The pace of technological change is breathtaking, and it seems to become more rapid each year. There are few aspects of our lives that are not influenced by ICT and some level of ICT capability is essential for the modern citizen. With all of the opportunities this digital revolution has brought come threats and challenges. In ICT education we seek to develop the students’ abilities to become confident, but critical users of ICT. We seek for them to be comfortable using ICT for work, leisure or communication, whilst understanding the issues and threats that could exist, and what they can do to be safe users.
Throughout Key Stage 3 we seek to build on the variety of experiences of ICT students bring with them from home and primary school. Students are encouraged to take a problem solving approach and become more sophisticated users as they progress from Year 7 to 9. At Key Stage 4 we seek to provide the opportunity for all students to gain qualifications. We seek to develop practical and useful skills and understanding for those who will not pursue the subject further, whilst giving those with the talent or inclination the chance of gaining multiple awards. In Key Stage 5 students can develop their ICT capability to a higher level, but again with a major practical element. Also in line with the schools humanities specialism, students are encourage to develop an awareness of the influence of ICT upon our lives, both positive and not!