ICT
ICT at The Marist is dynamic, exciting and fast moving. From the minute pupils join the school in year 7 they embrace an IT curriculum like no other. Solid foundations are important and that is why every year 7 pupil undertakes a touch typing course using a variety of programs and instruction which encourage, motivate and ensure every pupil gains confidence and builds competency in acquiring a very important life skill.
Year 7
Pupils develop a range of practical skills using a variety of software programs designed to support and enhance all areas of study. By the end of year 7 pupils will be competent in creating documents in Word. They will be able to prepare PowerPoint presentations demonstrating consideration of the target audience and including the use of advanced features such as animation and hyper linking. In digital imagery pupils will develop an understanding of the importance of resolution and image size. They will also learn how features of a photo editing package can be used to alter and enhance photos. In Publisher pupils will acquire an appreciation for the layout of newsletter style publications including the creation of logos, strap lines and digital branding. Pupils will set up and manage their own email account. They will be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of using the internet and gain an understanding of the importance of internet safety.
Years 8 - 11
Pupils follow OCR’s Information Technology Qualification (ITQ). This qualification has been designed in conjunction with employers to ensure candidates are prepared for the world of work. ITQ is flexible in that candidates can currently select from over 28 different units which are available at 3 levels. ITQ is regularly updated to meet the ever changing demands of IT in our society and therefore Marist pupils are assured of being expert users of up to date application software. Our pupils aim to achieve the ITQ Extended Certificate at Level 2 by the end of year 11. This involves pupils studying 9 units at level 1 and 4 or 5 units at level 2. The ITQ Extended Certificate at Level 2 is not only nationally recognised and highly sought after by the modern business world, but is equivalent to 2 GCSEs.
An example of the units studied:
| Improving Productivity | Using the internet |
| Audio software | IT security for users |
| IT communication fundamentals | Using mobile IT devices |
| Database software | Multimedia software |
| Drawing and planning software | Presentation software |
| Design software | Spreadsheet software |
| Desktop publishing software | Video software |
| Using email | Word processing software |
| Imaging software | Website software |
In the Sixth Form
IT is offered as part of the Enrichment Programme. Pupils are invited to design their own courses depending on their interest, time available and existing IT portfolio. Pupils meet with an IT tutor individually or in small groups to learn points of theory, working independently to practise the skills before taking external examinations.
Marist pupils are encouraged to be of independent mind, to be responsible for their own learning and this is how The Photoshop Club came into existence. In 2010 two year 10 pupils wanted to share their love of digital imagery and set up a lunch time club to which all pupils were invited; two years later the Club is as popular as it was at the beginning with interest in the Club spanning all year groups. Our latest IT venture was prompted by a year 8 pupil’s interest in apps. See our bi-weekly electronic newsletter for the “App Queen’s” latest app recommendation!
ICT at the Marist is designed to be engaging, motivating and inspiring. Pupils are encouraged to work hard, take responsibility for their own learning and to be considerate of others; we cultivate a working environment in which everyone learns from each other.
Further details of the IT courses The Marist offers can be found at www.ocr.org.uk
