ICT

"If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow"

John Dewey, Philosopher, Psychologist and Educational Reformer.

ICT (Information and Communications Technology) is a core subject in the National Curriculum. At Coworth-Flexlands, ICT is both practical and progressive and there is a healthy balance between essential skills and exploring innovations that interest the pupils. As well as being taught as a discrete subject in a dedicated ICT Suite from Nursery to Y6, ICT is woven into just about every curriculum area. The school has an extensive computer network, including laptops and peripherals such as digital cameras, Flip Mino HD Camcorders, EasiSpeak Microphones, Beebots for control technology, colour laser printers and scanners.

All classrooms have 2 new networked PCs and a laptop connected to a Smart interactive whiteboard and data projector. Broadband Internet is filtered by RM Safetynet Plus which gives the school flexibility to permit or deny access to specific websites.

The ICT Suite is available for use throughout the day from 8.30am to 5pm both in lesson time and free time when the ICT coordinator is often on hand for guidance. Teaching staff receive ongoing, practical training in ICT and use Smartboards to enhance delivery of the curriculum inspiring pupils in their care. To this end, networked software is available throughout the school.

In addition to timetabled ICT pupils use the Suite in other subject areas, e.g. a Y3 English class draft poetry and a Y5 French class use resources on the school website. In Y6 pupils produce a detailed Geography or History project utilising their ICT skills. We find that using the technology within a subject context develops ICT concepts in a more meaningful way for our pupils.

ICT lessons embrace developments in technology. Task content takes advantage of cross-curricular links and school activities when appropriate. Our aim is to go beyond teaching ICT skills alone and we expect pupils to acquire the ability to think laterally about how and when technology can be used effectively in different situations.

From Y2 we teach fine-tuned Internet research skills which assist pupils working independently on their own projects. Touch typing is also taught, with younger pupils introduced to early years typing software. A recent addition to the network is Nessy Fingers, which compliments the Nessy Learning program introduced last year. Nessy enables all children to read, write and spell with confidence.

Early Years Foundation Stage ICT

Children begin by honing their mouse control skills and enjoy networked curriculum software and the school website. They then move on to use increasingly sophisticated applications whilst becoming familiar with the keyboard and basic computer functions. By the time they reach Y6 they are able to use MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher, work with digital cameras learning about PhotoShop, create graphs, use databases, be creative with animation and art software and design web pages. Our pupils are familiar with file management and Windows syntax and as a department we work synergistically with other curriculum areas and strive to keep abreast of technological developments and innovation.

Record Keeping

All pupils have their own space on the network. Best work is presented in a series of themed files on display in the Suite. End of year reports reflect effort and attainment, including organisation of network files, understanding and use of software and ability to use ICT independently.