Becta Support for KS3 ICT onscreen test pilot
October 15, 2005This article was in the latest NAACE newsletter:
From Becta colleague Chris Faulkner (Project Manager - KS3 Onscreen Testing Support) is the following item on Becta Support for KS3 ICT onscreen test pilot
In October 2005 Becta will launch its support service for all schools attempting to gain technical accreditation for Key Stage 3 (KS3) ICT onscreen testing.
The technical accreditation process for schools consists of a questionnaire and an ICT network audit. The results of both will indicate whether a school’s ICT network is sufficient for pupils to use in KS3 ICT onscreen tests.
Support is available to any school which has registered for the pilot and is going through the accreditation process. The support includes advice, individual email support, a telephone helpline and site visits for issues which cannot be resolved remotely.
The Becta support team and QCA are holding a series of regional workshops in January 2006 to help local authority staff deal with the technical and test administration issues which face pilot schools. To register your interest and book attendance at a regional event please email us at ks3support@becta.org.uk
By providing the support service, Becta aims to ensure that all schools registering for the KS3 ICT onscreen test pilot will be successfully accredited - either independently or with the help of the support service.
Participation in the KS3 ICT onscreen test pilot is voluntary, but participation will ensure schools are prepared for the test becoming statutory in 2008. Becta’s support service will be of most use to schools taking part in the 2006 pilot and those who struggled to gain accreditation in 2005. Any school interested in offering KS3 ICT onscreen tests should register for the pilot at: www.ks3ictpilot.com. If your school does not meet the minimum technical specification you may call us on 0845 053 5534, or visit our website at: www.becta.org.uk/schools/ks3support.
Gaining accreditation indicates to parents that a school is planning future ICT development in a sustainable way and confirms the school is delivering effective ICT to meet the needs of learners.
Although some of today’s learners may have passed KS3 and will not take the onscreen ICT test, they will benefit from related school improvements that participation will bring.
A range of materials will be available online at www.becta.org.uk/schools/ks3support. These will cover a range of technical issues to be considered, as well as FAQs, Case studies and guidance for completing the technical questionnaire. If schools have an issue that cannot be resolved using the online materials, then they can access further assistance by telephone or email. In more extreme cases, where there is a specific problem that cannot be resolved remotely, it may be possible to visit the school in order to resolve the problem.
Involved in the project are:
QCA - The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority
DfES - Department for Education and Skills
RM - Research Machines
