Walker School
Information Technology
I.T. Technician Mick Gallagher I.T. Co-ordinator Dave Stanger
What
the OFSTED inspectors stated about I.T. at Walker School
On entry to the school attainment levels are generally low but considerable
improvement is noted as students move through each key stage. The levels
of attainment in lessons seen were mainly sound or better with some students
showing highly developed levels of capability.
At Key Stage 3 students are making good progress. Most subject areas are
committed to delivering aspects of the National Curriculum attainment targets
for IT and the level of commitment is to be highly commended. At Key Stage
4 good progress is being made. Good consolidation of previous learning is
taking place and an increase in capability being developed.
Students show a particularly good response to the IT programme. They are
attentive when teachers are talking and they respond to questioning in a
positive manner. The students are well motivated and apply themselves to
their tasks conscientiously. At Key Stage 4 they show an ability to work
independently. All students show a lively involvement in their tasks and
are co-operative in the computer room environment. They behave well in class
and concentrate enthusiastically on their tasks.
The quality of teaching was sound or better in all lessons seen. All teachers
have a good command of the subject and good classroom control. Good, clear,
effective planning is evident in all lessons with clear objectives set.
Activities provided allow for progression and continuity. A particularly
good feature of the teaching is the use of the IT co-ordinator to support
learning across the curriculum.
The curriculum meets statutory requirements. The effectively planned programme
of work meets the needs of all students, including those with special educational
needs, providing continuity and progression for all students. Procedures
for monitoring and recording student entitlement and capability are in place
and are used effectively.
The department is extremely well managed. Excellent planning ensures full
National Curriculum entitlement for all students. The available resources
are efficiently organised to provide for maximum effectiveness especially
in the learning support areas. The rooms are well cared for and provide
an effective learning environment. The schemes of work are very good providing
appropriate activities for all students at all levels. In-service education
is provided for all staff on a regular basis and this is reflected in the
use of IT by staff in their everyday work.
Accommodation is good. The student to computer ratio is very good and the
computer rooms are fully booked throughout the year. Technician support
is adequate for present needs but the facilities provided for technician
support less than satisfactory. There is an obvious need for the purchase
of a file server as the present disc-based system is causing difficulties
for IT lessons and access to software to support learning across the curriculum.