“ I think there's a world market for maybe five computers.”

( Thomas Watson, the chairman of IBM in 1940)

“There is no reason why anyone would want to have a computer in their home.”

( President of Digital Equipment Corporation in 1977)

“640 K should be enough for anyone.”

( Bill Gates, Chairman of Microsoft in 1984)

The history of Information and Communication Technology is littered with prophecies which now look very silly.

In this rapidly developing subject, the ICT Department at Bethany School aims to equip our students with, firstly, the skills to cope in our modern world and, secondly, to use the technological developments that occur in an effective way.

Bethany initially installed wireless technology in the classroom areas in 2000 and this has been extended to all parts of the School, including all the Boarding Houses and has recently been upgraded to the newest and fast 11n standard.

At Bethany we encourage all pupils in Year 8 and above to purchase a laptop with built-in wireless connectivity to use in lessons.  All laptops have access to the internet from anywhere on the campus without the need fo cables.

The breadth of work done on laptops at Bethany is growing every year.  The versatility of the laptop has to be seen to be believed.  Probes can be added to it to carry out scientific experiments; it is an interactive tool in History, a dictation machine in French, a probability generator in Mathematics, as well as a Shakespearean stage in English.  This is in addition to the traditional functions of word prcessing, spreadsheets, desktop publishing etc.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8, 9)

Students are taught in three sets in Years 7 & 8 and four sets in Year 9 broadly following the Key Stage 3 framework of the National Curriculum.

The principal aim is to develop the necessary skills that will allow them to make best use of ICT in their studies and in later life.

Students are also encouraged to develop decision-making skills in the choice and application of different pieces of software to solve different tasks, taking into account the potential audience or users of the outcome.

During year 9, students take a series of CLAIT units to provide them with a nationally recognised qualification in ICT skills.

GCSE & A Level

ICT is no longer offered at either GCSE or A level.