About the ICT Department

Everyone needs to know something about Information and Communications Technology (ICT). The need is not for technical knowledge of how computer systems work but practical knowledge of how they are used. ......using Information Technology is a skill to be acquired alongside reading and writing.....

Information Technology is used to assist learning throughout the school and pervades the whole curriculum. The National Curriculum has laid down statutory requirements regarding a pupil's ICT experience to ensure ALL youngsters use ICT in a variety of ways.

At Key Stages 3 & 4 the main ICT headings are finding things out, developing ideas and making things happen, exchanging and sharing information and reviewing, modifying and evaluating work.

The theme at Northgate has always been ‘the autonomous use of ICT’. On entering the school, pupils are taught ICT techniques to enable them to make full use of ICT by THEMSELVES when appropriate.

Ofsted inspected ICT in February 2006 and praised our ICT curriculum. The inspector also said that our GCSE results ‘were some of the best that he had ever seen.’

This country has always been a technologically advanced nation and ICT skills are essential for its success.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 & 9)

To ensure that ALL pupils are equipped with the necessary skills and concepts of ICT, pupils in Years 7, 8 & 9 are taught by an ICT specialist within Northgate's ICT programme. We have adopted the government's National Strategy scheme of work which has been developed to raise attainment and standards in ICT. Pupils also use LOGO and investigate the use of Spreadsheets and Data management in Mathematics; create Graphics and follow a Computer Control course in Technology: use Word Processing and Desk Top Publishing in English: use computers in Science, Art, Modern Languages - in fact in most places.

Perhaps most importantly, pupils are encouraged to use ICT whenever it will assist the work they are doing.

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 & 11)

Pupils are now able to use a range of ICT systems. These skills are then put to good use in many GCSE courses.

Pupils are encouraged to make full use of, and develop, their ICT skills at Key Stage 4.

For those pupils with a specialist interest in ICT we offer a double award (two GCSE's) in Applied Information and Communications Technology. This is proving very successful with nearly 70% of pupils in Year 10 currently taking this course.

Facilities

•	We have invested in a comprehensive network infrastructure connecting all areas of the school.
•	Autumn 2007 sees the opening of our 'Creative Media Lab' which has been equipped with 15 Apple computers to provide the very best in Video Editing and other related media work.
•	We have 30 PCs in each of the following rooms: ICT1, ICT2 and ICT3
•	We have 10 PCs in the library.
•	We have two ICT working areas in technology with 20 PCs available. One of these areas is dedicated to control technology.
•	We have PCs available in a variety of different rooms such as English, RE, Careers and Science. In total pupils have access to over 200 ICT systems around the school.
•	We have 15 PCs in the Music room.
•	We have multiple internet access available via a broadband connection.
•	We employ two full time ICT staff. A network manager and a technician to provide the necessary support to pupils and staff.
•	We have a staff ICT room to ensure your child’s teachers are able to use the latest technology both in teaching and administration.
•	We are committed to continue our ICT developments over the coming years.
•	We have invested in Interactive whiteboard technology.
•	ICT facilities are made available to ALL pupils during the lunch hour and after school. Good work habits are encouraged.

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