Ratcliffe-College-Key-Stage-3-Handbook-2016-2017

Information Communication Technology (ICT)
What you will study:
During Key Stage 3 the aim of the ICT course is to improve existing skills and
also introduce new ideas and concepts. We use the material developed from a
number of resources as the basis for much of the work. Students will learn how
to use a variety of programming languages, both graphical and text-based, as
well as non-Microsoft software.
In Year 7 you will spend time becoming familiar with E-Safety as well as using
the Internet and Microsoft products effectively. Database software is
introduced and students will learn how to create, populate and interrogate a
database to find information relating to a crime. There is a project where the
students will work on the design and development of a maze game suitable for 4-
6 year olds introducing the concepts of planning and programming. At the end of
the year, students will be taught how to encrypt and decrypt information using
computers.
The start of Year 8 brings a revision of effective Internet use and how bias can
affect the information presented. Students will again be reminded how to use
Microsoft products before they begin the project work for the year. The
project is based around the support an up-and-coming band (The Shakes)
require; modelling costs of producing CDs and going on tour using spreadsheet
software, producing marketing and advertising posters for the tour and finally
investigating the designs of websites before creating their own. There will be
an opportunity to learn how to program using an application called Sonic Pi to
create music – uploading the music they create to their website or to an Android
application they have made.
Year 9 will provide the opportunity for each student to complete an extended
project, and put their programming skills to the test. “Mission to Mars” will put
students in charge of a mission to colonise Mars. This requires the ability to use
the following types of software – word processing, spreadsheet and database,
plus more creative tools, including web design, and the use of programming
software to control their own version of the Mars Rover – via Robomind
software. During this year the students will study for their Digital Literacy
exam which will give them the European Computer Driving Licence qualification.
Teaching approaches:
ICT is a very practical subject and you will spend most of your time in lessons
working at your own computer station. Throughout the three years you will be
able to learn new skills in a variety of ways including whole class teaching, group
discussion, individual and paired work. Demonstrations, help videos, tutorials and
worksheets are used to reinforce practical work carried out in lessons – this
87