Altrincham Grammar School For Boys

Information Technology (ICT)

Welcome to the Department of ICT and Computing Homepage

Our Vision
There is no escaping ICT in the 21st Century world. ICT is now a core skill and requirement in many aspects of life, at home and at work, and today's youngsters need ICT skills and knowledge to ensure they can successfully participate in our modern culture. We aim to thoroughly prepare our students by providing the best education and the best facilities, encouraging them to become skilled, independent and appropriate users of ICT by teaching a thorough, varied, imaginative and enterprising curriculum.

How do we know this works? Each successive year has seen an increase in numbers continuing with ICT into GCSE and AS/A2, with ICT now being the most popular choice amongst GCSE options. Results at all levels have also seen a year on year rise, and an increasing number of our school leavers go on to take ICT or computing based degrees.

Courses
The department provides compulsory ICT lessons at Key Stage 3 and the subject is offered as an option at GCSE. Both ICT and Computing are available as options at AS/A2 level. All exam courses follow OCR specifications.

Facilities
The Department operates 5 ICT suites, equipped with PCs, interactive whiteboards, projectors, printers and scanners, all based around a Windows 2003 network. A wide range of software is available, covering all syllabus topics. Apple Mac facilities are also now being introduced. A wireless network provides staff with access to the Internet and ICT resources anywhere in the School.

Virtual Learning Environment
The department provides the school with the Fronter VLE, and is recognised within Trafford LEA as a leader in its development and use. The VLE is almost a school outside of school, allowing access to facilities and resources from any computer with an internet connection.

Staff
The department has 3 dedicated ICT teachers, each with a wealth of experience and skills:
Mr J.Timmins - Head of Department
Dr P.Wilcox
Miss S.Lawrey

Mr. Timmins also leads 4 technical staff who provide support for ICT across the whole school:
Mr. A.Alsaadi - Network Manager
Mr. B.Bennett - Senior ICT Technician, with responsibility for the Language College
Mr. A.Reilly - Cooper, ICT Technician with responsibility for Technology and Music.
Mr. P.Birrell - ICT Technician with responsibility for the Science College and Maths.

Extracurricular Activities
ICT suites are open at lunchtime and after school to allow pupils to produce work or practice their ICT skills. A broadband connection is available throughout the School for research on the Internet and to provide access to email. Several clubs run after school including the Robot, Web Design, Animation, Video Editing and Programming clubs.

Initial Teacher Training
The Department is affiliated with Manchester Metropolitan University and Edge Hill University and provides mentoring for trainee teachers.. Mentoring is undertaken by all department members. Trainees enjoy a broad school-based experience covering years 7-13 and are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities. We prefer the partnership approach to training; we hope to learn as much from our trainees as they do from us.

Further Information
For further details please email Mr. Timmins (jtimmins@agsb.co.uk) or Dr. Wilcox (pwilcox@agsb.co.uk).