Science and Technology Curriculum relevance in Northern Ireland

ROLLOUT SCHEDULE FOR KS3 Rollout schedule for review of Northern Ireland Curriculum at Key Stage 3: 2008/9 Areas of Learning including LLW Statutory Yr 9 2009/10 Areas of Learning including LLW Statutory Yrs 8-10

The following extracts, from the Science and Technology programme of study for Key Stage 3 of the Northern Ireland National Curriculum, relate to BBC News School Report.

Science and Technology: Technology and Design

Using ICT

Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities

Teachers may also find these extracts useful.

School Report and the existing Curriculum

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN

Developing pupils' Knowledge, Understanding and Skills

Pupils should have opportunities through the contexts opposite, to develop creative thinking and problem solving skills through:

Communication - use of....ICT tools.

Curriculum Objective 2: Developing pupils as Contributors to Society

Pupils should have opportunities to:

Explore how developments in Technology and Design have changed the way we can access the media. (Media Awareness)

Learning Outcomes

Pupils should be able to:

• research and manage information effectively to investigate design issues, using Mathematics and ICT where appropriate;

• show deeper understanding by thinking critically and flexibly, solving problems and making informed decisions, using Mathematics and ICT where appropriate;

• demonstrate creativity and initiative when developing ideas and following them through;

• work effectively with others;

• demonstrate self-management by working systematically, persisting with tasks, evaluating and improving own performance;

• communicate effectively in oral, visual (including graphic) written, mathematical and ICT formats showing clear awareness of audience and purpose.

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USING ICT

Pupils should develop the skills of Using ICT by engaging in meaningful research and purposeful activities set in relevant contexts. They should use ICT to handle and communicate information, solve problems, pose questions and take risks. They should process, present and exchange their ideas and translate their thinking into creative outcomes that show an awareness of audience and purpose. They should also use ICT to collaborate within and beyond the classroom, to share and exchange their work and to exhibit and showcase their learning.

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THINKING SKILLS AND PERSONAL CAPABILITIES

Thinking skills are tools that help children to go beyond the acquisition of knowledge in order to search for meaning, apply ideas, analyse patterns and relationships, create and design something new and monitor and evaluate their progress.

Personal and interpersonal skills and capabilities underpin success in all aspects of life. It is important, therefore, that children's self-esteem and self-confidence are explicitly fostered along with the ability to understand and manage their own emotions and to interact effectively with others.

Teachers should help children to develop thinking skills and personal capabilities by focusing on the following areas:

Managing Information

Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making

Being Creative

Working with Others

Self-Management

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EXISTING NORTHERN IRELAND, CURRICULUM

The following extracts, taken from the Using ICT Learning Outcomes of the existing Northern Ireland Curriculum at Key Stage 3, relate to School Report:

Pupils should be able to:

• Research and manage information effectively, including Using Mathematics and Using ICT where appropriate.

• Show deeper understanding by thinking critically and flexibly, solving problems and making informed decisions, demonstrating Using Mathematics and Using ICT where appropriate.

• Communicate effectively in oral, visual and written formats (including ICT and the moving image) showing clear awareness of audience and purpose and attention to accuracy.

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