IT Key Stage 3
All pupils study ICT/Computing in Years 8-10. Pupils are provided with the opportunity to build upon existing skills in Key Stage 2 and embrace new IT skills in Key Stage 3. Lessons are delivered in computer rooms and pupils have the opportunity to become familiar with the IT systems at Ballyclare High School while learning about a variety of applications software packages.
The purpose of KS3 ICT classes is to
- enable pupils to become familiar with ICT resources which may be used in other subject areas to enhance the nature and quality of learning;
- ensure that pupils have the appropriate basic ICT skills and competence to use them in learning in other subject areas;
- promote literacy, numeracy, communication, information handling and independent learning skills;
- prepare pupils for learning, living and working in the ‘information age’;
- prepare pupils for study of Digital Technology/Computer Science as an academic subject at GCSE level and beyond.
- give pupils experience using the breadth of software applications required for GCSE Digital Technology / Computer Science
- allow pupils to make an informed choice on whether to choose to study Digital Technology or Computer Science at GCSE.
Topics I will Study in Yr 8 ICT/Computing
- Introduction to ICT @ BHS
- Email Communication and MS Word
- Internet Safety
- MS PowerPoint Interactive Stories
- Micro:bits
Topics I will Study in Yr 9 ICT/Computing
- Introduction to ICT @ BHS
- Scratch Programming
- MS Excel
- HTML web design
- MicroPython
Topics I will Study in Yr 10 ICT/Computing
- Introduction to ICT @ BHS
- Python Programming
- Website Development
- Game Development
During their time in KS3 pupils are formatively assessed using four marked assessment tasks per year. This information is sent to parents on school reports biannually, with one teacher comment annually. There is also an opportunity each year for parents to talk to their child’s teacher.
