ICT (Key Stage Four) 

Information Technology (BTEC Level 1 Introductory in Vocational Studies)

Information Technology at the Henslow School is concerned with developing the ability of learners to apply and transfer computer skills in ways which are appropriate to their situation, with a focus on work-based environments and life-skills.

The students journey starts with learning safe and efficient use of ICT systems, which they will then have the opportunity to utilise in finding and selecting information from various sources with a critical and evaluating mind-set. Our students will then use this core knowledge to build a robust foundation in several modules necessary for success in the workplace and further education. These include the use of spreadsheets for budgeting and planning, the practice and implementation of organisational skills, and the use of presentational software for public speaking and interactive presentations. These units may be delivered in a varied order dependent upon the need of the student – with skills in each being consolidated in subsequent units.  Students will then use these units of work to contribute towards the achievement of a BTEC Level 1 Introductory Award in Vocational Studies.

The Henslow school recognises the importance of a holistic curriculum encouraging students to embrace IT skills beyond the rigors of examination. Hence the successful student will explore and demonstrate knowledge in a variety of broadly used packages including Word, Excel, Publisher, and PowerPoint. Furthermore, on completion the individual will be able to present IT based solutions to basic work- based problems, with a keen eye for information validity and computer related privacy and safety concerns.

Computing (Key Stage Three)

Digital technology now plays a huge part in the lives of individuals and our society. These recent developments show no sign of slowing down. With this in mind, we at the Henslow School want to empower our students and assist them to generate opportunities and develop experiences that will allow them to live productive and safe lives in a technological world. We hope that as they move into adulthood, they will be more consciously aware of their own personal responsibilities when using technology and the internet.

Computing is about the use and the understanding of technologies. We attempt to achieve this by allowing students to develop critical thinking, creative understanding and problem solving skills in a safe environment. There is a strong focus on the teaching of computing principles such as: algorithms; programming and development; data and its representation; hardware and processing and understanding communication and networks. We use a number of software and hardware systems to support the delivery of the computing curriculum, such as ‘Scratch’ for block coding skills, ‘BBC Microbits’ for the development of programming and hardware skills and ‘Audacity’ for sound manipulation and editing. The computing curriculum is assessed at Key stage 2 and 3 using a skills progression grid that is linked to the 'Computing at school' programme.

We aim to ensure that students can function safely and responsibly in our developing technological society, with an awareness of moral and ethical issues. We strive to set our students on a pathway which will allow them to develop an understanding of the world in which they find themselves and equip them to make a positive difference to that world.