How Much is IT Integrated into the UK National Curriculum?

Information technology is the future and in order for the next generations to be successful, they do need to have a sound understanding of computing and IT in general. Just how integrated is IT within the UK National Curriculum? Read on to find out.

Years 1 & 2

Students are introduced to computers at the tender age of 5 and sometimes earlier. A basic child’s tablet has simple commands on a touch-screen, which are easy to use and students familiarise themselves with charging and general device care. They play simple games that develop co-ordination and this is good preparation for basic computer use. Start with the best British international school in Bangkok and your child will develop in all aspects.

Years 3 & 4

This is the time when the students begin to use a desktop PC; they learn how to boot up and shut down a PC, plus they login to many educational games that are designed for that age group and at the end of year 4, students begin to learn about MS Office and other programs that they will use in the next grades.

Years 5 & 6

This is when the serious stuff starts; an introduction to MS Office, where students learn how to use MS Word; how to add images to text, how to create files and some general data management. They also create an email account and familiarise themselves with the many features that come with email, such as attaching files, CC and contact lists.

Senior school

The primary section consists of 6 years, then the students enter senior school for Years 7-12.

Years 7 & 8

The students now spend at least 3 hours per week specifically on IT related topics. They are introduced to basic website building, each creating their own homepage, while online security is brought into play. The use of firewalls to protect network, how to stay safe online and data management are all part of the IT curriculum. Creating PowerPoint slideshows for many projects ensures students are competent in presenting information. The students learn how to extract attachments from Outlook, which is quite simple.

Years 9 & 10

These students are shown how coding works and step by step, they write basic code; those who show aptitude would veer off the regular schedule and spend more time coding, learning about the many coding languages (html, CC+, JavaScript). Networking comes next, with practical demonstrations on how to build a network, which includes cyber-security and its many applications. By this time, IT is an integral part of school life; indeed, the students often help their parents set up some form of cyber-security, which is also a learning experience; teaching others cements new knowledge.

Years 11 & 12

The A-Level years are when students choose specific subjects in preparation for university; if IT is on their schedule, they can choose from several programs, such as coding, mobile app development, cyber-security, to name but a few. Computer science at A-Level is complex, but necessary if the student wishes to work in the IT sector.

IT is an integral part of the UK National Curriculum that is used by most international schools and your child will have a sound knowledge of computing and the Internet.