Information and communication technology in primary and secondary schools, 2005/2008
This report is based on evidence from inspections of information and communication technology (ICT) between September 2005 and July 2008 in 177 maintained schools in England, as well as other visits to schools where good practice was identified.
Part A describes the quality of ICT education in primary and secondary schools over this period. Part B considers how tackling assessment, vocational qualifications, value for money and resources might improve ICT provision.
Age group: 4–19
Published: March 2009
Reference no: 070035
Contents
Executive summary 4
Key findings 5
Recommendations 7
Part A. The quality of ICT education 8
Primary schools 8
Secondary schools 17
Quality of provision 19
Leadership and management 24
Part B. Issues in ICT 29
Assessment as a driver for improving ICT capability 29
Re-thinking ICT qualifications and progression routes 31
Is it worth it? Value for money judgements on ICT 33
Getting ICT to the learning 35
Notes 38
Further information 38
Publications 38
Organisations 39
Executive summary
This report draws on evidence from the inspection of information and communication technology (ICT) in more than 177 schools between 2005 and 2008. The schools selected represented the range of schools nationally and included small, large, rural and urban schools from across England.
Part A reports on the quality of provision of ICT in primary and secondary schools and its impact on achievement and standards. Part B explores four important areas that are central to developing ICT education in England: assessment; ICT qualifications and progression routes; direct access to ICT provision in classrooms; and value for money.
The evidence from the visits to primary schools suggests a picture of improvement with rising achievement and standards, particularly at Key Stage 1. The pupils observed generally used