The Importance of ICT

"The increasing use of technology in all aspects of society makes confident, creative and productive use of ICT an essential skill for life. ICT capability encompasses not only the mastery of technical skills and techniques, but also the understanding to apply these skills purposefully, safely and responsibly in learning, everyday life and employment. ICT capability is fundamental to participation and engagement in modern society. 

ICT can be used to find, develop, analyse and present information, as well as to model situations and solve problems. ICT enables rapid access to ideas and experiences from a wide range of people, communities and cultures, and allows pupils to collaborate and exchange information on a wide scale. ICT acts as a powerful force for change in society and citizens should have an understanding of the social, ethical, legal and economic implications of its use, including how to use ICT safely and responsibly. Increased capability in the use of ICT supports initiative and independent learning, as pupils are able to make informed judgements about when and where to use ICT to enhance their learning and the quality of their work." (Extract from NC Online)

Key Stage 3

Students in Key Stage 3 , following the National Framework requirements for ICT and  through a revised Curriculum pupils experience how to use ICT tools to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information responsibly, creatively and with discrimination. They also learn how to employ ICT to enable rapid access to ideas and experiences from a wide range of people, communities and cultures.

Key Stage 4

All students at Key Stage 4 take an ICT course, this will be either GCSE ICT which is made up of a number of tasks for the students to carry out aswell as theory work. The other option is CLAIT.

GCSE ICT is an ideal preparation for a technological world in which ICT touches every part of our daily lives. The course will develop your practical ICT skills and extend your knowledge and understanding of ICT systems.

The course is comprised of practical work and problem solving and will involve you in developing real life ICT systems.

Links

BBC GCSE Bitesize ICT