ICT Scheme of Work and Cambridge Starter Awards
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has developed to become an integral part of everyday life. Whether you are at home, school or work, it is likely that you will come into contact with some form of ICT. The FUTUREKIDS ICT curriculum and Cambridge Starter Awards have been designed as an introduction to the world of ICT. The syllabus provides a framework in which ICT skills and knowledge can be acquired and developed, in an environment tailored to particular age groups and surroundings.
The scheme of work (lesson plans) concentrates on the development of practical skills in using ICT. It allows pupils to develop the ICT knowledge and skills they require, which may then support learning in a range of subjects. And because it is software independent, students will learn techniques and skills for ICT as a whole, rather than specific a program.
The University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate recommends The Futurekids ICT curriculum and is predominantly aimed at those pupils in primary and secondary education.
At each stage of the scheme, pupils will use ICT to:
Futurekids offers curriculum at three Levels:
-Communicate
-Model
-Handle Information
-Measure and Control
Initial Steps
- Key Stage 1
Next step
- Key Stage 2
On track
- Key Stage 3 and beyond
Futurekids partnership with Cambridge uniquely facilitates the teaching and assessment of ICT skills. It also recognises the achievement of pupils by issuing a qualification of real value The Cambridge certificate will boost confidence and provide a platform on which future successes can be built.
The syllabus and assessments provide a framework through which pupils can be assessed reliably against performance standards.
The Curriculum
The FUTUREKIDS syllabus and Cambridge Awards have been mapped against the requirements of the UK National Curriculum for ICT. The unique partnership provides a comprehensive and structured framework through which pupils can be assessed reliably against performance standards.
All the Levels of the FUTUREKIDS ICT curriculum are taught through a series of self-contained modules, which are designed so as to initially increase the student’s confidence, whilst later providing challenging tasks for them. Each module comes complete with step-by-step classroom activities and encourages that ICT teaching is delivered as an integral part of all curriculum areas.
The FUTUREKIDS ICT curriculum includes comprehensive thematic and project-based lesson plans, electronic templates and suggested web-based resources and activities. FUTUREKIDS also provides on-site implementation training for teachers responsible for the teaching of ICT, as well as comprehensive ICT Professional Development for all staff.
Initial Steps - Key Stage 1
Pupils add to their fundamental ICT skills, and are additionally introduced to more intermediate application skills.
Starting Stories Pupils learn how to use the mouse, and to enter and manipulate text. Creating Pictures Pupils use ICT to draw simple pictures and shapes. Finding Information Pupils learn how to use CD-ROM's to find information. Action Instructions Pupils program a screen turtle through some simple movements. Starting Graphs Pupils use ICT to create pictograms. Exploring Simulations Pupils make predictions and identify patterns in computer simulations.
Initial Steps – Key Stage 2
Students add to their fundamental ICT skills, and are additionally introduced to more intermediate application skills.
Using Graphics and Text Pupils learn the basics of desktop publishing. Introduction to Spreadsheets Pupils learn how to use spreadsheets, perform automated calculations and use formulae. Introduction to Databases Pupils learn the basics of databases, generating charts and using search criteria. Introduction to Control Pupils control a screen turtle to create shapes and patterns Presenting Information Pupils learn how to create different types of graphs. Introduction to E-mail Pupils learn how to send, receive and create e-mail messages and send attachments Exploring Multimedia Presentation Pupils create non-linear presentations. Exploring Spreadsheets Pupils use spreadsheets for more complex operations. Exploring Databases Pupils use databases for more complex operations. Developing images Pupils learn how to create and manipulate a variety of images.
On Track – Key Stage 3
Students concertrate on gaining knowledgeof advanced skills, in the real-world context.
Multimedia Authoring Pupils create a multimedia presentation for a specific audience. Spreadsheet Design Pupils learn how to model using a spreadsheet package. Database Design Pupils learn how to design and use different database systems. Internet Pupils use the Internet to browse, search for and retrieve information. Presentation Graphics Pupils learn how to create an automated graphical presentation. Networks Pupils learn the basics of IT networks audience. Spreadsheets for a Purpose Pupils learn how to model using a spreadsheet package. Databases for a Purpose Pupils apply database functions to the real world. Pupils extend their knowledge of e-mail applications. Website Design Pupils learn how to create a simple website.
Teaching the FUTUREKIDS ICT curriculum
The FUTUREKIDS Key Stage 1 through to Key Stage 3 curriculum incorporates hundreds of specific, quantifiable learning objectives, exceeding the requirements of the United Kingdom National Curriculum in ICT.
Teachers will find that putting the curriculum into practice is greatly facilitated by the comprehensive and structured lesson plans, electronic templates and handouts. There are suggested themes and projects for every module, giving advice on how to deliver the curriculum and achieve the required learning outcomes.
In addition, there is an assessment lesson for each module, covering all the learning objectives of the modules. Included with this lesson is the Learning Objectives Record Sheet, which provides a useful monitoring tool where the teacher can indicate whether a pupil has achieved the learning objectives for the module. This then becomes a record, which teachers can refer to for reporting purposes or forward to FUTUREKIDS if the pupil is being entered for the Cambridge Starter Awards certification.
Each Level of the Futurekids ICT curriculum has been designed to facilitate progression through the scheme.
Course Length
Each module within the three Levels contains six 45-minute lessons followed by an assessment lesson. However learning hours in any of the modules may vary as pupils at different ages with differing levels of experience and use of ICT, may progress at a different pace. In general, it is suggested that pupils may take 1 – 2 years to complete all modules at each Level.
Progression
Each stage of the FUTUREKIDS ICT curriculum has been designed to facilitate progression through the scheme. There is no requirement to have completed one Level before progressing onto the following Level. However, at each Level above Initial Steps, it is assumed that the student possesses the relevant skills and knowledge appropriate to working at that Level.
FUTUREKIDS curriculum Levels and Attainment of Cambridge Starter Awards in ICT in Comparison to the United Kingdom National Curriculum Levels.
Initial Steps
KS 1
Next Steps
KS 2
On Track
KS 3
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
Level 6
Level 7
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