ICT / Computer Science | Three Ways School

Three Ways School aims to equip all pupils with the skills they need to participate in a rapidly evolving world, ensuring that they are safe at every stage. We want to develop learners who are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology. They will develop a strong understanding of new as well as unfamiliar technologies and have repeated practical experience of writing and using computer programs in order to solve real problems. By engaging in computational thinking, pupils will develop problem-solving and critical reasoning skills, applying these to a wider range of curricular areas: in particular, to the interlinked STEM subjects.

We use a wide range of technologies throughout the school which play an invaluable part in the education of all students. All classrooms have a Smartboard that allows all pupils to access lessons via resources shown on an interactive screen. ICT is used in the majority of subjects to engage and motivate pupils and allow them access to a wide range of environments.

To ensure that all pupils have equal access to ICT, adapted versions of keyboards, screens and pointing devices are available. For those pupils for whom these input methods are inappropriate, the school uses simple switches to enable access to the computer and control onscreen actions when using sensory software programs. Teaching staff also use portable technology in classrooms; these include iPads, laptops, image and audio recording devices and programmable devices.

Computing as a separate subject is taught in the secondary school from Year 7 where pupils can use iPad and laptops. Recent modifications to the curriculum in Computing are in line with national developments mean that pupils now study strands of ICT including internet safety, multi-media, Technology, data handling as well as elementary coding and programming (how to control devices and game characters to achieve specific purpose).

We are also constantly seeking to ensure that our students are digitally literate and aware of the risks that technology and online communication may present. In a world where technology plays and increasing part in more and more of our daily activities it is imperative that students leave Three Ways School with the knowledge of how to use such technologies appropriately and safely.

Summary of ‘Our Aims’ are:

• To develop children’s individual Computing capability and understanding

• To ensure all children know how to stay safe online

• To enhance teaching and learning in other areas of the curriculum by cross curricular use of Computing

• To develop Computing as a tool for learning and investigation

• To equip pupils with the confidence and capability to use IT throughout their education, home and further work life.

• To recognize the potential, and deepen the necessity of Computing in everyday life

• To stimulate interest in new technologies