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ICT
and Nettlesworth School
Here at Nettlesworth we
strongly believe in the power of ICT as a tool for learning across all
curriculum areas. Children need to be experienced in the practical uses
of ICT to make the most of their education.
We also believe it is important
that children have ICT skills and are readied for employment and leisure
in a world in which ICT plays a large part. Therefore it is a policy of
the school to integrate ICT into teaching and learning in all subjects
across both key stages. ICT is a major
strength of our school and is a key tool for motivating children and for
raising standards.
Children begin their journey
of learning at the age of four when they join the school and continue to
build on this as they move from class to class. In their first years at
the school they learn how to interact with the computer, how to control
a mouse, how to use a concept and ordinary keyboard, how to load a program
and other essential ICT skills. They then build on this as they move through
the school and leave us at the age of eleven with a wide range of skills
and IT expertise. These skills are not taught in isolation. They are covered
within the day to day teaching of the school and as an integral part of
the teaching of other subjects. The development and progression of our
work is mapped out in our curriculum framework and scheme of work for ICT.
This
progression is planned and encouraged through an ICT Award scheme. The
scheme covers the requirements of the National Curriculum programmes of
study from levels one to five and beyond. The first award begins with the
key skills required to interact with the computer. The children then progress
through a series of award levels leading to the distinction, which involves
the independent creation of a multi-media package or internet web page
incorporating graphics, sound and text.
Organisation
The school has worked hard to
maintain a better than average pupil: machine ratio and these machines
are situated in classrooms. Each class has access to at least three computer
systems with one or two networked PCs, Acorn systems and a range of peripherals
including palmtops, a digital camera and a scanner. Internet access is
provided through a stand alone PC connected via a modem but it is hoped
to extend this to each classroom in the near future.
Projects
In the past we have been
used by Durham LEA to trial new systems such as hard disks and palm tops.
We are currently co-piloting
Primary school networking and Intranet use for the LEA. This has provided
us with an RM Primary Network with six PCs which are in use throughout
the school. This Intersect
project involves us in connecting with two other primary schools and a
local comprehensive through video conferencing, e-mail and the Internet.
Our
ICT Page