Level: Preparation to Standard Grade
Entry Level: Compulsory to all Students

“Information and Communication Technology” (ICT) is used to mean the application of various forms of technology to collect, store, organise, process, present and communicate information.  The forms of technology may include computers, electronic communication, video, audio and broadcast systems.

Rationale and Aims
All pupils coming into S1 will have had some experience of using ICT.  The aim of the S1/S2 ICT course is to allow pupils to develop appropriate skills as detailed in the 5-14 guidelines.  Throughout the course, pupils will be encouraged to acquire transferable skills which may be used across the curriculum. All pupils are given the opportunity to achieve the SQA Core Skill award at either Intermediate 1 or Intermediate 2 level.

Course Content
Pupils will be given opportunities to develop skills in the use of technology to support their learning in all subjects.  They will use a range of applications including word processing, database, spreadsheets, graphics and desktop publishing in problem solving situations to develop skills in analysing and presenting information.  They will use the Internet to research topics in conjunction with other subjects and will use e-mail to communicate their work with others. Pupils are given guidance on Internet Awareness and Internet Safety.

Assessment

Continuous assessment is on-going over the 2-year course.  There are a number of end of unit written tests as well as practical Core Skills assessments. Progression from ICT in S2 is to Business Education or Computing courses in S3. These courses are discussed in more detail in course choice materials issued at an appropriate time.