develop their skills in ICT whilst also working within given contexts to find solutions to everyday problems and situations through the use of ICT.
Each unit is assessed by a 'SATs Preparation Test' with further teacher assessment clearly showing pupil progress and achievement in ICT.
Key Stage 4:
All pupils follow a course in ICT at Key Stage 4.
The GCSE (Short Course) in ICT offers some of our pupils an opportunity to gain half a GCSE at grades A* to G. This course is made up from 60% coursework with a further 40% covered by a single written examination.
Further pupils follow the AiDA (Award in Digital Applications) qualification; equivalent to 1 full GCSE. This course is made up from a single 100% coursework unit entitled 'Using ICT' and covers common applications such as spreadsheets, databases, desktop publishing and presentations.
Pupils who 'opt' for ICT follow the CiDA (Certificate in Digital Applications) or CiDA + qualification equivalent to either 2 or 3 GCSEs. Additional units cover skills in Multimedia and Graphics work. Once again this is a 100% coursework qualification.
The department also offers additional extra-curriculum courses in ICT. These include INGOTs at bronze, silver and gold levels and CC4G a course especially designed to encourage girls to follow further courses in ICT.
Curriculum
