ICT

The ICT Department sets out to teach pupils and staff how to use ICT systems efficiently. We have three suites of state of the art computers and there are many other computers around the School for the girls to use. All the computer rooms and most other classrooms are equipped with Smartboards and projectors and we have a wide range of software available. Girls can use their own laptops; boarding Houses are wired and increasingly wireless is available. The suites are on open access and the girls are encouraged to use computers in all their subjects and for a wide range of applications. Our courses and GCSE option all help give the girls the skills they need for the future where systems are always emerging and changing.

Staff

Year 7-9

ICT is compulsory and is taught in a double lesson once a week. Pupils learn how to use the Wycombe Abbey computer network and how to use ICT for a range of different tasks and subjects. Safety online is paramount and we teach the girls how to use current and emerging technology in a safe and responsible manner. We teach keyboard skills and help girls achieve a higher level of touch typing. Desktop publishing, word processing and the use of spreadsheets are covered. They also learn to use various programming and control programs, building procedures to solve a variety of problems. Web design techniques are used in a variety of ways throughout the course.

GCSE (Business and Communication Systems)

This is an optional GCSE course. Girls study ICT and its applications to many areas of business. We look at different types of businesses, marketing and some aspects of business law. ICT systems are studied in relation to business uses, including different types of hardware and networks. There is a practical element to course and we visit different businesses to see ICT in action and to see how ICT is used in the wider world.

Year 13 (European Computer Driving Licence)

ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) is the international standard in end use computer skills. The ECDL syllabus consists of seven modules which define the skills and competencies necessary to be a proficient user of a computer and common computer applications. Completion of ECDL certification is an objective measure of ICT skills and demonstrates an individual's competency to existing and potential employers. Individuals who complete the certification can gain confidence and motivation through their ability to understand and use technology productively. We use a mixture of teaching methods, including some online training, and all the testing is done electronically.