Structured Home Learning has completely revised the materials we use for the ICT component of the primary Curriculum Packs. This is such an important subject for young people to understand because it affects so many parts of their life and can offer interesting job opportunities later.

Since this subject, rather like maths, builds on a set of skills you will be able to select the stage which matches your child’s ability, regardless of their age. The different stages are described so that you have the information you need to choose the best study pack for your child.

Stage 1

• Starting with texts: Begin word processing using a mouse and keyboard. Select and edit text. Select basic icons (print, save and spell check). Name, save and retrieve documents.
• Starting images: Use simple shapes and lines to create pictures or patterns. Edit pictures. Add details to existing pictures. Copy or delete a character. Use 'save as' to store pictures.
• Starting graphs: Store information and sort into groups. Show information in charts or graphs. Use them to answer simple questions and make conclusions.
• Starting programming: Plan a short series of instructions to achieve a specific goal. Create a program of sequence of instructions. Predict what Sprite will do when given a sequence of instructions. Create a program and correct (debug) a program containing one error.
• Starting searches: Use buttons, menus and indexes to navigate and find information. Use keywords to search for information. Show evidence of research. Choose suitable keywords and suitable results.
• Starting email: Create and send email messages. Reply to email messages. Collect and email messages. Use email folders. Forward email messages and copy to another recipient.

Stage 2

• Exploring documents: Create and edit a text document. Edit text for a specific audience. Add images to a document. Refine and organise layout of a document for a specific audience. Evaluate a finished document.
• Exploring images: Create repeating patterns using stamps/and or copy tools. Create pictures. Select appropriate objects, copy and resize them. Save drafts showing the development of the design.
• Exploring spreadsheets: Enter labels and numbers into a spreadsheet. Enter and copy simple formulas. Create a graph. Change data. Use a spreadsheet to answer a modelled scenario.
• Exploring databases: Add new records to a data file. Identify field types. Use “equals”, “more than” and “less than” in searches. Re-write a question using search criteria. Interpret data.

Stage 3

• Exploring programming: Plan an algorithm to draw a simple repeating pattern. Create a program to produce a simple pattern. Predict the output of a program that includes repetition. Create a procedure and use it to draw a complex shape.
• Exploring the internet: Use internet tools to find information. Assess the relevance and usefulness of material. Store and recover information. Copy and paste information from a website. Save URLs and objects from a website. Use advanced search skills.
• Exploring email: Create, edit, read and answer emails. Add addresses to the email address book. Use the address book to send carbon copies (cc), blind carbon copies (bcc) and forward emails. View an attachment. Add an attachment to an email. Use email folders.

Stage 4

• Documents for a purpose: Creating and formatting text; adjusting properties to allow graphics and other objects to fit correctly; inserting a table into a document; using advanced formatting features; adjusting page formatting for a specific audience.
• Multimedia for a purpose: Creating a plan; recording and selecting appropriate source materials; incorporating transition, animation, timings, audio and build effects; sense of audience and purpose.
• Spreadsheets for a purpose: Designing a spreadsheet for a specific purpose; creating, testing, modifying and evaluating your spreadsheet.
• Databases for a purpose: Identifying a purpose for a database; designing, creating and developing a database for a specific purpose; choosing different data types; database testing; data security; transferring data between different pieces of software.

Stage 5

• Programming for a purpose: Planning an interactive program using abstraction; creating and testing a program; Using selection; prediction; debugging.
• Website design for a purpose: Creating a series of web pages; hyperlinks; adding images; adding colour; adding lists.
• Networks for a purpose: Designing a simple data network; identifying purpose and components; understanding management issues and security issues.
• Video and Animation for a purpose: Creating a plan; creating source material; production; adding a soundtrack.