Information & Communications Technology (ICT)

Department Overview

Recently the world celebrated 50 years since the Sputnik satellite went into orbit around the earth, this brought home to us the vast advances in global communications and technology in this time period.  The advent of computers for personal use (PCs), games, the internet, mobile phones and mobile communications have all developed in this short time span. Information and Communications Technology (ICT) continues to develop exponentially with the increase in social networking, virtual worlds gaming and increasingly sophisticated mobile phones which not only are used for conversation and texting but also to access the Internet, play games, download and play music, videos and movies but also to collect emails and act as a hand held PC.

Shebbear College was one of the first schools in Devon to set up internet access, at first on one pc with limited, privileged access but now the College enjoys broadband access through every classroom and boarding house room together with interactive whiteboards and now an ICT suite in the library.  We tend to take all this for granted now and educational research via the internet is an essential part of many subjects.

In the Senior School forms 1 and 2, pupils learn basic skills using Mavis Beacon Typing Tutor, Microsoft Office applications and are introduced to web authoring software to create their own e-portfolio web pages using Macromedia Dreamweaver.

Commencing in the 3rd form pupils learn to plan a major project using ICT as a foundation to project work for GCSE ICT. Pupils in forms 4 and 5 develop four individual pieces of coursework for 60% of the GCSE.  In addition the theory of ICT is covered for examination in form 5. In the 6th Form AS/A2 Applied ICT allows students to create portfolios of work in many areas of ICT including Interactive Multimedia Products, Publishing, Artwork and Imaging.

Facilities

The College has some 150 computers across the campus connected to our Local Area Network (LAN) to share teaching resources, the Internet and Colour Laserjet printing. Almost all our classrooms have interactive whiteboards which are very popular with staff and pupils alike. Within the boarding houses all rooms have network and Internet access via our 4Mb Broadband lines.

In the Classroom

GCSE
 EDEXCEL GCSE ICT syllabus is followed http://www.edexcel.org.uk/quals/gcse/ict/gcse/1185/ .  Candidates work on a piece of individual coursework each term and cover Multimedia, Spreadsheets, Databases and Desk top publishing.  Theory is also covered throughout the course in preparation for the two hour final examination.  A case study is set by the examination board which is covered in the final two terms.

AS Level
The new Applied ICT AS offers students the opportunity to advance their skills and understanding of how individuals, organisations and society use ICT and its implications. The course equips students with professional presentation skills which will assist them in seeking employment or in further education.

A Level
A2 Applied ICT allows students to specialise in the important areas of Interactive Multimedia Products, Publishing, Artwork and Imaging or numerical modeling with Spreadsheets. The portfolio emphasis of the assessments suits students with good independent learning skills.

Beyond the Classroom

Opportunities to visit local businesses such as Dartington Crystal and Light Aero to see ICT in action are taken up in the 6th Form. Candidates will also travel to France to study the uses of ICT Live at Disneyland Paris attending seminars concerning Hotel booking databases, animation and the use of ICT in the design and construction of theme park rides. An exciting prospect!