All pupils are taught Information Communication Technology (ICT) in Years 7 to 8. In years 9 and 10 all pupils will take ICT at GCSE level.
Information Communication
Technology in Years 7 to 8
At Slough Grammar School we have condensed the ICT course for Key Stage 3 into two, rather than three, years. ICT is a subject that pupils readily get to grips with and while we have deliberately made the course more challenging by reducing its length, pupils have consistently shown that they are up to the challenge!
Pupils deal with various ICT topics based around the national strategy for ICT education as well as looking at computer modelling, control, searching for and evaluating information. By helping pupils to gain these skills earlier, they are ready to take their GCSE earlier too. This is good news, for two reasons: firstly, when pupils come to take their other GCSEs they have one less to worry about and secondly, the skills learnt in ICT can, by having been learnt early, be applied to their other GCSE subjects thus enhancing their potential for success.
GCSE ICT in Years 9 and 10
As they work toward their GCSE coursework and final examination, pupils will put the ICT skills they have gained to use on a range of realistic tasks. Based around a fictitious hospital pupils will create logos, patient databases and medical forms.
GCSE assessment
Work will be assessed via coursework and examination. Coursework continues throughout years 9 and 10, the GCSE examination takes place in year 10. Coursework accounts for 60% of the available marks and 40% of the final mark will be based upon examination results. Curriculum time in Year 11 is then free for other pursuits such as Critical Thinking Skills.
Enrichment activities
Pupils have access to our well-equipped ICT suite at lunchtime and after school every day. Here they can work on school projects, use the Internet or simply improve their skills by increasing their computer use. We are also involved in the Family Learning Initiative.
Beyond GCSE
The school offers AS and A2 level Computing, and GCE in Applied ICT to sixth form students.
Beyond school
Qualifications in ICT will provide students with an essential skills-base. Keyboard and computer skills will be a pre-requisite for most further education or career paths, whatever the field. Those wishing to follow further education, or employment in ICT will often consider areas such as software and hardware development, computer systems management, computer networking, communications, web design, and business management.
