ICT

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) contributes to the school curriculum by preparing all our pupils to participate in a rapidly changing society in which work, and other forms of activity are increasingly dependent on ICT. The subject develops pupils' information skills, including the ability to use information sources and ICT tools to help them find, explore, develop, analyse, exchange and present information and to support their problem solving, investigative and expressive work.

West Hill Park follows the QCA Scheme of work for ICT. This indicates clearly the content to be covered by each year group to ensure progression. Years 3 to 7 receive two formal lessons a week based on the programmes of study as laid out in the ICT National Curriculum. Year 8 have one formal lesson, but will spend more time using ICT through other areas of the curriculum. This is intended to reinforce the background skills they have learnt to allow them to use ICT as a tool, both in and out of the classroom.

The younger pupils use Studio CT, a suite of applications that is specifically designed to help children easily grasp the key concepts of using ICT to enhance their learning in school. We also have a Community @ Home license; which means that pupils are able to use the same software at home. Older pupils will use Microsoft Office to ensure they are comfortable users of a range of suitable applications.

Pupils and staff have access to a PC in every classroom and can log on to collect their email or retrieve their work from anywhere on the network and they are also able to view the Intranet and their email through home access.