Harris Academy



I.C.T. Policy

(Final Draft Version  -  May 2003)

Introduction

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has the potential to enhance and improve learning and teaching and also to assist the efficient administration of the school.

There are, however, many features of ICT which require careful management to ensure that these benefits are realised.

This document outlines the current situation in Harris Academy with regard to ICT. Since the use of ICT develops all the time, the policy will be reviewed on an annual basis. If necessary, a revised version will be issued at the start of each new school session.

Aims
 

Aim 1

To ensure that ICT plays its part in the fundamental school aim of ensuring that all pupils fulfil their potential academically, personally, socially and vocationally.

Aim 2

To ensure that we make the best possible use of ICT to enhance learning and teaching throughout the school.

Aim 3

To make the best possible use of ICT for efficient administration within the school.

Rationale

“In recent years, ICT has had and is continuing to have an increasingly significant impact on all aspects of society. There are few areas of life, at home and in work, where this new technology has not made an impact. ICT expands our access to, and understanding of, the world at large. It allows people in all areas of life to benefit from the power of computers as a personal tool, to collaborate in groups and communicate locally and globally.

The importance of ICT cannot be overestimated. Young people in our school today will require considerable ICT knowledge, skills and awareness if they are to be successful. The economy will depend on a high level of ICT capability if it is to develop technologically and compete internationally.

As well as the need to develop ICT knowledge and skills for both individuals and society at large, ICT also offers the education process one of the most potentially powerful learning tools available. Not only can computers support learning across the whole curriculum, but communication networks also provide the learner with fast and searchable access to vast amounts of information. In addition to this, ICT supports a wide range of broader educational objectives including independent learning, collaboration with others and communication skills.

It is thus of vital importance that all young people have adequate access to ICT and that they develop the necessary skills, taking full advantage of the learning capabilities that ICT offers. Schools have a special responsibility to ensure that young people receive the provision that they are entitled to.”

                                                                                    ICT 5 – 14 National Guidelines (2000).

The fundamental principle of this document is to ensure that everyone in the school community derives the maximum benefit from ICT.