Hall Mead School
ICT SKI Information



The Information Communication Technology (ICT) course delivers the Government’s Key Stage 3 ICT Strategy. Its emphasis is to increase student’ skills in commonly used software applications and also the process of design, project management and development of suitable documents for a range of audiences. At Hall Mead we also work to increase student’s efficiency in searching the Internet and using it as a research tool. We also look at other sources of data and compare their advantages and disadvantages over the Internet. During this time we also emphasize the importance of Internet safety. We also look at the responsible use of resources, considering their environmental impact. Pupils are encouraged to discuss the social, economic and moral issues raised by ICT.

These foundation skills are delivered in Years 7, 8 and 9 using one period per week of discrete ICT lessons, although many other subject also use ICT and help to further pupils ICT skills. Extension opportunities exist for pupils that they are appropriate for and include the ECDL course. An understanding of ICT in everyday life is delivered along with the layout and purpose of commonly used business documents. Pupils should become familiar with the associated technical terms associated with these. The major software applications used are:

The major software applications used are:

• Word processing  Word
• Spreadsheets       Excel
• Database           Access
• Desktop publishing Publisher
• Graphics           Fireworks/MS Paint
• Web Design         Dreamweaver
• Control and Measure Scratch/MswLogo
  

The aim is to ensure pupils become largely autonomous users of computers and software application programs. By the start of Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11 ), most pupils should reach Attainment Level 5 in ICT as defined by the National Curriculum (Level 8 being the maximum).

Hall Mead, as a Technology College, offers a great deal of cross-curricular opportunities with computers used to enhance student learning in a number of subject areas. Within the ICT Faculty there are currently 2 Key Stage 4 options pupils can take: GCSE Business Studies and OCR National in ICT. However, by the time your child reaches year 10 this will probably have changed, as the situation in ICT, because of its nature, is in constant development.

There are currently over 500 networked computers in the school. The school network uses Windows & Microsoft Office 2007 and has a 2 Meg Internet connection. ICT 1 is open to pupils every lunchtime, and after school, on most days, until 5pm. There are also a number of non-networked computers in other areas of the school. However, the computer hardware situation is constantly changing and both the number of computers available to pupils and their use is constantly changing and both the number of computers available to pupils and their use is constantly increasing. This is vital to our and your child’s success in an increasingly technological environment. There are three qualified ICT teachers who are supported by two computer technicians and a web site administrator.