ICT

Aims

  • *       to develop, maintain and stimulate students' curiosity, interest and enjoyment of Information and Communication Technology
  • *       to allow students to develop transferable ICT skills and to make informed opinions about the subject of ICT
  • *       to support all staff in their need to develop strategies in using ICT within their teaching.
  • *       to ensure effective deployment of ICT resources including hardware and software.

Teaching approach and courses

In line with expectations at all schools these days, ICT is used in all subjects and many individual lessons, as well as being required increasingly often for completion of homework. The requirements vary from subject to subject as to which particular skills are needed, but pupils receive advice on this related specifically to the subject in question.

We have now moved away from ICT being taught as a standalone examination subject.  This should not be interpreted though as any lack of commitment to the use of ICT, which we feel strongly is an essential part of young people's education.

One of the most exciting recent developments in ICT has been the introduction of the Virtual Learning Environment. At QEGS we are currently testing the Kaleidos suite of software which is used to develop our Virtual Learning Platform. Kaleidos enables collaboration between teachers and pupils by sharing and exchanging resources at home and at school. Individual learning programmes are now being developed that enhance the teaching and learning process.

In addition to the Virtual Learning Environment, we are also developing facilities for pupils to store electronic portfolios of work. The portfolios are collections of files that pupils create at home and at school to develop their ICT skills and improve understanding of the subjects they study at school.

In time we will be involving all groups within the QEGS community so that knowledge and expertise can be shared via Kaleidos. Pupils working from home on assignments will be able to complete tasks and upload files to their teachers. Discussion groups sharing ideas and making use of techniques for collaboration, networking and planning will be possible via shared web pages with ‘Wikis’ and ‘Blogs’ becoming part of the new QEGS culture.