The ICT programme of study for key stage 3 embeds the level 1 functional skills standards for ICT.
Functional skills are the core elements of English, mathematics and ICT that allow individuals to operate confidently and effectively in life and at work. Individuals of whatever age who possess these skills will be able to participate and progress in education, training and employment, as well as develop and secure the broader range of aptitudes, attitudes and behaviours that will enable them to make a positive contribution in the communities in which they live and work.
Functional skills in ICT develop the ability to use ICT to find, select and communicate information. Within the programme of study the key processes and range and content sections of the programme of study reflect the functional ICT standards at level 1 (see table below). The curriculum opportunities section of the programme of study requires that pupils make appropriate choices about when and where to use technology and provides and opportunity for pupils to exhibit their functional skills by applying their learning to real world applications and within a range of subject contexts.
Links between the programme of study and the functional skills
| Level 1 functional skill standard: use of ICT |
Key stage 3 programme of study |
- Interact with and use ICT systems independently to meet needs
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- Select and use ICT tools efficiently, and techniques safely and appropriately (key processes)
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- Follow and understand the need for safety and security practices
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- Use a range of ICT tools to present information in forms that are fit for purpose, meet audience needs and suit the content (key processes)
- The study of ICT should include an understanding of the need for:
- safe working practices
- secure information storage
- managing information storage and access, including effective use of files and folders to secure content and enable efficient retrieval (range and content)
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| Level 1 functional skill standard: find and select information |
Key stage 3 programme of study |
- Select and use a variety of sources of information independently to meet needs
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- Consider systematically the information needed to solve a problem, complete a task or answer a question, and explore how it will be used (key processes)
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- Select and use ICT to communicate and exchange information safely, independently, responsibly and effectively
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- Use and refine search methods to obtain information that is well matched to purpose, by selecting different and appropriate sources (key processes)
- Collect and enter quantitative and qualitative information, checking its accuracy (key processes)
- Analyse and evaluate information, questioning the plausibility and value (key processes)
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| Level 1 functional skill standara: develop, present and communicate information |
Key stage 3 programme of study |
- Access and use ICT to communicate and exchange information safely and responsibly
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- Select and use ICT tools efficiently, and techniques safely and appropriately (key processes)
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- Enter, develop and format information independently to suit its meaning and purpose
- Bring together information to suit content and purpose
- Present information in ways that are fit for purpose
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- Use a range of ICT tools to present information in forms that are fit for purpose, meet audience needs and suit the content (key processes)
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- Evaluate the selection and use of ICT tools and facilities used to present information
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- Communicate and share information effectively, safely and responsibly (key processes)
- Communicate information in different ways, including the combination of text, sound and image (key processes)
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- Select and use ICT to communicate and exchange information safely, independently, responsibly and effectively
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- Share their views and experiences of ICT, considering the range of its uses and its significance to individuals, communities and society (curriculum opportunities)
- The study of ICT should include impact of ICT on individuals, communities and society, including the social, economic, legal and ethical implications of the use of ICT (range and content)
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