| Ms E. Clark | Subject Leader |
| Mrs H.Boulter | Teacher of RE |
| Mr R. Lonsdale | Teacher of RE |
| Mrs R. Masood | Teacher of RE |
| Mr J. Meara | Teacher of RE |
| Mr M. Prendiville | Teacher of RE |
| Mrs. G. Skerrow | Teacher of RE |
Key Stage 3
All students at Falinge Park High School study Religious Education. In Years 7-9 students follow a programme of study including Signs and Symbols, Origins of the Universe, big questions, rites of passage, tribes and much more!
Key Stage 4
In Year 9 students start their GCSE studies where they follow Edexcel Specification A (short course) in Religion and Life based on a study of Christianity and Islam. This exciting new GCSE looks at contemporary moral issues from both religious and non-religious views. Topics include;
• Believing in God – why people do/do not believe in God, how miracles and religious experiences can support a belief in God, how the universe began.
• Matters of Life and Death – religious and non-religious views on abortion and euthanasia and a study of what happens when we die.
• Marriage and Family – looking at the changing role of marriage in our society why do more people choose to live together and not marry? Divorce and sexual ethics.
• Religion and Community Cohesion – the role of religion and diversity in our multi-faith/multi-cultural society, racism, prejudice and discrimination and sexism.
Homework
Regular homework is set in line with school policy to enhance the learning experience in RE.
Extracurricular Provision
Students will have the opportunity to visit different places of worship in the local area.
Welcome to the History department: This is a busy yet exciting time in the History department. We are currently in the process of embedding revised curriculums at both key stages and revising our programme of educational visits.
Our students follow a series of historical enquiries aimed at firing their curiosity and imagination about the past. Through these, we seek to promote a range of transferable and key skills to support the development of students as independent and reflective learners. We aim to stimulate and engage students through delivery of units that provide creative and ‘deeper learning’ experiences.
Head of History/Humanities: Miss J Keighley
Teachers of History: Mrs M Brown, Mrs N Biddulph, Mrs R Masood.
KEY STAGE 3
At Key stage 3, we are implementing in Years 7 and 8 a series of new units. These encourage students to ask and answer questions about the past and to develop a wider understanding of their own identities. Students learn about the development of their local community, Britain, Europe and the wider World. They investigate Britain’s relationship with the wider world and connect past events to the present day.
KEY STAGE 4
History is part of the English Baccaleaurate and prepares students for the future. It equips them with the knowledge and skills that are needed and valued in adult life. It enhances employability and develops an ability to participate in a democratic society.
We deliver a full GCSE in Modern World History, Specification A, from the Edexcel examination board. Years 10 and 11 follow a modular route and Year 9, in line with current government reforms; a linear model.
HOMEWORK
Homework is an important and valued feature of learning and teaching in the History Department. A range of creative tasks linked to lessons are set to extend and deepen learning experiences. In particular, we aim to develop student’s research and independent learning skills that are essential for successful academic study. We set homework in line with school policy: Key Stage 4: a minimum of 45 minutes every week. Key Stage 3: a minimum of 45 minutes every 3 weeks.
EXTRACURRICULAR PROVISION
We have always provided a solid range of extracurricular activities to enrich students’ experiences of History. During the summer our GCSE History students enjoyed a 2 day historical and cultural visit to London. We have an exciting new programme of visits to offer to support our new curriculums at both key stages. GCSE students in Year’s 10 and 11 are encouraged to attend a series of GCSE revision workshops; these run as breakfast, lunchtime and afterschool sessions.
The study of geography stimulates an interest in and a sense of wonder about places. It helps young people make sense of a complex and dynamically changing world. It explains where places are, how places and landscapes are formed, how people and their environment interact, and how a diverse range of economies, societies and environments are interconnected. It builds on pupils’ own experiences to investigate places at all scales, from the personal to the global.
Our Staff
G Brookes – Teacher in Charge of Geography
S. Keaveny - Teacher of Geography and second in the humanities faculty
G. Boff – Teacher of Geography
H. Boulter – Teacher of Geography
KEY STAGE 3
Year 7:
Introduction to Geography
Maps and basic geographical skills
Settlement and shopping
Population and migration
Resources and the environment
Mini controlled assessment on the local area
Year 8:
Earthquakes and volcanoes
China
Coasts
The ocean
World issues
London Olympics 2012
KEY STAGE 4
Edexcel Specification B full course
Unit one : Dynamic planet
worth 25 %
assessed by a one hour exam
In this unit pupils do topics on :
The restless earth
Climate and change
Battle for the biosphere
Water world
Coastal change and conflict
Oceans on the edge
Unit two : People and the planet
worth 25 %
assessed by a one hour exam
In this unit pupils do topics on :
Population dynamics
Consuming resources
Living spaces
Making a living
Changing cities
World of work
Unit three: Decision making exercise
worth 25 %
assessed by a one hour exam
Pupils will study a particular topic. such as, Antarctica.
Unit four: Controlled assessment –
worth 25 %
Based on a field visit to Bury Rock.
Urban living space is a mixture of the good, bad and the ugly.
HOMEWORK
Set once every 3 weeks 45 minutes worth of homework.
EXTRACURRICULAR PROVISION
Year 11 revision classes after school every Tuesday in G03
Geography Olympics Competition
Open to entrants from Y7, Y8, Y9 and Y10
Design a modern flag for your given country
Citizenship aims to encourage students to become active citizens. This is a department where we encourage participation in community work, volunteering and generally on how to be a good citizen.
OUR STAFF
Sarah Keaveny
John Meara
Rozwana Masood
Jane Keighley
Maria Brown
Emily Clark
Gaynor Brookes
Mike Prendeville
KEY STAGE 3
Students in Year 8 complete three projects throughout the year. The first unit looks at an environmental project, the students will create a memorial garden in the Spodden Valley, linked to helping people who have suffered from Asbestos Related Illnesses.
KEY STAGE 4
Currently the students complete the Citizenship GCSE Short Course from Edexcel. The students complete a controlled assessment piece on a topic linked to one of the three themes of Rights and Responsibilities, Politics and the Media and The Global Community.
HOMEWORK
Homework is set once a week for GCSE and includes research tasks and practising of past examination questions.
EXTRACURRICULAR PROVISION
Visits are used to aid the Citizenship course. Many speakers are also included to help with the completion of the controlled assessment. These include speakers from Oxfam, Amnesty International, local magistrates and the Fairtrade Foundation.
Work Related Learning
School Staff
Mr C Richardson Head of Department
Mr A Penn i/c Enterprise Education
Mrs Lisa Ellis Admin Officer
Connexions Staff
Michelle Munch
Phillipa Murphy
Mr Jerry Knox
Work Related Learning (WRL) is a statutory part of the curriculum at Key Stage 4, and includes Enterprise Education. Both of these subjects are taught within the Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE) programme in Years 10 and 11, delivered by group tutors. The school follows the QCA guidelines in both subject areas. At the end of the courses, pupils are awarded certificates recording their attainment, for inclusion in their Progress File.
The department organises work experience in the school. Pupils undertake a two week placement in the summer term of Year 10. The aim is to give pupils a general experience of working as adults, rather than preparation for any specific job. Taking part in work experience helps pupils to focus on their school studies and prepare for their next steps in education.
Careers education and guidance is provided for all year groups in the school. This is delivered in Years 9 – 11 in partnership with Connexions, who deliver careers and options group work as well as individual guidance interviews.
The department received good reports from the last OfSTED and Local Authority inspections and is currently the Local Authority champion school for the Fasttomato careers package.
| Our Staff | |
| Mr. S. Ward | Head of Faculty |
| Ms. J. Richmond | 2nd in Faculty |
| Ms. M. Kowalski | 3rd in Faculty |
| Ms P. West | Healthy Schools Coordinator, Teacher of Science |
| Mr. S. Miah | Teacher of Science |
| Mr. D. Hardy | Teacher of Science |
| Mr. D. Chapman | Teacher of Science |
| Mr. C. Richardson | Head of WRL/CEG, Teacher of Science |
| Ms. A. Zwarts | Teacher of Science |
| Ms. F. Crossland | Teacher of Science |
| Mr. M. Azhar | Teacher of Science |
| Mr. M. Arfan | Technician |
| Mr. E. Doriman | Technician |
| Ms. R. Boff | Technician |
Science Department Vision
1. To provide an inclusive and individualised Science curriculum for all students.
2. To provide an enjoyable and engaging experience for all students in Science lessons.
3. To ensure all student achieve or exceed their academic potential.
KS3 Curriculum
• >The Science team offer a varied KS3 curriculum.
• >KS3 is made up of year 7 and year 8 classes.
• >Class sizes are approximately 25 students.
• >Year 7: – 6 hours per fortnight
• >Year 8: – 7 hours per fortnight
• >Students study a combination of Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics, based on a combination of Exploring Science and Eureka schemes of work.
Year 7 Curriculum Topics
• Safety in science
• Acids and Alkalis
• Bubbles, bangs and burns
• What a waste and Water
• The solar system, satellites and space
• Circuits
• Forces
• Energy
• Classification and extinction
• Sex and inheritance
• Tissues, transplants and disease
Year 8 Curriculum Topics
• Heat transfers
• Light and the Electromagnetic spectrum
• Sound and Hearing
• Forces in motion
• Healthy life styles
• Green machine – plants
• Ecology
• Materials and recycling
• Building for the future
• Rocks, Flying machine
KS4 Curriculum
>The science team offers a varied KS4 curriculum.
>Studied in year 9, 10 and 11.
>The curriculum is linked to the pathway that the student studies.
Pathway 1: students study AQA triple/separate science route.
>Students will achieve a separate GCSE in biology, chemistry and physics.
AQA Chemistry Topic 1
>The Earth provides
◦ Fundamental ideas in chemistry
◦ Rocks and building materials
◦ Metals and rocks
◦ Fuels from oils
>Oils, Earth and Atmosphere
◦ Chemicals from alkenes
◦ Using plant oils
◦ The Earth and atmosphere
AQA Chemistry Topic 2
>Building blocks of chemistry
◦ Atoms, elements and compounds
◦ Structures
◦ Relative masses of atoms
>Rates, salts and electrolysis
◦ Rates of chemical reactions
◦ Energy from chemical reactions
◦ Making salts
◦ Electrolysis
AQA Chemistry Topic 3
>Looking for patterns
◦ The periodic table and its development
◦ What is in the water we drink?
◦ Energy from reactions
>Analysis, ammonia and organic compounds
◦ Identifying and analysing substances
◦ The production of ammonia
◦ Uses of alcohol
AQA Biology Topic 1
>How organisms work
◦ Healthy bodies
◦ Co-ordinated responses
◦ Drugs: Use and abuse
>Environment and evolution
◦ Interdependence and adaptation
◦ Energy
◦ Variation
◦ Evolution
AQA Biology Topic 2
>Growing and using our food
◦ Cells and cell structure
◦ Plants: obtaining food and growth
◦ Communities of organisms and their environment
>Understanding how organisms function
◦ Proteins and their functions
◦ Energy for respiration
◦ Patterns of inheritance
◦ Organisms changing through time
AQA Biology Topic 3
>Biological Systems
◦ Exchanges
◦ Transporting materials
◦ Homeostasis
>Humans and the environment
◦ Humans and the environment
AQA Physics Topic 1
>Energy
◦ Heat
◦ Energy and efficiency
◦ Electrical devices
◦ Generating electricity
>Waves and the Universe
◦ Waves
◦ Red shift
AQA Physics Topic 2
>Forces and motion
◦ Forces and motion
◦ Forces and kinetic energy
>Electricity, radiation, atoms and the stars
◦ Electrical circuits
◦ Electrical safety
◦ Atoms and radiation
◦ Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion
AQA Physics Topic 3
>Medical applications of physics
◦ Medical applications of physics
◦ Lenses and light
>Making things work
◦ Making things work
◦ Keeping things moving
Pathway 2: students study Edexcel core and additional science.
>Students will achieve two GCSE in science
Edexcel GCSE Core
>Biology 1 Influences on life
◦ Classification, variation and inheritance
◦ Response to a changing environment
◦ Problems of and solutions to changing environment
>Chemistry 1: Chemistry in our world
◦ The Earth’s Sea and atmosphere
◦ Materials from the Earth
◦ Acids
◦ Obtaining and Using metals
◦ Fuels
>Physics 1: Universal Physics
◦ Visible light and the solar system
◦ The Electromagnetic Spectrum
◦ Waves and the Universe
◦ Waves and the Earth
◦ Generation and transmission of Electricity
◦ Energy and the future
Edexcel GCSE Additional
>Biology 2: Components of life
◦ The building blocks of life
◦ Organisms and energy
◦ Common systems
>Chemistry 2: Discovering Chemistry
◦ Atomic structure and the periodic table
◦ Ionic bonding
◦ Covalent bonding
◦ Groups in the periodic table
◦ Quantitative chemistry
◦ Chemical reactions
>Physics 2: Physics for your future
◦ Static and current electricity
◦ Controlling and using electrical current
◦ Motion and force
◦ Momentum, work, power and energy
◦ Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion
◦ Advantages and disadvantages of using radioactivity
Pathway 3: Students study Edexcel BTEC extended certificate
◦ Students will achieve two GCSE equivalent qualification
BTEC Applied Science
>BTEC Certificate in applied science
◦ Unit 1: Chemistry and our Earth
◦ Unit 2: Energy and our Universe
◦ Unit 3: Biology and our Environment
>BTEC Extended Certificate in applied science
◦ Unit 4: Applications of chemical substances
◦ Unit 5: Applications of physical science
◦ Unit 6: Health application of life science
Extracurricular Provision
Regular catch up/revision classes take place closer to exams time to give our pupils the best preparation and confidence before sitting their exams.
Extra resources available via the school VLE and recommended sites like SamLearning
| Our Staff | |
| Mrs S. Ridings | Head of Faculty, Head of Girls PE |
| Mr D. O'Reilly | Head of Boys PE |
| Ms L. Finc | Teacher of PE |
| Mr M.Rudkowskyj | Teacher of PE |
| Miss C. Nash | Teacher of PE |
| Mr A. Ingham | Teacher of PE |
| Ms F. Younge | Teacher of PE |
| Mr J. Cook | SSCO Officer, Teacher of PE |
| Mr R. Baron | Academic Technician |
Our aim is to enable all young people, whatever their ability, to take part in and enjoy PE and sport. We will provide the opportunity for all pupils to improve and achieve in line with their age and potential. The promotion of health, safety and well being will be at the core of our philosophy.
The P.E Department consists of;
A large sports hall.
A gym.
A fitness suite and weight training room.
Indoor rowing machines, fully set up for class competitions.
2 tarmac outdoor playing surfaces and access to Lenny Barn fields.
Whether it be indoor or outdoor, each one of these areas can be altered to suit the activity that your child will be taking part in through both fixed and portable equipment.
KEY STAGE 3
Our aim is to provide every child the opportunity to partake in a broader range of sports, teaching them the rules and techniques of each sport as we go along. We actively encourage pupils to participate in extra curricular activities, to ensure they are getting the best possible start to their sporting life. Aside from the practical side, we also teach several theory lessons to help your child understand how the body works within sport. The theory lessons also include information on nutrition and planning and analysing work.
KEY STAGE 4
Students have the option to select GCSE P.E or BTEC Diploma in Sport. In GCSE P.E pupils have the chance to be assessed in four of their strongest activities with a written theoretical exam at the end of the course. GCSE P.E is 40% practical and 60% theory work. BTEC Diploma in Sport has no written exam and students have to provide evidence by completing assignments on seven different units. There is no set percentage of practical for the BTEC Diploma in Sport, but staff will always try to incorporate practical lessons when possible.
HOMEWORK
Due to the physical nature of our curriculum, we very rarely set written homework for our lessons. We may, however, set fitness plans and other sport based activities, as well as analysis of work done in previous lessons. BTEC students and GCSE students will be assigned homework on a weekly basis.
EXTRACURRICULAR PROVISION
The P.E department offer a range of extra curricular activities including; Football, Rounders, Netball, Basketball, Volleyball, Trampolining, Athletics, Cross Country and Cricket. We regularly compete with other schools within the borough, and are this year going to be celebrating the London 2012 Olympics with an event at Sports City in Manchester.
OUR VALUES AND AIMS
We passionately believe that people who speak more than one language have an asset for life. The ability to speak languages is a lifelong skill which enhances working life, cultural awareness and leisure activities for people of all ages. Therefore, everything we do has at its core the aim to bring about a positive change in the way languages are perceived, to help students to achieve their full potential and to ensure great success in language learning, which in turn will improve students’ life chances. We endeavour to make the process of language learning inclusive, enjoyable and stimulating, offering tangible benefits in the world of work, when holidaying or living abroad. In addition, we place great emphasis on rewarding our students for their effort and commitment to language learning as well as rewarding their achievements. Rewards given to students range from merits, postcards and certificates to trips and monthly prizes for students who are chosen as Linguist of the Month.
YOUR FUTURE WITH MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES
Here are just a few good reasons why learning a foreign language is important.
Learning a language...
1. ...improves your grasp of English
2. ...widens your career options
3. ...enhances your confidence
4. ...makes travelling easier and more enjoyable
5. ...shows you are open minded and tolerant
6. ...boosts brain power
|
OUR STAFF |
|
|
Miss. L. Turner |
Head of MFL, Teacher of French |
|
Mr. D. Hollows |
Second in Faculty, Teacher of French |
|
Mr. P. Jaffa-Brown |
Teacher of French and Spanish |
|
Mr. M. Azhar |
Teacher of Urdu |
|
Miss H. Bryant |
Teacher of Spanish |
|
Mr. A. S. Mir |
Teacher of Urdu and EAL |
|
Mrs. A. Jaffa-Brown |
Teacher of Spanish |
KEY STAGE 3
Students at Falinge Park High School study a two year course at Key Stage 3 in languages. They are able to choose which language they want to study. The languages we currently offer are French, Spanish and Urdu. The curriculum is lively and engaging with students experiencing language learning through a variety of activities including songs, games, drama, video, films and the use of state-of-the-art technology.
KEY STAGE 4
At Key Stage 4, students follow the Full Course GCSE which comprises of 30% speaking exam, 30% writing exam, 20% listening exam and 20% reading exam. Students study a range of topic areas from Media and Culture, Sport and Leisure to Travel and Tourism and Business, Work and Employment. Students develop many valuable skills during the course – improved communication skills (both orally and written), ability to work co-operatively as part of a team but also able to be an independent learner, confidence, creativity and a tolerance of other cultures and traditions.
HOMEWORK
Homework to consolidate the students’ learning in class is set on a regular basis across both Key Stages. Language homework will not always be a traditional reading comprehension or writing task. Students may be given homework to learn key vocabulary and structures; to research a cultural aspect of the language they are studying or to use language websites to practise grammar or listening activities. All homework is marked on a timely basis and students receive both oral and written feedback on their work with identified target areas for further improvement. Teachers will use the MFL Behaviour Policy if a student fails to complete their homework on time.
EXTRACURRICULAR PROVISION
We believe that in order to achieve their full potential and achieve success in languages, students have to experience the true value of learning a language. It is for this reason that we provide our students with a variety of out-of-class activities including annual visits to France and Spain, trips to the European Christmas Markets, theatre performances and a partnership with a school in Valance in the South of France.
Our Staff
| Mrs. S. Wood | Head of Faculty |
| Mr. Q. Shereef | 2nd in Mathematics Faculty |
| Mr. N. Ahmed | 3rd in Faculty, Teacher of Mathematics |
| Mrs. C. Rudkowskyj | Teacher of Mathematics, Head of Phoenix Community |
| Ms. S. Sapsford | Teacher of Mathematics/ Head of Lowry Community |
| Mr. N. Smith | Teacher of Mathematics, Head of Coliseum Community |
| Mr. R. Khan | Teacher of Mathematics |
| Mr. P. Hollingsworth | Teacher of Mathematics |
| Ms. S. Dawe | Teacher of Mathematics |
| Mrs. K. Melech | Academic Technician |
| Ms. T. O'Rourke | Intervention Teaching Assistant |
| Mrs. N. Houghton | Cover Supervisor |
| Mrs. J. Weston | Classroom Assistant |
The faculty is recognised as strategically focused being forward looking, highly committed, motivated and very hard working. Staff have high expectations of pupils and strive to continually improve their performance.
Mathematics is taught in a suite of 6 classrooms with 3 classrooms situated in other areas of the school. Within the mathematics suite all classroom are equipped with interactive whiteboards. The Maths faculty is equipped with the latest software, text books and equipment to aide learning and teaching. All mathematics staff are provided with a laptop. ICT provision is extensive our own suite of 30 laptops and numerous computer suites around school in addition to the City Learning Centre.
The scheme of work at KS3 is based on the National Numeracy Strategy with pupils working through modules of work of approximately 2 weeks duration. At KS4 we follow the EDEXCEL GCSE Mathematics course with schemes of work based on the Higher and Foundation tiers of entry. All pupils are entered for GCSE Mathematics. Most of our pupils sit their Maths exam early either in year 10 or in the November of year 11. Following this they either follow the GCSE Statistics course or for our most able pupils the GCSE in Additional Mathematics.
The Schemes of work at both KS3 and KS4 are objective driven. The faculty has numerous textbooks and equipment available for all levels of ability.
Falinge Park High School can proudly lay claim to one of the best school libraries in Rochdale. We have an impressive selection of up-to-date, exciting fiction for all reading ages and a great choice of non-fiction titles for you to enjoy.
The Library is open every day at break time and dinner time. It is used for English lessons throughout Years 7 and 8 and for specific lessons across the curriculum. It also plays host to Home Work Club where pupils can use the books to do research and make use of the IT facilities. It runs after school from 2.45pm until 4pm on a Friday to help pupils of all ages clear that stressful backlog of homework and leave the weekend clear for plenty of fun!
The Library also contains several interesting features that we think you’ll appreciate:
• A range of stunning displays linked to current reading trends. Recently these have included many movie ‘tie-ins’ including C. S. Lewis’ ‘The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe’,‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Indiana Jones’ fiction.
• Regular competitions and puzzles with great prizes and certificates to win. Recent competitions have included ‘design a card’, ‘environmental posters’ and a poetry competition. The library also recently held a Breakfast Reading Club event for World Book Day where pupils got a sneak preview of some new books whilst enjoying croissants and juice. It also housed a lunch time Book Quiz.
We have quiet study areas, a mezzanine level containing PCS for those pupils who want a place to complete homework, a comfy seating area with a sofa available for you to relax with a book.
• A growing number of magazines (including Dr Who, Shout, Bliss, Digital Arts, First News, Flipside, New Scientist) and graphic novels for you to enjoy. We even have graphic novels of Shakespeare texts if you’re struggling to read the real thing outside class!
• An easy to use fingerprint system which means that you don’t need to remember any cards to take a book out!
• A bank of Curriculum Support Boxes containing books that are clearly linked to the topics you are studying in class and are intended to allow you to deepen your breadth of knowledge and impress your teacher.
• A great selection of books specifically on the Performing Arts, including Dance, Drama and Music. We guarantee we’ll bring out the star in you!
• A range of Revision texts and study guides for most subjects and a selection of self-help books that teach you how to revise and study in different ways.
The Library has a large selection of reference texts which stay in the library at all times. These are clearly marked. The fiction is regularly updated and if you can’t find what you are looking for then don’t be afraid to ask Ms. Murtagh, our School Librarian for help. If we don’t have the book you want to read then just ask and we’ll do our best to make it available for you very shortly.
Come and visit the Library; it’s a fantastic place to study, read and learn... You may like it so much that you might want to become one of the pupil librarians!
Here are some links you may find usefull -
Rochdale Libraries, the children’s portal: http://libraries.rochdale.gov.uk/ipac20/ipac.jsp?profile=dial--11#focus
BBC Bitesize http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/
WH Smith Children’s Book Chart: http://www.whsmith.co.uk/CatalogAndSearch/ChartResults.aspx?chart=chartkidsbooks
http://www.bookswithbite.co.uk/
http://www.readwriteexcite.co.uk
Author related links:
http://www.bibipublishing.co.uk/default.html
http://www.jacquelinewilson.co.uk/
| Our Staff | |
| Mrs S. Smith | Head of Faculty for ICT & Business, Teacher of ICT |
| Ms H. Williams | 2nd in Faculty, ICTAC Coordinator, Teacher of ICT |
| Mr R. Bushell | Teacher of ICT |
| Mr A. Penn | Head of Business Studies |
| Mr H. Wadsworth | Network Manager |
| Mr S. Puddephatt | Data & ICT Technical Support |
| Mr Z. Rodak | Web, VLE & ICT Technical Support |
| Mrs S. Anwar | Academic Technician |
OUR PHILOSOPHY
ICT Information Communications Technology is more vital now than ever. Our young people need a knowledge and understanding of computers, software, the Internet and the rapidly expanding world of digital communications. To be successful, they need to develop an awareness of how organisations communicate and operate to retain their competitive edge.
Our department aim is to ensure that all our pupils can use ICT securely, creatively and independently, and have the ability and confidence to remain up-to-date with future developments in technology. We work hard as a team of specialist teachers to inspire our pupils to develop the skills and understanding required to be effective and responsible as individuals at school, in their friendship groups, communities, further education and the workplace.
OUR FACILITIES
The ICT department comprises four specialist suites each equipped with interactive whiteboard, sound and projector systems and approximately 30 networked workstations. Each offers filtered, high speed internet access and runs the latest Windows 7 operating system, the latest Microsoft Office and Macromedia software plus a wide range of other applications. Laser and colour inkjet printers, webcams, digital cameras and video recorders, scanners and sound recording are available in all rooms to provide the necessary equipment expected for the 21st century. There are a further eight IT suites throughout the school dedicated to specific faculties.
The ratio of computers to pupils is excellent, with approximately 650 networked workstations across school and interactive whiteboards in every teaching room.
All pupils are issued with their own unique log-in account and password to access the school network and their own secure storage area for school work. We also offer a secure school email account to enable those with out-of-school computer/internet access to transfer work safely between home and school. It is expected that all pupils will comply with the use of school ICT facilities in accordance with our 'Acceptable User' policy.
ICT PROVISION
Pupils in Years 7 - 9 are taught in mixed ability groups, and receive two lessons per fortnight in one of the specialist computer suites. They complete units of work which provide opportunities to develop their knowledge, understanding and technical ability in a range of software and the safe, responsible use of the internet/email. This is delivered through a variety of learning activities including the use of on-line learning materials.
In Year 9, pupils undertake an extended piece of work to develop competence with more of the advanced tools and features of the programs. It is expected that pupils will develop their strategies to work more independently of the teacher, through preparatory work for KS4. These skills are integral to becoming an effective learner, are transferable to other subjects and will be beneficial to learning post 16.
Pupils will develop competency in the following areas:
* analysing problems and identifying the outcomes required,
* researching effectively; selecting and using appropriate resources, and recording and acknowledging sources,
* planning and monitoring their own progress,
* developing and recording ideas, and producing solutions which effectively meet the needs of the defined audience and purpose,
* critically evaluating their own work and that of others, to enable improvement(s).
Pupils in Years 10 and 11 can 'opt' to study a Digital Applications qualification (the equivalent of up to two GCSEs). This initially takes the form of AIDA (Award in Digital Applications) and can be topped up to achieve CiDA (Certificate in Digital Applications).
Those who do not choose ICT as an option subject still receive 1 lesson of ICT each week and have the opportunity to gain the Functional Skills qualification (0.5 x GCSE).
Our homework tasks take a variety of formats and may include; research (internet or otherwise), practising new skills, preparation/annotation of design plans, learning vocabulary, collection of materials to bring to lessons, worksheets, peer assessment/feedback, evaluation and self-assessment, and completion of lesson tasks.
EXTRA CURRICULAR PROVISION
Pupils are able to use the computers in the ICT suites during lunchtimes and after school. These are open every day of the week. Any pupil wishing to use a room outside of lesson times should see the notices in the ICT area for further information and will need to ensure the 'Acceptable User Policy' (see pupil planner) is signed by themselves and a parent/guardian, especially if they wish to use the internet.
Pupils are encouraged to use the computers in their own time for many reasons:
* to practise and consolidate new skills learnt in ICT lessons
* to investigate the tools and features of a wide range of software
* to undertake skills audits and tutorials
* to complete homework and coursework
* for research purposes, and
* to undertake independent revision and examination practice, using the wealth of online learning materials available.
On occasions throughout the year, priority is given to KS4 pupils so that they may have opportunities to meet coursework deadlines. Other subject areas across school also offer the use of computers outside of lesson times, including the school library.
ICT ACROSS THE CURRICULUM (ICTAC)
We firmly believe that all teaching staff should be competent to deliver an ICT requirement within their own subject area, which complements and consolidates the teaching and learning experienced within ICT lessons.
The 4 ICT suites are available on a booking system to accommodate use by other subject areas and many faculties have their own ICT suites; Art, Design & Technology, Health & Social Care, Mathematics, Media Studies, Music & Modern Foreign Languages.