Welcome to Shimna ICT and computing department.

All Shimna students study ICT at Key Stage 3 and most students choose it as one of their GCSE choices. We have an enthusiastic A-Level class each year and also a number of students following the new Software Systems Development specification which offers a proper insight into programming and software development.  

 

The vision for our department is not only to provide students with skills necessary for modern life but also to instil in them an enthusiasm for and enjoyment of computing.

 

Academic offer

KS3 ICT                                                                                                                                                            

 Shimna students in KS3 get a thorough understanding of internet safety; learn how to program computer games using scratch and microbits. They are also introduced to the use spreadsheets, databases, drawing and painting packages as well as using the Internet in an efficient manner and to proper standard ways of working protocols. In year 10 students are able to create their own website as well as creating multimedia projects in a team based environment.

Throughout the school computers are used extensively in all areas of the curriculum. 

 

GCSE ICT
ICT is a popular choice at GCSE level and our students achieve fantastic results every year. The GCSE Digital Technology qualification is a practical, skills-based qualification that builds on our Key Stage 3 Curriculum and provides a foundation for students intending to study Digital Technology at a higher level.

We study the CCEA GCSE Digital Technology course building on our 92%  success rate in achieving grades A* to C with 100% achieving grades A* to E in the previous ICT specification. 

 

A Level ICT
Our students study the CCEA Applied Digital Technology A Level course and 100% achieved grades A*-B.

We also offer Software Systems Development for our students at A Level. This qualification is highly respected by universities and employers alike and gives students a real insight into programming.

 

Extra-curricular offer

 

• Coding club

• Insight into IT

• BringIT on

 

 Past Pupils achievement:

Our past Computing and ICT students are now studying in universities in Northern Ireland, Scotland and England, and on the Kainos computing scheme run through Ulster University.