ICT

ICT - The Glue that holds it all together!

We live in an information rich society where technology plays an important role in our lives. The Hayesbrook School ICT department aims to develop our students and equip them with the skills necessary for the wider world of work. A wide range of industry standard software is delivered from year 7 through to year 13, and due to the interesting curriculum and qualifications, ICT has become one of the most popular subjects.

The department is well resourced. All ICT rooms are equipped with enough computers for a 1:1 ratio.

Moodle

What is Moodle?  Moodle is our VLE, or Virtual Learning Environment.  It provides students with a portal via the web to facilitate a more independent learning approach to work.  Lessons, or courses at KS4 and KS5, can be structured through a series of webpages.  Tasks can be set and students can respond electronically.  Accessible anywhere there is an internet connection, students can now upload work and download at home to extend their learning experience.  Why not have a look at how it works here http://doodle.hayesbrook.kent.sch.uk

Key Stage 3

In year 7 students work on the basic Office skills and get to use presentation software, graphic applications, web authoring, animation and control applications. The foundations are laid and the skill of careful planning, the sytem life-cycle and an awareness of purpose and audience are explored. In years 8 and 9 students start developing problem solving skills and work on extended projects that incorporate a variety of skills and ICT solutions.

Currently Year 9 are undertaking the first unit of the iMedia course.

Key Stage 4

Two qualifications are run at KS4.

The OCR National Level 2 follows a more traditional pathway providing opportunities for students to understand the impact of ICT on business.  There are optional units that explore various aspects of multimedia.

Upon successful completion students can achieve a Pass, Merit or Distinction, equivalent to a C, B or A at GCSE.

The OCR iMedia course specialises in multimedia applications.  The certificate (3 units) or diploma (5 units) can be achieved through the creation of solutions to problems.  Units include Digital Graphics, Digital Sound and 2D game design.  Students can only achieve either a Pass or Fail.  A Pass is equivalent to a B at GCSE.

Find out more at http://www.imedia.ocr.org.uk/

Key Stage 5

The OCR National Level 3 follows a similar structure to the level 2 in KS4.  Students will study 6 units over two years and can achieve a Pass, Merit or Distinction.

Find out more at http://www.ocrnationals.com/level3_ict.php

ICT Young Leaders Award

Pioneered at Hayesbrook by Marc Smith (AST in ICT), this award has been nationally recognised at the SSAT event for 14-19 curriculum in Manchester.  The award aims to provide a pathway of leadership opportunities for students, an alternative to the sports leader award.  Evidence is collected on 6 units of work and includes a programme of outreach work with local primary schools.

Find out more at http://www.youngictleaders.co.uk

Extra Curricular

ICT club is run each lunchtime and is available to students who wish to do homework or research via the internet. The ICT rooms are in constant use at the end of the school day by those students who wish to work in a quiet atmosphere.