ICT at Abbyedale Grange School

Facilities

Two dedicated ICT rooms consisting in each room of:

• 25 New Apple iMacs - Dual booting Windows XP and Mac OS
• 10 New Apple MacBooks - Dual booting Windows XP and Mac OS
• 1 Dedicated Apple iMac linked to a Interactive Whiteboard - Dual booting Windows XP and Mac OS
• 1 Wireless Access Point
• 1 Colour Laser Printer
• High speed Internet connection for all computers

Teaching & Learning courses

Key Stage 3
In years 7, 8 and 9 all year groups follow the Key Stage 3 National Strategy, which follows the QCA scheme of work. During year 7, each student receives one lesson of ICT per week, in which basic ICT skills are developed, with years 8 & 9 given time to develop ICT skills in specific media related project work relating to the National Strategy. (Students can opt for an experimental media component with Mr Gradwell if they so wish in years 8 & 9 in addition to the core ICT lesson)
By year 9 all students are preparing for the Key Stage 3 ICT online SATS test. ICT becomes a ‘core subject’ in 2008, giving equal status with English, Mathematics and Science.

Key Stage 4

GCSE
In years 10 & 11 students may choose ICT as a discrete subject using one of their allocated option choices for GCSE. The course combines an academic approach with essential theory, (40% assessed by examination) which is interwoven with practical work in the form of coursework assignments (60%) of the final grade.

DiDA
However, from September 2006 all students choosing ICT as an option will follow a vocational qualification known as DiDA, (Digital Diploma in Applications). The aim of this course is to move away from paper and formal examinations and to educate students into using and developing new technology in an applied sense.
There will be up to four components available for students to work towards:
• (Core, compulsory) Using ICT
• (Option 2) Multimedia
• (Option 3) Graphics
• (Option 4) ICT & Enterprise
It is hoped that the majority of students will opt for all four components although there is flexibility within the programme of study.
Every student wishing to pursue this route must choose Using ICT, which is known as Aida, which is equivalent to 1 GCSE.
Students may then choose to follow one component from 2,3, or 4. This would qualify as CiDA or a certificate in digital applications. This qualification is equivalent to 2 GCSEs.
Finally, a student choosing all four options would qualify for DiDA, which is equivalent to 4 GCSEs.

ECDL (European Computer Driving License)
Students are actively encouraged to follow the ECDL course in enhancing their basic ICT skills. ECDL is an excellent way of gaining the equivalent of a GCSE grade B by sitting 5 components out of the eight assessed. Students who have competent reading & listening skills excel on this course. ECDL is available to students and staff alike and it is hoped that many of our students will leave Abbeydale having completed all eight modules.