The National Curriculum programmes of study for ICT in Key Stages 3 and 4 group the knowledge, skills and understanding that pupils need to acquire into key processes (strands). These strands, which characterise what people normally do when they work with ICT, are:
Elements of all the strands are likely to occur in most units of ICT work. Schools often teach certain units early in the year so that pupils are familiar with the ICT tools and techniques required by teachers of other subjects. It is crucial that in each key stage:
- pupils experience a balanced programme covering all the yearly learning objectives
- the programme combines objectives from each of the strands, including reviewing, modifying and evaluating pupils' work
- the programme provides breadth of study through a variety of experiences, as required by the National Curriculum
- the programme acknowledges and draws on contexts and ICT applications used in other subjects.
The next sections consider each strand in turn, describing:
- what is important about the strand
- pupils' experiences of the strand in Key Stage 2
- what knowledge, skills and understanding teachers should check in Year 7
- what teachers should move on to teach throughout Key Stages 3 and 4
- how the strand can be reinforced in routine ways, including by teachers of other subjects.
