Registered Number:  7897108
Registered in England and Wales

ICT facilities and equipment

The department has a suite of three specialist rooms in the main block and tower block. There are numerous other computer suites ranging from small mobile clusters for Science to a full suite of computers in the Resource centre.

Every classroom has an interactive whiteboard, sound system, a wide variety of software and hardware available to support teaching and learning.

Currently we are running Microsoft Office 2010. In addition the ICT department uses the following pieces of software: Macromedia Flash, Fireworks, Dreamweaver, MS Moviemaker and Audacity. ICT classrooms are equipped with ABtutor so that we can provide individual or group demonstrations, monitor computer use and block access to the Internet or individual programs.With the introduction of VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) in 2010 students and parents will, from home, be able to send teachers work directly, use online curriculum materials and modify their own school work online. The VLE will provide many more new and exciting opportunities for personalised learning anywhere at any time.The Team

The ICT department is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for students. We ensure that each and every student has high expectations and that these, are translated into daily practice. It is a department that is characterised by dedication, energy and enthusiasm. The department is effective because teachers share good practice on a regular basis and update their skills by using both internal and external agencies. Most importantly of course, each member of staff is passionate about using and teaching ICT.

 

The Curriculum

The department is always looking to develop courses which will meet the needs of all our pupils. While our successes with the Digital Diploma in ICT (GCSE) have been outstanding with 91 per cent A-C, we have moved onto the new OCR Nationals in ICT. This course engages the pupils and will allow a larger number of our pupils to achieve an even more successful grade. We consistently outperform the targets form the DFES and as a department we are in the top 25 per cent of schools.

 

Key Stage 3

Pupils have three lessons every two weeks of ICT in Year 9 and one lesson a week in Years 7 and 8. A wide variety of projects are covered that not only cover the National Curriculum but also engage students in activities relevant to their own lives and interests.

In 2009, 94 per cent of Year 9 achieved level 5 and above. Once again this is above the national standards expected of a school like Huntcliff School. We realise there is have no room for complacency however and wish to engage our students more fully by broadening their access to new ICT opportunities. Therefore the development of new projects over the last year has been a priority at Key stage 3. These include Stop Frame Animation, Video and Audio editing for a School Virtual Tour and E-Safety etc.

 

Key Stage 4

Our pupils are drawn from the whole ability range and as a result flexibility is a key priority. A personalised approach has been developed with the result that pupils will work towards the one, two or occasionally three GCSEs (equivalent) depending on ability and progress.

Our current Year 10 are working towards the OCR National Award in ICT which is equivalent to two GCSEs and includes the core unit (general ICT skills / knowledge), website design, video editing, audio editing and relational databases.

We currently have four groups in Years 11 and five in Year 10 who take ICT as an option.