ICT

Over the past several years the Board of Directors has recognised the importance of ICT and has supported the investment in technology across the school. Our computing facilities are constantly expanding and our students now benefit from a computer in most primary classrooms, three fully equipped and dedicated ICT suites as well as a growing number of Interactive Whiteboards throughout the school. The ICT suites themselves benefit from the most innovative teaching software currently available, allowing us to simultaneously demonstrate software techniques on all workstations, remotely monitor a student's progress from the teacher's machine and, if necessary, intervene and take control to assist a student who is having difficulties. The school is now also proud to be able to offer staff and students access to 4 Interactive Whiteboards as well as 6 additional projectors some of which come equipped with built-in DVD players and speakers allowing educational programmes and movies to be shown in any room in the building.
ICT is now offered as a standalone subject to all ou students from Nursery, where they will typically develop basic computer skills such as mouse control, to Year 12 and 13 where students have the opportunity to study the Edexcel Applied ICT to A2 level. Many subject teachers also make use of the ICT facilities to support learning activities within the subject areas.
All students in Year 7 - 9 have two periods per week dedicated to ICT. During these lessons students have the opportunity to master professional software packages like Microsoft Office and Macromedia Studio. Students then have the opportunity to opt to continue their studies into Year 10 and 11 where four periods a week are dedicated to studying towards an IGCSE in ICT. Year 12 and 13 students undertaking the Edexcel GCE in Appied ICT have 7 ICT lessons per week where they are encouraged to examine the impat ICT has had and continues to have on society. At the same time they develop real and valuable practical IT skills that are instantly transferable to the worlds of both further and work.