Key Stage 3 ICT/computing

Each week, all Key Stage 3 students attend a 50-minute ICT lesson. Our scheme of work (SOW) aligns with the National Curriculum for Computing and encompasses digital literacy and ICT skills. Students engage in sequenced projects designed to provide challenge and adaptability, catering to the diverse needs of all learners. The project timelines outlined below demonstrates the progression of each project, its relevance to Key Stage 3 objectives, and its alignment with the National Curriculum. Each project culminates in a final outcome that reflects the techniques, skills, and knowledge acquired throughout, with assessments conducted using ARE's and individual expectations.

Students access all learning materials through Google Classroom, where lesson plans, resources, and assessments are uploaded, reviewed, and marked. Homework assignments are issued on a half-termly basis, complementing in-class activities and reinforcing learning objectives.

We uphold fundamental British values and nurture students' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development as integral parts of our educational approach:

E-Safety forms a significant component of our SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social, Cultural) provision within ICT. It is taught through dedicated lessons in ICT, as well as being integrated into assemblies, form time, and PHSE sessions. Additionally, it is addressed organically within ICT discussions as the curriculum demands. Our teaching covers various topics such as identity protection, cyberbullying prevention, responsible social media usage, and strategies for maintaining device security. Recognizing the rapid evolution of digital technology, the ICT and Computing department prioritises equipping students not only for present societal challenges but also for the dynamic landscape of the digital future. Our aim is to foster digitally literate individuals who engage with online platforms in a conscientious and well-informed manner.

ICT education contributes significantly to students' SMSC development by preparing them for the complexities of an increasingly interconnected world. It prompts reflection on the ethical implications of technological progress and encourages the establishment of contemporary societal norms regarding digital conduct. These overarching principles are ingrained in all aspects of IT education, allowing for their integration as per the learning context.

We offer opportunities for students to marvel at and contemplate the advancements in IT and Computing, both presently and potentially. Through ICT and Computing, students build confidence in utilising technology while exploring the transformative ideas within the field. They are encouraged to reflect on how these innovations impact their lives and the lives of others, fostering the ability to express personal perspectives with reasoned justifications. Within the ICT and Computing department, praise is consistently given to students for their contributions and eagerness to learn. Furthermore, students are encouraged to collaborate and exhibit appropriate social behavior, cultivating a supportive and compassionate community within the learning environment.