ICT and Computer Science
Overview
The demand is on for ICT professionals right now! Hundreds of exciting, and fun careers are available every year in ICT.
At Ballyclare High School, our pupils are encouraged to creatively use digital online technologies to acquire knowledge, practise skills and develop competencies by learning with, through and about the use of IT.
Cross curricular IT is integrated within classroom experiences across all subject areas and is used by staff and pupils every day. The delivery and assessment of IT is supported by specialist classes and off time-table days. These events provide pupils with opportunities to work in groups on extended projects. As a discrete subject we offer options at GCSE and GCE including IT and Computer Science.
The members of the department strive to build positive relationships with our pupils that are based on mutual respect and we encourage our pupils to be responsible for their learning.
Aims
- To equip all pupils with the digital skills and technological knowledge they need to thrive in the 21st century.
- To develop computational thinking, logic, and problem-solving abilities through a structured, engaging curriculum.
- To promote creativity and innovation by providing opportunities for pupils to design, develop, and evaluate digital solutions.
- To prepare pupils for the future, offering pathways to careers in technology, software development, cybersecurity, and digital business.
- To encourage ambition and resilience, helping pupils to embrace challenges and learn from failure.
- To foster responsible digital citizens who understand the social, moral, and legal implications of technology.
- To celebrate success and progress at all levels, recognising achievement both in and out of the classroom.
Staff
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Mrs N Ward | Head of Department |
| Miss J Rollins | Teacher |
| Miss G Esler | Teacher |
Curriculum
Facilities
Our IT facilities include:
- One of the largest C2k networks in Northern Ireland
- Learning Centre with 60 computer stations
- 6 computer network rooms
- Interactive White Boards in every learning space
- Computer clusters for every subject
- Sixth Form Learning Centre with 20 workstations & WiFi access for mobile devices
- Free WiFi access for pupils own devices
- Classroom sets of laptops on trolleys to ease accessibility
- Laptop Loan scheme to ensure equity of access
What other people say
A Futurelab case study described our facilities, noting the…
“… careful use of space, and the centrality of the curriculum, is evident, and at Ballyclare’s heart is the modern learning centre which bears evidence of the kinds of flexible learning spaces and practices at the heart of the current Building Schools for the Future programme in England. The Ballyclare vision of learning allows for a full range of experiences.”
BECTa also evaluated our facilities as…
“Pupils enjoy an ICT-rich learning environment with a fully equipped ICT Centre. The centre is available to pupils during lessons, before and after school, and during lunchtimes. Staff can book sessions for whole classes or groups. It is so popular that there is seldom a free seat.”
An ETi inspection report noted that there has been…
“very significant investment in ICT resources including the school’s innovative applications of its virtual learning environment which is used to good effect by the staff and the pupils to promote independent learning.”
Clubs and Extra-Curricular Activities
- IT Ambassadors & Code Club – pupils lead and support digital learning across the school and local primaries.
- Minecraft Club – exploring world-building and problem-solving in an interactive, collaborative environment.
- Digital Leaders Programme – pupils promote responsible technology use and assist with tech in the wider school community.
Educational Visits & Experiences
- W5 Belfast – Empowering Girls in STEM Events
- Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University Open Days & Tech Workshops
- NI Cyber Careers Events & Tech Sector Panels
- Digital Schoolhouse Events – creative computing sessions delivered in partnership with the games and tech industry
