ICT

Pupils in the Pre-Preparatory Department benefit from one dedicated ICT lesson per week as well as access to computers and Smartboards in all class based lessons. 

ICT resources are promoted as a valuable tool in aiding the children’s research, investigation and exploration in other subjects.

They are taught that many modern day objects contain a computer. Children learn how to use the different parts of a desk top computer to log in to their personal area and how to use a mouse. They complete the BBC ‘Dancemat’ program, which teaches children where the different functions of a computer are located on a keyboard.

Later, children learn about algorithms, how to create and destroy simple programs and use logical reasoning to predict the behavior a simple program. The program called ‘Discovery Coding’ complements learning. Children also learn the basic functions of using Microsoft word documents and how to use the internet safely and responsibly.

ICT is taught in lessons throughout the year. Whilst the children have a double lesson of dedicated lesson time per week they also utilise our own purpose-built ICT suite within other lessons.

Lessons are designed to equip the children with skills required in later life; letter writing, presentations, posters and formal documents are as important as learning ‘coding’. We use the latest versions of Windows and run up-to-date software packages. The children are taught to use and transfer skills between Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher as well as using the Discovery Online Coding package.

Other academic lessons also utilise these skills and hone those of research, presentation and reporting.