Ripon Grammar School

An engineering specialism within a grammar school

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ICT

"We need IT every day"

Aims of the department

We seek to give students fluency in the use of ICT for learning, leisure and work
To constantly seek to improve the quality of teaching and learning using ICT
To teach the skills required to use ICT as the most efficient medium for finding, organising and using information as part of the learning process
To give students opportunities to use ICT whenever it can make learning more effective
We will support the development of highest standards of teaching and learning using ICT
To promote pupils ability in using ICT thoughtfully, efficiently and effectively
To promote the skills associated with enquiry and using information
To give pupils the opportunity to explore their attitudes towards ICT, its value for themselves, others and society, and their awareness of its advantages and limitations
To promote independent learning and study skills, helping students to be discerning in their searches and choices of websites
Develop good Health and Safety attitudes and practice

Course details

KS3

We broadly follow the national strategy for ICT more details can be found at
www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/keystage3/subjects/ict/

First Year

The main focus in first year is communicating information and learning about effective research.

Students learn to develop their presentation skills, how to ensure they make work suitable for a particular audience, how to adapt work for different audiences and the problems that can be encountered when making work suitable for a very wide audience. Students are encouraged to evaluate their own and others work in terms of its suitability for the purpose and the content.

They learn how to make best use of the Internet to carry out effective research.

Projects for first year include:

1. How to work safely with computers.
A research project with the aim of teaching about using computers safely at school and at home. IT skills include using some advanced featured of Word.

2. Endangered Species.
Pupils create a PowerPoint presentation about themselves. A PowerPoint presentation with the aim of ensuring pupils can use graphics efficiently and work with specific audiences in mind. IT skills include use of scanner, digital camera, and email.

3. Using Data.
Students have an introduction to data handling and using Access. They learn how to create database tables, queries and reports.

4. Ripon in the 1950’s
This project is carried out in conjunction with the History department and the Library. It provides an opportunity for students to extend their knowledge of local history and put into practice what they have learnt about research and presentation.

5. Making a leaflet.
More about presentation and the use of corporate identity to create impression. IT skills include the use of Publisher to create appropriate documents suitable for a specific purpose.

Second Year

The main focus in second year is data handling. Students learn how to make effective use of spreadsheets to handle data, including the use of formulas and functions and how to create graphs. Pupils also use data bases to search and sort data. They learn how to collect and process data using questionnaires.

1. Introduction to modelling and presenting numeric data.
In this unit pupils use spreadsheets to model simple situations. They use basic spreadsheet functions to construct, explore and amend simple models and consider how to manipulate graphs and tables in order to present their findings effectively. This unit uses the example of a school disco.

2. Introduction to data handling.
In this unit pupils have to be able to set a hypothesis, collect appropriate data and put it into a structure to analyse it. They learn about different question types and how to design effective questionnaires. They have to design a suitable structure to handle data and enter data. They have to know how check the plausibility of the data collected, how to limit errors and decide what to do with probable inaccurate data. They then have to process their data and produce a report.

3. Information reliability and validity.
In this unit pupils consider the importance of using reliable and valid data. It reinforces and builds upon work carried out in first year.

4. Web Technology
This unit is the chance to learn about how the Internet and web sites work and an opportunity to design and build your own webpage.

Third Year

In third year the focus is on combining skills and knowledge. Students are encouraged to think for themselves to develop their work, and be able to make judgements about the quality of their work. The main project in third year surrounds a charity project to grow plants.

Pupils have to assess the feasibility of the project in financial terms. They have to design an automated greenhouse system, investigate the marketing of the project and report all their findings.

Assessment takes place throughout a major project to help students learn and achieve at the highest possible level.

At the end of a unit of work a final assessment is made based upon the national curriculum level descriptors for ICT.

Details can be found on this site:
www.ncaction.org.uk/subjects/ict/levels.htm

KS4

All students follow the Key Skills POS. 4th year students develop a level 2 portfolio which demonstrate their ability to use a range of Office applications and take a multiple choice external test in the spring term. Once they have achieved level 2 certification students then start level 3 Key Skills. This involves a far more sophisticated portfolio which demonstrates a wider range of complex ICT skills plus a one and a half hour practical ICT test. Both level 2 and 3 ICT Keys Skills carry with them additional UCAS points. Students also have the opportunity of taking the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) through the British Computer Society.

RM Easy Link and Virtual Learning Environment

All students and staff have remote access to their documents via RM Easy Links. This allows students to work on documents at home. From September 2009 all students and staff will have access to the school’s virtual learning environment. This will improve communication between students and staff and allow for greater collaboration when developing a range of topics in all departments.