ICT
For the first time in Britain, television watching has been overhauled by something else - surfing the net! No child in Barnard Castle School needs any persuasion to get on a computer, the only trick is to direct their skills in fruitful directions. Compulsory lessons and self learning packages apply in all years so that pupils end with nationally recognised standards of competence essential for employers and universities alike.
There are also opportunities at GCSE for a specialist course whilst we continue to review similar specialism at AS and A2. As a department it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the academic disciplines behind computing and the general ICT usage which pervades every area of school life. If everyone knows how to drive, the department knows what goes on under the bonnet!
The department runs a bi-annual study trip to Disneyland Resort, Paris. The highlights of the education program include: ICT in rides and attractions (CAD and rollercoasters, 3D modelling and animatronics); ICT serving organisations (data protection, operating systems and hotel information systems); Communicating Information (computer graphics, Disney website and e-commerce).
We very much like the tutorial as opposed to the class-based system which enables pupils and tutors to develop a relationship based on shared experiences and trust over a number of years. Boarding has helped our son develop his life skills and his ability to accept responsibility for himself and his actions, to understand the differing needs and aspirations of individuals and how to get on with them. When we moved to Cumbria from Kent in 2001, we looked at several schools in the North of England and Barney impressed us the most.
Sally and Keith Parnaby
