ICT Life Skills is taught as a discrete subject in Years 7 to 9 by subject specialists. Initially the girls learn to touch-type by completing a ten week intensive course; this skill enables them to use a computer with greater confidence. During the one hour weekly lessons the girls will then develop the skills and knowledge required to use successfully the different Microsoft Office applications including the use of spreadsheets, databases and presentation software. Girls cover the necessary topics towards the achievement of the OCR Level 2 Certificate in Text Processing. This certificate is accredited at Level 2 of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) with a performance indicator of 92 points on the National Database of Accredited Qualifications.

Girls are encouraged to purchase laptops through the school; they may use these during class, for study and at home. They are also trained to use Queenswood’s e-mail facility as an effective means of communication.

Susan Goodwin (RSA Teaching Cert), Head of Department

During the past 12 years Susan Goodwin has successfully prepared Queenswood girls for the OCR Text Processing qualifications, achieving outstanding results with a very high level of passes at Distinction level. She is also the school’s Public Examinations Officer. Before joining Queenswood Susan originally taught both in schools and in further education.