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At Ashfield Boys’ High School we use
ICT to enhance and add a new dimension to the learning
process. ICT is increasingly becoming part of our daily
lives, in the way that radio and television did fifty years
ago. This is amply illustrated by the use of mobile
communications, games consoles, digital cameras and other
technologies in the home, school and workplace.
ICT plays a significant role in
education at. It can act as a major catalyst in transforming
education, stand alone as a discrete subject and support
other subjects as a cross-curricular theme.
Pupils at Ashfield Boys’ High School
have the confidence and competence in the use of ICT to
enhance all aspects of their learning experience. Teachers
are competent in the use of ICT so that they are able to use
it in all aspects of their daily work.
Developments in ICT education run
parallel with increasing investment in computer hardware,
software and communication equipment all of which is similar
to equipment used in industry, commercial and further/higher
education. This includes;
· Over 240 modern multimedia computers throughout the
School (including 120 C2K workstations). The majority of
these computers are able to access the Internet through our
state of the art 2mb (very fast!) connection. This allows
pupils to have immediate safe access to a vast and rich
source of materials available on the World Wide Web.
· Each wing of the school has access to at least one
ICT suite, these include:
·
Three ICT C2K suites for full class access
·
Five C2K clusters of PCs for use by smaller groups
·
One Mac Media Studies lab
·
Six other suites of PCs
Our stated whole school aim is to
ensure that all pupils leave with at least one ICT related
qualification and our innovative department’s growth
continues with the introduction and development of various
pioneering ICT courses;
· A Key Stage 3 curriculum that is mainly skills based
giving the pupils the necessary proficiency in using the
core digital applications needed for them to progress. This
course uses e-assessment where the pupil’s skills are
assessed using online based examinations.
· CLAiT 2006 at Key Stage 4, a package of ICT
qualifications which provides learners with an opportunity
to develop, improve and advance their computer skills.
· The introduction of the Diploma in Digital
Applications (DiDA) suite of qualifications at Key Stage 4
and Post 16.
- A revolutionary ICT qualification,
unique in its scope, philosophy and delivery methods. It
is designed to connect students more closely with their
goals, in further education or employment, as well as
with other areas of the curriculum.
- The qualification is paperless,
making students’ evidence searchable, dynamic and
interactive. It promotes creative use of applications,
and its real-life, goal orientated emphasis is involving
and stimulating.
- As a suite of qualifications, it
progresses from Award (AiDA) through Certificate (CiDA)
to Diploma (DiDA) (equivalent to four GCSEs), providing
a truly future proof path for ICT learning.
· GCE Applied ICT awards are part of a new suite of
vocationally-focused GCEs and replace VCE ICT. These new
awards incorporate an extremely wide range of AS and A2
Level units. These are flexibly structured to give pupils
plenty of choice to form qualifications which reflect their
personal skills, interests and ambitions. The award is
designed to provide a progressive route to higher education
and further training for future employment.
Are we successful?
· Since 2002 we have enjoyed a 100% pass rate every
year at AVCE level, with many of the pupils going on to
study ICT related qualifications at university.
· Over the past five years 100% pass rate in GNVQ ICT,
with over 40% of pupils gaining a Distinction since its
inception has been achieved.
The dramatic growth in the need for ICT
is being taken seriously by our senior management team and
the school’s vision for ICT is driven by the potential to
improve teaching, learning and achievement. Research
evidence shows that ICT can stimulate, motivate and spark
pupils’ appetites for learning and helps to create a culture
of success.
We feel confident that the ICT team is
capable of delivering a relevant, practical and
wide-ranging subject in these ever changing times. By
pursuing this vision, we are creating an e-confident school. |
ICT Department