Aims:
In year 9 we aim to stretch a student’s use, understanding and application of ICT.  Students are required to complete a substantial unit of work with a high focus on the audience and purpose of the tasks.  Independence is encouraged as is reflection and evaluation.  See note below regarding Functional Skills IT.

Content:
The year 9 ICT curriculum mainly covers levels 5 to 7 with provision made for level 4.  Students have 1 lesson of ICT per week.

Students complete a large unit of work in which they need to use a range of software packages, some advanced features and make their own decisions regarding how to tackle a number of the tasks.  This work is based on a project from a GCSE equivalent course and is designed to raise the level of skill required.

Students may also be entered for Functional Skills IT at level 2.  This is an external qualification and consists of a 2 hour practical exam.  However this is still to be confirmed.

Assessment:
Homework is set regularly.
Work on the large project is monitored and assessed at regular intervals and the whole unit is awarded a final level and sub level.

Extra Curricular:
A computer room is available for student use at lunchtime.

Useful Websites:
Pivot Stickfigure Animator: http://www.snapfiles.com/get/stickfigure.html  (for Treasure Hunt  unit)
Audacity: http://www.download-audacity.com/     (for Treasure Hunt  unit)
Teach-ict: http://www.teach-ict.com/ks3home_old.htm