Capital City Academy

ICT

Information & Communications Technology at Capital City Academy is taught at Key Stages 3, 4 & 5. Our professionally qualified teaching staff combines knowledge and experience in delivering the programs with a commercial experience within the sector.

We have 4 dedicated ICT suites, each equipped with a range of softwares including Microsoft Office and follow a structured training program to guide learners in the use of Microsoft Powerpoint, Word, Excel, Publisher, Access, Frontpage & Movie Maker. This practical training is combined with ICT theory in developing students' knowledge of the subject.

We are an accredited Microsoft Academy where students and staff also have the option to undertake our Microsoft Office Specialist Course, a globally recognised qualification which has now been mapped to meet the needs of Employers and Examination bodies. Alongside our focus on Microsoft we have also invested in the Serif suite of software - this provides the tools necessary for our students to focus on the creative use of ICT and develop professional publications from corporate logos to websites.

Our students' skills have already been utilised in the development of real-world websites enabling community cohesion. One of our students has recently created an online campaign for the Anti-Gun and Knife crime website http://www.notanotherdrop.com/ and is also working on a website for a local charity called "Moped Trust".

The department also encourages student's use of cross curricular ICT and promotes international dimension by encouraging students to take part in international link projects. The department was successful in developing and attracting funding in the past from British Council for many successful international link projects. Currently we are working with the English department on the "Adobe Youth Voices" programme with a view to extending it as an international link project.

We expect our students to follow the ICT rules in their use of ICT in and around school and also encourage students to learn how to be safe online. We have included in our curriculum fun and exciting ways to learn about E-Safety.

Our Vision

ICT as a gateway to Personalised Learning. Use of ICT:

to excite and enthuse learners and create an independence in its use with equal access for all.
to encourage "global dimension" in learning through the effective use of ICT across subjects.
to expect high standards of achievement by all pupils, supported by staff who will be confident and competent in the use of ICT.
to be an E-Confident and E-Safe school!

Our Aims

As a department, our vision is to see Capital City Academy and our community "E-Safe and E-Confident" in the near future.

We aim to give our students the opportunity to

develop their ICT Capability and have an enjoyable and wide ranging ICT experience
develop an appreciation of the range of applications of ICT and enable them to acquire transferable skills, knowledge and understanding.
develop competency and confidence in the use of computers and related hardware in a range of contexts.
develop an awareness of the importance and limitations of computers and ICT tools in society.
personalise their learning experience where possible and develop their independent learning skills.
monitor and assess students' ICT progress and to share this with them and parents to promote further development.

Courses

We offer the following courses throughout KS3 to KS5 and are looking into introducing more enjoyable, fun and rewarding courses, including vocational qualifications in the future.