ICT Units of Study - Osmington Bay

Control IT

Pupils develop their skills in computer control technology through modelling the working of a safety barrier. They begin by programming a simple cause and effect model, then refine instructions and learn how the order in which they are given is critical to the success of the project. The challenge can be increased by using gradually more complex scenarios.

Design IT

Using their experience of PGL Adventure Activities, pupils conceive and design a new Activity Base. They design a questionnaire for staff and pupils to ascertain current favourites and benefits in order to inform their ideas. They consider possible locations, explore build costs, time and how many people could use the new base. All information is entered onto a database and each group produces a report to include plans, photos and recommendations.

Develop IT

Developers are planning to build in a local area and so pupils form groups representing key stakeholders, such as the National Trust or Town Council. They then research and evaluate information to understand how opinion can be expressed as facts, or facts represented as opinion, and to set standards for evaluating their source and any possible bias. The module culminates in role-play where each interest group argues for its own desired outcomes.

Forecast IT

Pupils record weather forecasts for each day they are on site, using a variety of sources such as physical measurements, TV, internet and coastguard and evaluate the presentation methods used. They then present the daily forecast to other guests and staff on site, considering the needs of different audiences; they use poster displays, PowerPoint presentations or even PGL’s own website and evaluate the level of their own accuracy and consider reasons for this.

Picture IT

Pupils use their PGL residential experience to create a brochure about the centre, containing news, advice, information and interesting facts, for pupils back at school thinking of visiting PGL next year. They consider the information they will need, source and select appropriate resources and develop a document to suit their audience.

Prof IT

At a new centre, PGL is planning to open a retail outlet. Pupils work in small teams to look at data from existing PGL retail outlets, including stock figures, sales, costs and profits, in order to identify ‘best sellers’ and calculate best prices for maximum profit. They produce spreadsheets to show workings and test predictions and work out strategies to increase sales. As an extension, pupils can plan the shop space, including designing floor plans and dimensions and decide where to place stock, giving reasons for their decisions.