ICT Department
Head Of Department:- Ms. Shirin Farzana
Email ID: [email protected]
ICT Department Philosophy
At The Winchester School, we strive to create a safe, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment where every student can achieve their full potential. We recognise that all learners are unique, and therefore provide a curriculum that is engaging, accessible, and challenging, enabling students to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence required for success in an ever-evolving digital world. Our curriculum integrates ICT, Computing, STEAM, Digital Literacy, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Citizenship to foster creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. We encourage students to become independent learners who can adapt to emerging technologies, think innovatively, and apply their learning to real-world challenges.
We believe technology should be used responsibly and ethically. Therefore, digital citizenship, online safety, digital wellbeing, and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence are embedded throughout our curriculum. Through meaningful learning experiences, students develop the knowledge and understanding necessary to navigate the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly connected world.
Our passionate and dedicated teachers inspire curiosity, innovation, and a love of learning. Through enrichment opportunities, competitions, leadership programmes, coding, robotics, STEAM initiatives, and emerging technologies, students are empowered to become creators, innovators, and responsible global citizens prepared for the future.
Facilities
The ICT, Computing and STEAM Department provides state-of-the-art learning environments including dedicated ICT laboratories and STEAM Cafés. Students engage with a wide range of technologies such as robotics, coding platforms, 3D design and printing, simulation tools, and emerging technologies that support creative thinking and real-world problem-solving. Using resources including LEGO® Education, VEX Robotics, SAM Labs, WeDo, LittleBits and digital innovation tools, students are empowered to become creators, innovators, and responsible digital citizens prepared for the future.
Ks3 Curriculum
At Key Stage 3, students in Years 7, 8 and 9 follow an engaging and future-focused curriculum based on the National Curriculum for England and adapted to meet the needs of our learners. Building on the digital skills developed in primary school, the curriculum provides a strong foundation in ICT, Computing, STEAM, Digital Literacy, and Artificial Intelligence. Through a blend of ICT and STEAM lessons, students develop essential skills in computational thinking, coding, digital creativity, problem-solving, data handling, digital citizenship, and online safety. Learning is practical, collaborative, and designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and innovation while ensuring that every student can achieve success. Students are encouraged to explore real-world challenges through project-based learning, design thinking, robotics, and emerging technologies, helping them become confident, responsible, and innovative users of technology. Digital citizenship and online safety are embedded throughout the curriculum, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital world safely, ethically, and responsibly. Technology is also integrated across the wider curriculum, enabling students to apply their learning in meaningful contexts and develop the competencies needed to thrive in an increasingly connected and technology-driven world
Ks4 Curriculum
The department is currently following the Cambridge International GCSE. This course results in the pupils attaining an IGCSE in ICT & Computer Science grade from A* to G. This course requires each student to sit 3 external examinations (2 practical and 1 theory) for ICT at the end of Year 11. The examination weighting is 60% practical and 40% theory examination for IGCSE ICT whereas the weighting for IGCSE Computer Science is 60% theory and 40% Problem Solving and Programming. Students in Key Stage 4 currently have 3 lessons of ICT & Computer science per week.
Ks5 Curriculum
At Key Stage 5, students can pursue internationally recognised Cambridge International AS and A Level qualifications in Computer Science and BTEC level -3 for AS/ A level. These courses provide students with an in-depth understanding of digital technologies, programming, data management, systems analysis, and computational thinking, while developing the analytical, problem-solving, and technical skills required for higher education and careers in technology-related fields. Through a balance of theoretical learning and practical application, students are encouraged to become innovative, independent, and creative thinkers, well prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the digital future
Curricular Enrichment Opportunities
We believe that learning extends beyond the classroom. The department offers a wide range of enrichment opportunities designed to inspire creativity, innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving. Students are encouraged to participate in activities and competitions such as WinInnovateGreenX Challenge, Inter-School Technology and AI Competitions, AI Hackathons, Formula Ethara, STEAM related competitions, First Lego League, Coding Challenges, and other technology-focused events that provide opportunities to apply their learning in real-world contexts.
Through these experiences, we aim to make technology education engaging, hands-on, and immersive, fostering a passion for digital innovation while developing the skills and confidence students need for success in the future. You can be in touch with Head of the Department, ICT- Ms. Shrin Farzana at [email protected] .
