The term ICT is used to indicate the whole range of technologies involved in information processing and electronic communications, including the Internet, electronic mail and videoconferencing.

In recent years ICT has had, and is continuing to have, a significant influence on all aspects of society. There are few areas of life, at home and in work, where these new technologies have not made an impact. ICT expands our access to, and understanding of, the world at large. It allows people in all areas of life to benefit from the power of computers as a personal tool, to collaborate in groups and to communicate locally and globally.

Ultimately the educational purpose of ICT at the Martin High School should be to assist pupils play their full part in society. They should be well informed about the current and potential applications of ICT and be skilled and effective in using them. They must be able to evaluate the effectiveness of the resources provided by ICT and determine when it is most appropriate to use them.

Objectives

A number of objectives derive from this broad statement of aim. ICT in 11-14 will encourage pupils to:

• develop confidence and skills in using ICT
• make use of ICT to create and present their own ideas and material
• use ICT to collect and analyse structured information and to solve problems
• employ ICT to search for information and to research topics
• use ICT to communicate and collaborate with others
• employ ICT to control and model aspects of the environment
• be aware of and be informed about the applications and implications of ICT in society

Contexts for Teaching and Learning

The central premise of the development of ICT at the Martin High School is that it should permeate all aspects of the curriculum, being regarded as a tool for learning. In a recent initiative the school has developed a training programme and for all staff to use Interactive whiteboards in their teaching. These boards are now in almost every teaching classroom.

The ICT school policy highlights the structure of the ICT programme, it has three areas of learning:

• Specific focused instruction in ICT skills on an individual or group basis – Discrete (This takes the form if a 60 minute lesson each week for every pupil within the school)
• Development of ICT skills through cross-curricular activities (ICT used within other subject areas as tool to aid learning)
• Contextualised application of ICT skills (Example: Trans-national whole school project)

Planning and Assessment

In planning for ICT, the school take account of the National Initiatives and current blueprint for ICT development within DCFS. Priorities for the implementation are controlled by the ICT Head of Department.

The curriculum outcomes form the basis of reporting to parents and guide continuity and progression through the programme.