“I think it's fair to say that personal computers have become the most empowering tool we've ever created. They're tools of communication, they're tools of creativity, and they can be shaped by their user.” - Bill Gates

Introduction

ICT is changing the lives of everyone. The use of information and communication technology is an integral part of the national curriculum and is a key skill for everyday life. Computers, tablets, programmable robots, digital and video cameras are a few of the tools that can be used to acquire, organise, store, manipulate, interpret, communicate and present information. Through teaching ICT we equip children with skills that enable them to be confident, creative and independent learners. We recognise that pupils are entitled to quality hardware and software and a structured and progressive approach to the learning of the skills needed to enable them to use it effectively. The purpose of this policy is to state how the school intends to make this provision. It has the full agreement of the governors who have approved it. The implementation of this policy is the responsibility of all teaching staff.

Aims

The overarching aim for ICT in our school is to ensure that pupils:-

• Develop ICT capability in finding, selecting and using information;
• Use ICT for effective and appropriate communication;
• Monitor and control events, both real and imaginary;
• Apply hardware and software to creative and appropriate uses of information;
• Apply their ICT skills and knowledge to their learning in other areas;
• Use their ICT skills to develop their language and communication skills;
• Explore their attitudes towards ICT and its value to them and society in general. For example: to learn about issues of security, confidentiality and accuracy.