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Thie review is from Jenny Ewers, Head of ICT at Limehurst High School, Loughborough
Before using the Smart Skills Builders, like many ICT teachers we used the sample teaching units from the old ICT Framework. Although these did focus us on the objectives and processes, the contents, both for staff and pupils, was removed from their everyday experiences and assumed specialist knowledge. With this in mind, there was a need to acquire high-quality and appropriate resources for both teaching and learning in our multi-ethnic school.
The Smart Skills Builder ICT resources proved to be just what we were looking for - clear, concise, easily manageable in terms of lesson content, colourful and attractive to the user and with detailed steps for the non-specialist teacher.
Luckily, the resources have been adapted [for the new ICT Framework] quickly and efficiently without losing the features which make it an ideal course for both teachers and learners.
The new Year 7 Teacher’s Book is certainly much more comprehensive than I thought - the curriculum links, opportunities and objectives are useful in a whole school context. It is also great to see level descriptors turned into 'pupil speak'. How many of us are trying to do that in our own school situation?
Putting the emphasis on pupils knowing what to do to make the next step in raising their level will prove invaluable.
Pupils love the straightforwardness and simplicity of the Student’s Books - everyone is able to follow the steps with minimal teacher intervention.
The inclusion of model answers within each topic gives pupils an insight into work at differing levels and the end of topic tests act as a natural progression rather than an addition.
This year sees our first year of using the course in its entirety. The editable nature of its resources has given us the opportunity to provide differentiated work within our Learning Platform so that all pupils feel valued and achieve success. Our KS3 predictions over the next few years have risen sharply, mainly due to the comprehensive nature of these resources which allows teachers the time to develop the ICT capability of all their pupils, irrespective of ability.
Rating:  [4 of 5 Stars!] |
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