Curriculum > Departments > Information Communication Technology
Subject Outline
Today's students have an ever increasing awareness of the importance of information
technology on their lives. They see computer control in their TV sets at home; they see
computers calculating the bills at supermarket check-outs; they use computerised games
for recreation and see computer consoles in almost every office and place of work.
At Adams School we seek to capitalise upon the natural fascination that computers hold
for our pupils and develop in them the skills required to make all aspects of information
technology accessible and understandable. We have a "rolling programme" of investment
in modern computer technology, which has led to the School having over 300 computers
spread across 10 areas, both for specialist and general use. Additionally we have
developed a system of open access with a "drop-in" facility for pupils which allows
individual projects to be pursued.
Our programme of study centres around two main approaches: formal teaching of ICT
skills to give all pupils the confidence to use the facilities available and cross-curricular use
of ICT to ensure that the skills are applied in context to all subject areas. This strategy is
consistent with the latest requirements of the National Curriculum which expects formal
development of ICT skills during the first three years of secondary education (Key Stage
3) followed by development and application during Years 10 and 11 (Key Stage 4) as well
as a GCSE course for all in ICT and further courses in post-16 education, when we offer 'A'
level ICT at Adams College and a GNVQ in ICT.
Throughout their years at Adams all pupils receive ICT lessons in which they become
familiar with the equipment and software in use throughout the School. Pupils learn how
to use computers for presenting information in written or visual form, how to analyse
numerical data and generate graphs, how to retrieve information held on databases and
how to use computers to measure, control and simulate physical systems. In parallel with
these ICT lessons, subject teachers regularly book their classes into the well-equipped ICT
suites so that computer applications can be used to facilitate the teaching of their
particular subject area. Additionally, supported out-of-hours opening of the main IT suites
allows pupils to practise and develop their skills or to carry out coursework projects.
With enthusiastic teaching, effective technician support and a policy of continual
investment in upgrading equipment to the latest standards, pupils at Thomas Adams can
expect to be well prepared for the computer rich environment that is becoming part of
their lives to an ever increasing extent.
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