Core Skills Analysis
Computing (ICT)
Grace explored the internet to gather information for a school project, using search engines to locate reliable sources and evaluating the credibility of each website. She then organized her findings in Microsoft Word, applying formatting tools such as headings, bullet points, and hyperlinks. Grace also created a simple slideshow in PowerPoint, inserting images and adjusting layouts to communicate her ideas clearly. Finally, she printed selected pictures, learning how to adjust printer settings and troubleshoot common printing issues.
English Language
Grace read and synthesized digital articles, extracting key points and paraphrasing them in her own words while drafting a written report. She practiced spelling, punctuation, and grammar by editing her document in Word's spell‑check and grammar tools. By adding captions and brief descriptions to the printed pictures, Grace honed her ability to convey meaning concisely and accurately.
Art & Design
Grace selected images from her online research that illustrated her topic, considering composition, colour, and relevance before inserting them into her presentation. She experimented with resizing, cropping, and applying simple visual effects in PowerPoint, developing an eye for visual storytelling. Printing the pictures gave her hands‑on experience with how digital artwork translates to physical media.
Tips
Encourage Grace to design a digital brochure that combines her research, written summaries, and printed images, using a template in Microsoft Publisher or a free online tool. Have her present the brochure to family members, focusing on clear oral communication and answering questions to reinforce comprehension. Organize a classroom "gallery walk" where students display printed pictures and explain the research process, fostering peer feedback and collaborative learning. Finally, introduce a short coding activity, such as creating a simple website with basic HTML to showcase her findings, linking ICT skills with creative expression.
Book Recommendations
- Hello Ruby: Adventures in Coding by Linda Liukas: A storybook that introduces basic programming concepts through adventures, perfect for a curious 13‑year‑old exploring computers.
- The Internet: A Guide for Kids & Teens by Cathy McNeil: An engaging guide that teaches safe online research, evaluating sources, and digital etiquette.
- Digital Art for Kids: A Step‑by‑Step Guide to Creating Awesome Pictures by Jenna Jones: Provides simple techniques for creating and printing digital artwork, linking creativity with technology.
Learning Standards
- Computing KS3 – 3-01-01: Understand the role of ICT and its impact on society.
- Computing KS3 – 3-02-01: Use ICT safely, responsibly and securely.
- Computing KS3 – 3-03-01: Search, retrieve, and evaluate digital information.
- English KS3 – 3.2: Communicate effectively using a range of forms and media.
- Art & Design KS3 – 3.3: Use techniques and processes to create and communicate ideas.
Try This Next
- Worksheet: Create a Venn diagram comparing two online sources on credibility, then write a short paragraph summarizing differences.
- Quiz: 10 multiple‑choice questions on safe internet practices, file formats, and printer settings.
- Drawing task: Sketch a storyboard for a new PowerPoint slide before building it digitally.
- Experiment: Test different printer resolutions (300 dpi vs 600 dpi) and record which produces the clearest image.