ICT is an integrated learning tool used across all subjects at Swanmore. There are 4 dedicated ICT suites as well as large clusters of computers/laptops in several subject areas across the college.
At home pupils have the opportunity to use the school’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) where they will find a variety of resources, forums and homework information. They can also access their school computer account from home using the home2school connection as well as their own pupil email account.
Curriculum
Key Stage 3
In years 7-9 we deliver an ICT curriculum that develops pupils’ abilities to plan and build solutions to a multitude of workplace problems. These include:
Year 7
Modelling (spreadsheets) topic – pupils assume the running of various aspects of a Zoo (including a café, a fund raising event, a gift shop and ticket prices).
Database topic – pupils use a database to collect data for a talent contest. Includes collecting data, searching for information and presenting it for a manager.
Dragon’s Den topic (extension topic) – pupils come up with a product (related to ICT) and have to market it to a panel of judges. They are expected to use a variety of finance modeling, market research and advertising techniques taught in the year to convince the panel their product is worth investment.
Year 8
Modelling topic – pupils assume the running of the finances for a pop band. Learning more advanced functions of a spreadsheet.
Holiday Cottages topic – pupils use databases to collect and sort data on customers. They then use ICT to market the business to new customers.
Year 9
Theme park topic – pupils have to design a ride. Working in teams they have to conduct market research, design a ride and market it to new customers.
Key Stage 4
Pupils in years 10-11 study for the OCR ICT Nationals Double Award. To achieve this award (worth 2 GCSE’s) they need to complete 3 pieces of coursework:
Unit 1 (ICT Skills For Business) - Pupils assume the running of their own business. They have to provide a variety of ICT solutions, including e-mailing, PowerPoint, marketing, finance modeling and a database.
Unit 4 (Multimedia Product) – Pupils have to make a multimedia PowerPoint for one of three scenarios. Their presentation must include pictures, sounds, animations and video.
Unit 7 (DVD Database) Pupils create a database that allows a DVD store to enter customers, DVD’s and rentals. They also need to provide professional print outs and produce a user interface that makes it easy for employees to use.
