--- title: ICT description: Digital literacy, safe and responsible technology use, and practical skills for learning and everyday life. --- [![OTS logo](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/OrangeTreeSchool%20logo_large.png?width=1391&height=797&name=OrangeTreeSchool%20logo_large.png "OTS logo")](https://orangetreeschool.org?hsLang=en) [![OTS logo](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/OrangeTreeSchool%20logo_large.png?width=1391&height=797&name=OrangeTreeSchool%20logo_large.png "OTS logo")](https://orangetreeschool.org?hsLang=en) - [About](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/en-gb/) - [Welcome](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/welcome-message) - [Why OTS?](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/why-ots) - [Vision and ethos](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/vision-and-ethos) - [The Orange Tree approach](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/the-orange-tree-approach) - [Meet our team](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/meet-the-team) - [Inspection reports](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/inspection-reports) - 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Contact Us - [Work with us](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/careers) - [Contact Details](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/contact) # ICT Digital literacy, safe and responsible technology use, and practical skills for learning and everyday life. [Explore ICT](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/ict#ks3) ![hero-jobbies-7](https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/395201/hero-jobbies-7.svg) Learning at Orange Tree School ## ICT at Orange Tree School Digital literacy, safe and responsible technology use, and practical skills for learning and everyday life. **Key Stage 3**Years 7, 8 and 9 share the 2026–2027 curriculum **Lesson allocation**One 50-minute lesson per week **Practical learning**Word, Excel, PowerPoint and emailOnline safety, AI, logic and robotics [Intent](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/ict#intent)[Implementation](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/ict#implementation)[Impact](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/ict#impact)[Curriculum](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/ict#curriculum)[KS3](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/ict#ks3)[KS4](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/ict#ks4)[Enrichment](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/ict#cultural-capital)[Literacy](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/ict#literacy)[British values](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/ict#british-values)[SMSC](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/ict#smsc) ## Intent The intent of the ICT curriculum is to develop confident, responsible and digitally literate learners who can effectively use technology to support learning across the curriculum and in everyday life. Pupils will gain practical skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and email communication whilst developing an understanding of online safety, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, logical thinking and robotics concepts. The curriculum equips pupils with essential digital skills needed for further study, future employment and active participation in an increasingly digital society. ## Implementation The curriculum is delivered through a structured sequence of lessons that build knowledge and skills progressively throughout the academic year. Pupils move from core digital literacy and online safety into the practical use of Microsoft Office applications before exploring data handling, presentations, AI, logical thinking and robotics. Lessons are highly practical, allowing pupils to apply new learning through real-world projects, independent tasks, collaborative activities and regular retrieval practice. Assessment is embedded throughout the curriculum to monitor progress and inform future learning. ## Impact By the end of the year, pupils will demonstrate increased confidence and independence when using digital technologies. They will be able to create professional documents, analyse data using spreadsheets, communicate effectively through email and deliver engaging presentations. Pupils will understand the importance of staying safe online, recognise cyber threats and use technology responsibly. They will have developed problem-solving and logical thinking skills that provide a strong foundation for further ICT and Computer Science study at Key Stage 3 and beyond. ## Curriculum The ICT curriculum is designed to provide broad and balanced digital education. It encompasses digital literacy, online safety, cybersecurity, productivity software, communication technologies, artificial intelligence awareness and introductory computational thinking concepts. The curriculum reflects current technological developments and ensures pupils acquire the digital competencies required for academic success, future employment and lifelong learning. Learning is carefully sequenced to ensure prior knowledge is revisited and built upon throughout the year. ## Key Stage 3: 2026–2027 Students are taught in mixed ability groups and have one 50-minute lesson per week. In 2026/27, Years 7, 8 and 9 will follow the same curriculum to ensure all students have a solid foundation in the core skills and knowledge required as detailed above. Assessment will take the form of classwork, mini-projects, extended projects and presentations. After 2026/27, the intention is that different curriculum pathways will be developed for the different year groups depending on student progress. Autumn: digital citizenship, email and Word #### Week 1 · Introduction to ICT & Digital Citizenship Understand ICT expectations, responsible use of technology and login procedures. #### Week 2 · Staying Safe Online Identify online risks, personal information, strong passwords and safe browsing practices. #### Week 3 · Cybersecurity Basics Understand malware, phishing, scams and ways to protect devices and accounts. #### Week 4 · Email Basics Create, send, receive and reply to emails appropriately. #### Week 5 · Email Attachments and Professional Communication Use CC/BCC, attachments, subject lines and professional language. #### Week 6 · Introduction to Microsoft Word Navigate the interface and create simple documents. #### Week 7 · Word Formatting Skills Change fonts, colours, alignment and spacing effectively. #### Week 8 · Word Editing Tools Use cut, copy, paste, undo, redo, spell check and grammar tools. #### Week 9 · Word Layout and Design Insert images, shapes and text boxes appropriately. #### Week 10 · Tables and Page Layout Create tables and adjust margins, orientation and page setup. #### Week 11 · Research and Document Creation Gather information safely and create a simple report. #### Week 12 · Word Project Produce a formatted leaflet or newsletter. #### Week 13 · Assessment and Review Demonstrate Word and online safety skills. Spring: spreadsheets and data #### Week 14 · Introduction to Spreadsheets Understand rows, columns, cells and worksheets. #### Week 15 · Entering and Formatting Data Enter data accurately and format cells. #### Week 16 · Simple Formulae Use addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. #### Week 17 · Using SUM and AVERAGE Perform basic calculations. #### Week 18 · Data Accuracy Identify errors and check calculations. #### Week 19 · Creating Charts Create bar, pie and column charts. #### Week 20 · Choosing Appropriate Charts Select suitable chart types for different data. #### Week 21 · Sorting Data Sort information alphabetically and numerically. #### Week 22 · Filtering Data Filter information to answer questions. #### Week 23 · Spreadsheet Investigation Use spreadsheets to solve a real-life problem. #### Week 24 · Budget Planning Activity Create a simple personal or school event budget. #### Week 25 · Data Analysis Project Analyse and present findings using charts. #### Week 26 · Assessment and Review Demonstrate spreadsheet skills independently. Summer: presentations, AI, logic and robotics #### Week 27 · Introduction to PowerPoint Understand slide layouts and presentation design. #### Week 28 · Creating Effective Slides Use text, themes and images appropriately. #### Week 29 · Multimedia Features Insert audio, video and SmartArt. #### Week 30 · Presentation Skills Apply design principles and avoid overcrowded slides. #### Week 31 · Presenting Information Develop speaking and presentation confidence. #### Week 32 · AI in Everyday Life Explore where AI is used and its benefits. #### Week 33 · Responsible Use of AI Understand bias, misinformation, copyright and ethical use. #### Week 34 · Verifying AI Information Compare AI responses with reliable sources. #### Week 35 · Introduction to Logic Understand sequences, rules and decision making. #### Week 36 · Flowcharts and Instructions Follow and create simple flowcharts without coding. #### Week 37 · Basic Robotics Logic Understand inputs, outputs and step-by-step instructions. #### Week 38 · Robotics Challenge Plan instructions for a robot to complete simple tasks. #### Week 39 · Final Project and Assessment Create and present a PowerPoint demonstrating learning from across the year. ## Key Stage 4 ICT is not currently taught at KS4 but this is reviewed at regular intervals and its introduction will depend on student demand and timetable constraints. ## Cultural capital The curriculum provides pupils with valuable cultural capital by exposing them to the digital tools and technologies widely used in education, business and society. Through learning about email, productivity software, AI and cybersecurity, pupils gain knowledge that supports future employability and participation in the modern world. Real-life scenarios and workplace applications help pupils understand how digital technologies are used beyond school and broaden their awareness of careers within the technology sector. ## Literacy Literacy is embedded throughout the ICT curriculum. Pupils develop technical vocabulary linked to information technology, cybersecurity and digital communication. Opportunities are provided for reading instructions, evaluating online information, producing written reports, designing presentations and composing professional emails. Pupils are encouraged to use accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar when creating digital content, supporting whole-school literacy priorities. ## British values The curriculum actively promotes British Values through responsible and respectful use of technology. Democracy is supported through collaborative decision-making and respectful discussion of digital issues. The rule of law is explored through online behaviour, copyright, data protection and cybercrime. Individual liberty is promoted through teaching pupils how to stay safe online and protect their personal information. Mutual respect and tolerance are reinforced through discussions about digital citizenship, online communication and appropriate behaviour within online communities. ## Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development Spiritual Development Pupils reflect on the impact of technology on individuals and society, considering ethical issues surrounding artificial intelligence, online behaviour and digital footprints. Moral Development Pupils develop an understanding of responsible technology use, cyber ethics, copyright, plagiarism, data protection and the consequences of online actions. Social Development Collaborative projects, presentations and peer evaluation activities help pupils develop teamwork, communication and interpersonal skills while using digital technologies appropriately. Cultural Development Pupils explore how technology influences communication, learning and lifestyles across different cultures and communities. They gain appreciation of the global nature of digital technology and its role in connecting people worldwide. ## Continue exploring [Explore all subjects →](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/subjects-?hsLang=en)[Curriculum overview →](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/curriculum-overview?hsLang=en)[Contact Orange Tree School →](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/contact?hsLang=en) [![footer\_combined](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/footer_combined.png?width=1012&height=150&name=footer_combined.png "footer_combined")](https://orangetreeschool.org?hsLang=en) [reception@orangetreeschool.org](mailto:reception@ellernmede.org) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576712743736) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/authwall?trk=bf&trkInfo=AQHjj8eyvhmPzwAAAYFi-A9ob0F5WXTRrv08goo8FQbx9S3v-HJHh01Epo5e1trOb11fxDqYxJngg_sEbdkIu5k2Uu1sI4WUfyHlSTdw2g_Ds1mwrYQKL67zYRoM8x79d8h7wbQ=&original_referer=&sessionRedirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2F83112644) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/orangetreeschool?igsh=dWM1YzljM2pscTNy) Follow us on Facebook - Get in Touch - 020 8148 1700 - Orange Tree School, Oakleigh Park North, London, N20 9AR ### Company - Quick Links - [Home](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/en-gb/) - [Admissions](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/admissions-overview) - [News](https://orangetreeschool.org/blog) - [Contact us](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/contact) ### Resources Registered office: Ellern Mede Ridgeway, Holcombe Hill, Mill Hill, London, NW7 4HX, England Ellern Mede Schools Company reg no: 10642453 Orange Tree School | Department for Education: 302/6118 | URN: 135072 | UK PRN: 10017857 © 2023 Ellern Mede School | [T&Cs](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/website-terms-and-conditions?hsLang=en) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/privacy-policy?hsLang=en) | [Cookie Policy](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/cookie-policy?hsLang=en)