Aims and Vision

Our vision is to provide a safe, engaging, and supportive ICT learning environment where pupils can develop digital literacy, creativity, resilience, and confidence. ICT should empower learners to participate fully in the modern digital world, use technology responsibly, and discover pathways to future education, employment, and independent living. The IT and Computing Curriculum at Notton is to provide all students with a supportive and challenging learning experience that balances all aspects of IT and computer science.

With technology playing such a significant role in society today, we believe that ‘Computational Thinking’ is a skill that students must be taught if students are to be able to participate effectively and safely in a digital world.

Our aim for students, upon completion of the curriculum, is for them to be digitally literate so that they are able to express themselves and develop their ideas through information and computer technology, at a level that is suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in the digital world.

We aim to create a foundation of knowledge that plays a key role in supporting our students to become computer-literate. Throughout school, teaching of e-safety is paramount in their learning, building a picture of how technology affects them in everyday life and how to stay safe. Online safety and digital communication are embedded in our curriculum and cross-curriculum offered here at Notton. 

The ICT curriculum aims to:

1. Promote Digital Literacy and Confidence – Equip pupils with essential digital skills to access learning, communicate effectively, and navigate an increasingly technology-driven society.

2. Support Social and Emotional Development – Use ICT as a tool to build self-esteem, perseverance, and teamwork through collaborative projects and creative expression.

3. Encourage Safe and Responsible Use of Technology – Teach e-safety, digital citizenship, and strategies to manage online risks, fostering a healthy relationship with technology.

4. Prepare for the Future – Provide pathways to further education, vocational training, and employment by developing transferable ICT and problem-solving skills relevant to the workplace.

5. Nurture Creativity and Engagement – Use ICT to inspire curiosity and innovation, allowing pupils to design, code, and create digital media that reflects their individual interests and strengths.

6. Remove Barriers to Learning – Offer accessible, differentiated, and supportive ICT experiences tailored to the diverse learning and emotional needs of SEMH pupils. 

7. Foster Independence and Self-Management – Enable learners to use technology as a tool for organisation, self-regulation, and independent problem-solving within and beyond the classroom.

What qualifications are on offer?

We provide a range of qualifications to meet every pupil's needs and aspirations, ensuring multiple pathways to success:

• AQA Unit Award Scheme.
• Entry-level and Functional Skills ICT – foundational skills in using computers, internet safety, word processing, spreadsheets.
• GCSE Computer Science / ICT – for those able to handle more academic study.

How are Pupils Assessed?

Our assessment approach is designed to support learning rather than simply measure it, reflecting our trauma-informed practice and commitment to individual growth.

Ongoing Assessment for Learning:

• Every learning goal is differentiated between learning, mastering and extending outcomes.
• Pupils are formatively assessed against each outcome weekly through teacher questioning and classwork.
• Regular feedback celebrates achievements and identifies next steps.

Progress Tracking:

• Pupils working at 'mastering' level are meeting age-related expectations.
• Progress is measured through improvement from learning → mastering → extending.
• Individual learning journeys are celebrated, recognising that progress looks different for every pupil.

Formal Assessment:

• Pupils following formal qualification routes will experience exam-style questioning to prepare for their chosen pathway.
• Assessment methods are matched to individual pupil needs and qualification requirements.
• Stress management and exam technique support is provided through regular THRIVE sessions, key working and therapeutic support.

Pathways and Life Opportunities:

There are many pathways and opportunities to take ICT forward in life with a key focus on: 

• Confidence Building: Mastery of digital skills gives pupils a sense of achievement and self-worth.
• Safe Expression: ICT can offer creative outlets (e.g., coding, digital art, video making) where pupils express themselves non-verbally.
• Future Employability: Digital skills are in demand across almost every industry, giving students with SEMH needs more pathways to success.

Future pathways in ICT, depending on abilities and interests, can open several different routes in life, including both professionally and within day to day life: 

• School & College Pathways
• Entry-level and Functional Skills ICT – foundational skills in using computers, internet safety, word processing, spreadsheets.
• GCSE Computer Science / ICT – for those able to handle more academic study.
• Vocational Qualifications (e.g. BTEC in IT, Creative Media, Digital Applications).
• Apprenticeships in IT – practical training alongside work (IT support, web development, digital marketing).

Employment Opportunities;

• IT Support Technician – helping people with computer issues.
• Web Designer / Developer – building websites.
• Graphic Designer – digital art, branding, media.
• Cybersecurity Analyst – protecting systems from attacks.
• Digital Marketing / Social Media Manager – managing online presence.
• Gaming Industry Roles – design, testing, community management.

Personal Development;

• Better self-regulation through structured ICT activities.
• Building resilience by problem-solving in coding or digital projects.
• Enhanced social interaction through online collaboration tools.

Independence & Life Skills;

• Online banking, applying for jobs, accessing services.
• Communication through safe platforms, reducing isolation.
• Managing mental health with apps (journals, mindfulness, CBT tools).

How Can You Support Your Child?

• Here at Notton, we know that technology can be a powerful tool for learning, creativity and independence. ICT can also provide a safe way to build confidence, problem-solving skills and resilience. Parents and carers play a vital role in helping to make ICT learning successful at home.

Here are some practical ways you can support your child:

• Encourage routine and structure.
• Help your son set aside regular, calm times to use ICT for learning. Predictable routines reduce stress and support focus.
• Create a positive learning environment.
• Provide a quiet, safe space for ICT activities. Sitting with them, even for a few minutes, shows him that his learning matters.
• Celebrate small successes.

Many ICT tasks involve trial and error. Praise their effort, creativity and persistence, not just the end result.

Encourage safe exploration;

• Support them to try new programs or apps linked to school work. Gentle guidance helps him feel confident and reduces frustration.

Link ICT to his interests;

• Whether it’s games, music, or design, it encourages him to explore how technology can connect to things he already enjoys. This makes learning more meaningful.

Promote online safety and wellbeing;

• Talk openly about being safe online, balancing screen time, and taking breaks. Reassure him that it’s okay to ask for help if something online makes him feel uncomfortable.

Stay connected with school;

• Keep in touch with school if you’re unsure how best to support. We can recommend safe websites, apps or activities that match your son’s needs.
• By working together, we can help your child use ICT not only to learn new skills, but also to grow in confidence, independence and enjoyment of learning.