Teachernet, ICT

ICT guidance for teachers at all key stages

ICT as a curriculum subject
Information and communication technology (ICT) is one of the National Curriculum non-core foundation subjects. Visit the QCDA's National Curriculum website to see the programmes of study requirements.

QCDA National Curriculum website

Using ICT across the curriculum
Teachers wishing to integrate ICT into their lessons can find information on the National Curriculum's 'In Action' website. The examples showing ICT in practice in class activities may give you some ideas.

National Curriculum In Action

QCDA has developed support materials for the Teacher Assessment Activities series in ICT. These materials are fully integrated with the national curriculum, and provide examples of assessment activities to help identify, track and enhance pupil progress. Each book includes activities and teacher guidance.

Teacher Assessment Activities

You can also download British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Becta) curriculum entitlement documents, which offer a valuable resource for using ICT to enhance the teaching and learning of primary and secondary subjects.

Becta's curriculum entitlement documents
Harnessing Technology funding 2009-10: Guidance for schools
This gives advice and support on the seven top technology priorities for schools in 2009-10.

Using ICT effectively
TeacherNet's learning, teaching and managing using ICT area has information and resources to help your school become more e-confident. The National Strategies website provides access to resources, funding, support, advice and information about ICT in primary schools.

Teachers TV
Don't forget that Teachers TV offers a wealth of resources for teachers, including curriculum-based programmes for use in the classroom.

Teachers TV website

Teacher training
The IT network support site has information and resources for newly appointed tutors to initial teacher training.

IT network support website

Lesson plans
TeacherNet's lesson plan pages provide free online ICT resources for both primary and secondary schools.

TeacherNet's lesson plan pages

Teachers' recommendations
Forums and chat rooms are a great way to share ideas with fellow ICT teachers. The Education Forum hosts discussions on all curriculum subjects.

ICT and the community
Schools are being encouraged more and more to extend their ICT facilities into the community. Your school may be doing this to improve parental links, or to bring in some extra income, for example. If your school is just starting to consider this, read TeacherNets outline of the benefits of extending ICT provision. There are also pages of advice on who to consult during the process, how to market and build partnerships as well as considerations for schools.

Useful websites and organisations

Becta
Becta is the Government's lead agency for ICT in schools and the learning and skills sector. Its website is a one-stop shop for teachers and it provides tools, practical advice and services to support ICT development and management for people who work in a school environment.
ICTeachers
This site contains tips on building websites, a resource bank and lists of useful websites for teachers.
ICT Co-ordinator
This site is dedicated to ICT coordinators, particularly at secondary level. It contains lots of general information as well as downloads, discussion groups and advice.
ICTGCSE
This site is for Key Stage 4 pupils. There are project ideas, lots of basic information about ICT theory and an interactive quiz.
GCSE Information Technology
This BBC revision website is for GCSE pupils studying ICT and also contains a revision test.
Welcome to the web
This website provides an interactive introduction to the Web for Key Stage 2 pupils. It covers the basics of the internet, guest books, web browsers, searching, researching on the Internet and a challenge. It also includes worksheets for teachers to use in the classroom.
GridClub
GridClub is a safe learning environment for 7— to 11-year-olds. Online clubs and activities are also available.
Teaching ideas
A multitude of ICT resources for Key Stage 1 and 2 teachers.