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ICT Guide

Framework

The Framework for teaching ICT capability: Years 7, 8 and 9 (ICT Framework) brings together in one place the experience of the ICT pilot and best practice in secondary schools, much of which will already be familiar to you. It sets out teaching objectives for ICT for each of Years 7, 8 and 9 that:

  • are based on the National Curriculum programme of study for ICT in Key Stage 3
  • build on what pupils have learned in Key Stage 2 and develop their knowledge, skills and understanding in Key Stage 3
  • ensure that ICT skills are integrated with and taught alongside knowledge and understanding in a range of contexts

It provides advice and guidance to teachers of ICT on how to use the teaching objectives to:

  • establish high expectations for pupils' achievements
  • plan and teach appropriately challenging and engaging lessons
  • assess the progress of individuals and groups of pupils
  • set targets for pupils' future achievements

You should make a professional judgement about how to implement the advice in the Framework. Once you have studied it, work with your ICT consultant to evaluate your current practice and consider the professional development needs of yourself and your colleagues. You need to take into account:

  • pupils' past, current and expected attainment in ICT and the extent to which the school is likely to meet its target for raising standards in ICT
  • the extent to which teaching objectives and expectations of pupils in ICT compare with the detail and challenge of the objectives in this Framework
  • the extent to which the school is clear about the relationship between the teaching of ICT and its use to support learning in a range of subjects
  • the curriculum expertise and leadership in the department and its effectiveness in determining action to achieve higher standards
  • the extent to which the department is staffed by teachers not qualified in ICT, who may need support with their planning, teaching and assessment

Every school should strive to improve and do the best it can for its pupils. No school is an exception.  The Framework provides guidance to help you achieve this.
 
Using the Framework

The Framework does not require you to rewrite your scheme of work, but all schemes should be reviewed occasionally in any case. Using the Framework should help you improve the progression within your scheme of work as part of this phased review process.

You should explore to what extent your current scheme already incorporates the Framework's guidance. Your scheme of work almost certainly already includes the four key themes, although these may not be identified specifically. Pertinent questions to ask include "How well does our scheme of work develop the key themes? Do we meet the yearly teaching objectives in Years 7, 8 and 9? If not, where are the gaps?" We think that, as a result of attending training sessions and working with your consultant, you will be clear about what needs to be done, and how the Strategy can help you do so in a planned way.