Information & Communication Technology

Click here for information on A Level ICT options at MHCHS

"Students enjoy using Information and Communication Technology. They are confident, well motivated and positive in their approach to computers." Ofsted

The Fey Centre is a purpose built ICT centre with four dedicated rooms, complete with thirty workstations in each. In all, there are over 300 computers available to students around the campus. The ICT infrastructure of the school is managed according to a rolling program with all redundant hardware being replaced in a four-year cycle.

All PCs use industry standard software together with current educational programs. These are also reviewed on an annual basis. Each student is allocated a school e-mail address and all computers have access to the Internet providing a broadband filtered service.

The school uses the Fronter ‘Virtual Learning Environment’ which supports the curriculum by providing learning opportunities in a variety of ways from any internet enabled device. All students have access to the computers at lunch times to complete work and staff are always on hand to help.

In discrete ICT lessons at Key Stage 3, students are given a broad foundation in the skills that they will need to assist them in using ICT later on in their school career. Topics include podcasting, web searching, video and sound editing, as well as standard software applications skills. All students are regularly assessed on their ICT capability and this is reported at the end of Key Stage 3.

In Key Stage 4 students develop their ICT capability by following a GCSE short course in ICT. Some students may have the option of upgrading this into a full GCSE in Year 11. In addition to this provision at Key Stage 4, a number of students are offered a vocational ICT course at intermediate level, the equivalent of 3 GCSEs at grade C or above.

At Key Stage 5, A-Level ICT has a task-driven approach to problem solving and decision making which relies on the effective use of Information and Communication Technology systems. The course aims to extend the students’ understanding of the effects and limitations of ICT and of the new opportunities it provides within organisations and society.

The department also offers a double A-Level in Applied ICT. It is designed to provide a broad education as a foundation for both training leading to employment, and for further and higher education. This course enables students to develop analytical thinking and practical skills through: investigating commercial and industrial information technology systems; developing the skills required to use a range of software applications; systems analysis; development of software; and the opportunity to develop skills in team and project working.

Additionally, the school provides a one year course, OCR Nationals in ICT, for a small group of Year 12 students. This not only gives them a valuable ICT qualification but also gives them an opportunity to go on a relevant work experience placement in industry.

In Year 12, all students are given the option to study towards the Microsoft Office Specialist qualification. This industry recognised standard develops excellent skills that will be useful beyond school life and into the working world.