ICT Resources

The school has an ever evolving ICT resource. There is a network system attached to all classrooms, including the Art, CDT and Music rooms. Many classrooms have four computers and there is the Great Ayton Resource Room which has a suite of six computers and also hosts the main library. The internet is available in all classrooms. There are other resources available such as digital cameras, projectors and measuring equipment.

Cross curricular delivery of ICT

The majority of pupils arrive at Breckenbrough with a high degree of understanding and competence in the use of ICT ( motivated no doubt by the use of computer games). For many they find the medium of communication through the computer non threatening and their preference. Many prefer and enjoy learning through ICT.

The emphasis of the delivery of ICT is to encourage pupils to use the resource as a tool. ICT is used in all subject areas. Word Processing is used extensively in English and the Humanities lessons and by all Year 10 and 11 pupils in the production of their GCSE coursework. Many teachers encourage pupils to research information on the internet and teachers use the internet as a resource. In Maths and Sciences pupils use ICT for data retrieval and spread sheets. In Art, CDT and photography; boys use drawing packages. In Outdoor Education digital cameras are used by pupils to record events and assist in coaching.

Teachers use ICT to help deliver the teaching programme. Some lessons are delivered by power point presentations. Most subject areas use resources from the internet and most subject areas have subject specific software, this has been particularly successful in MFL.

Year 11 pupils are given the opportunity to study GCSE ICT. This has proved a popular option and one that many boys are able to succeed at.

Development

The school puts great value on the importance of ICT. It takes up the majority of the capital investment of the school with a continuing development programme of both hardware and software.

The school is also involved with the development of the subject on a national basis. We are contributing to discussions on the Assessment Tests at Key Stage 3. here the school is trying to promote our concept of ICT and how it should be used in education.