QCA Testing at St Chad's

In 2008, all students aged 13-14 will be tested nationally in Information and Communications Technology.  It has long been recognised in education that students need solid ICT skills if they are to be equipped adequately for further education and the employment market in the 21st Century and the importance of this, is changing the way in which students are taught and assessed in ICT.
 
In 2005, 500 schools took part in pilot tests.  The overall feedback from the pilot was positive with students stating that they were “fun, interesting, clear and more easy to understand than written tests”.  The two 50 minute tests were delivered entirely on-line, then marked by the computer and double-checked by humans.  The exams and curriculum watchdog QCA says that it is the first time that a national test has been sat online anywhere in the world.
 
In order to fully prepare for the tests at St Chad’s, the ICT department and the technical staff are working closely together to ensure that all of the technical requirements are met in time for the practise tests in 2007.  It is our aim that some of the current Year 9 pupils will take part in this academic years practise tests in order for us to monitor student response and technical requirements, so that we are fully prepared for the tests official launch in 2008.
 
The interface that the students will use will be different from what they are currently used to, therefore it is vital that they are prepared in advance for the tests and have confidence in their own abilities. Materials and guidance for students and staff will be available on our Virtual Learning site - Moodle, so that they can be accessed both within and out of the school-learning environment.
 
If you would like any further information on the tests then there is wealth of material on the following website: http://www.qca.org.uk/7280.html or alternatively contact Miss L.Mulhall at St Chad’s Catholic High School.
 
 
Miss L.Mulhall
Key Stage 3 ICT Co-ordinator
St Chad’s Catholic High School