Department ethos:–
The ICT department strives to keep up to date with the latest technologies, software and ideas to deliver a 21st century curriculum to prepare students for the world of work. We have embraced an online environment for students’ work where all students create and record their progress in an eportfolio. As well as the basic skills using Office they use of a range of multimedia including digital photography and video. Students concentrate on the purpose and audience for all tasks which includes presentation skills.

Supporting the school’s specialism:- Students concentrate on the purpose and audience for all tasks and are encouraged to share and present their ideas both individually and in group presentations. They evaluate their own and others work critically. They use and incorporate a range of multimedia into their work throughout KS3 and KS4.

In September 2008 budding radio presenters and technicians had the opportunity to work with professionals at a fun and educational workshop held at Commonweal School. 84 top set ICT students, which included a core group of 17 Gifted and Talented, spent the day with Russell Prue and Darren Dixie from Anderton Tiger to create a 30 min magazine programme which went out live on the internet later that day.

Links to outside agencies:-
KS2-KS3 Transition work - Every year all year six primary students are invited to Commonweal for a two hour session. This year the subject was control; both theory and practical work. The students completed a booklet which was saved to their network area and will be used in year 7.

In previous years Intel have delivered a series of workshops to KS4 students; including robotics

Trips KS3 students have visited a Theme Park as part of their project work on ICT systems.

ICT joined Maths and Science this year in taking Year 8 to the Science museum in Wroughton for a technology day organised by Honda. It is hoped this will run again next year.

Clubs
The department offers a range of clubs which include robotics using Lego, digital photography, computer club for girls and Animation using Flash.

Department successes:-
KS3 and KS4 results have consistently risen over the years. Level 5+, Intermediate GNVQ.

This year sees the first results for the new Diploma in Digital Applications (DiDA). Students worked well and were entered into a range of courses; Award in Digital Applications (AiDA) level 1 and 2 and Certificate in Digital Applications (CiDA) level 1 and 2.

From next year ICT is delivered as a core subject at KS4 and students will take either level 1 or level 2 AiDA. There are two option groups who will follow the CiDA.