LUDDENDENFOOT J&I SCHOOL
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY POLICY
INTRODUCTION
Information and Communication Technology is concerned with storing, processing and presenting information by electronic means. It gives pupils an opportunity to enhance and extend their learning across the curriculum, and to gain confidence and the capability to use ICT in a range of contexts. Computers are the most obvious of these but ICT also includes programmable robots, tape recorders, calculators and video and digital cameras.
AIMS
The key aims and purposes of the school’s information and communication technology provision are to be developed through a planned programme of activities throughout key stages 1 and 2.
The use of information technology with the school will seek to:
1. Stimulate pupils’ interest in new technologies as tools for learning and investigation.
2. Provide opportunities for pupils to work both collaboratively and independently.
3. Develop skills which will be appropriate in later life.
4. Provide children of all abilities with their entitlement to ICT as outlined in the National Curriculum Order for Information and Communication Technology Capability through a sensible delivery of the programmes of study.
5. Create opportunities for all children to participate in a broad range of relevant ICT activities in most areas of the curriculum.
6. Develop enjoyment of using ICT and tackle all applications with confidence and a sense of achievement.
TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS
At Luddendenfoot the QCA scheme of work will be used throughout the school, where appropriate. Because of the rapidly changing nature of ICT, staff may feel the need to plan and use alternative schemes. In teaching ICT staff will seek to provide appropriate opportunities for pupils to communicate and handle information through activities linked to work in all curriculum areas. As children progress and develop their skills, a broader range of applications will be introduced.
A range of classroom management strategies will be employed to ensure that the use of the computer is seen as an integral part of pupils’ work within the whole class, smaller groups and pairs, as well as individually. Work with the computer will be valued within the school and will be monitored by teachers to ensure appropriate progress is being made.
During key stage 1 children will be given the opportunity to become familiar with the computer and to develop keyboard and mouse skills, use a programmable robot, tape recorder, calculator and the internet.
Although ICT skills will occasionally be taught directly much of the work with the computer will provide opportunities for children to create text and images. All pupils will also have the opportunity to store and retrieve information from a number of sources. Roamer and Pip are available within the key stages to support control work.
During key stage two children will be asked to undertake more challenging, yet differentiated, tasks using a variety of software, including the WWW and e-mail.
All pupils will have the opportunity to work extensively with text, images and data.
Children will, throughout key stages 1 and 2, develop a growing capability in the use of ICT. They will broaden their skills and understanding in communicating and handling information, and controlling monitoring and modelling. Children will also be encouraged to develop appropriate attitudes to the use of ICT, value its contribution to learning and to appreciate the vast range of uses in every day life, industry and commerce.
EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY
All teaching and learning situations must take account of the range of abilities of children within the class. Where opportunities exist, teachers will acknowledge the positive effects on learning that some new technologies may have for pupils with learning difficulties and disabilities.
It is important to ensure all pupils receive their entitlement to an IT capability and that access to new technologies is not restricted to any individual or group.
DETAILED PLANNING
A detailed plan for ICT activities will be prepared by the teacher in the same format as other curriculum areas and in line with the schools planning policy. Plans will identify objectives, learning outcomes and assessment. Use of ICT will be identified in planning in other curriculum areas
RESOURCES
1. All classrooms will have at least two networked PC’s. Class 2 has laptops that a whole class can use. All classes will have access to Roamer or Pip.
2. Each classroom will have a variety of software to support work in ICT and in other areas of the curriculum, a digital camera and video camera. A digital microscope is available for use in Classes 4 and 5. Sensors for monitoring and control are available.
In addition other software and resource packs are available to support maths and English topics and themes where it is appropriate to classroom activity.
The acquisition of new ICT resources will reflect the needs of pupils and the school.
In addition, the ICT co-ordinator will review the opportunities offered by new technologies as they emerge, and assess their appropriateness.
ASSESSMENT AND RECORD KEEPING
Children will be assessed against the objectives outlined in the QCA scheme of work, and be given an appropriate level of attainment. Progress will be recorded and include examples of work.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Professional development opportunities for all staff will be provided in line with an analysis of needs linked to the implementation of the school’s information communication technology policy. Funds for professional development may be used to support a range of activities both with and outside the school, as outlined in the school development plan.
THE ROLE OF THE INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
CO-ORDINATOR
The role of the ICT co-ordinator is central to the development of a coherent, stimulating and progressive IT provision within the school. It is the responsibility of the co-ordinator to:
1. Ensure all staff are aware of the statutory requirements for ICT and subsequent developments.
2. Monitor and review the implementation of policy in collaboration with the Headteacher.
3. Encourage staff to develop valid and worthwhile ICT activities.
4. Oversee the acquisition of resources that children of all abilities are taken into consideration.
5. Ensure that the assessment of ICT is in line with the school’s emerging policy on assessment.
6. Keep the Headteacher informed of the way ICT capability is developing within the school.
7. Take responsibility for the purchase and organisation of central resources for ICT.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
We ensure all our pupils:
All electrical equipment should be regularly checked by the class teacher to ensure equipment is in good working order and any causes for concern reported to the Health and Safety Co-ordinator.
CHILD PROTECTION
All children have access to the internet which has a filter system to deny access to unsuitable sites.
REVIEW AND EVALUATION
The policy for information communication technology will be reviewed biannually. Comments from staff and governors will be taken into account.
The implementation of the policy will be monitored by the Headteacher and the ICT co-ordinator who will, if necessary call on external agencies to give specialist advice.