In support of the release, the latest issue of Countdown, NAA's newsletter about the KS3 ICT tasks, was sent to schools earlier this week. It contains information about what the tasks comprise and how schools are already making use of them. Schools also received a CD containing the key support materials available to them. A copy of Countdown can be viewed at http://www.naa.org.uk/libraryAssets/media/Countdown_Nov08.pdf.
Many schools are now using the KS3 ICT tasks with their pupils and are finding the formative reports generated by the tasks helpful. The reports link into a supporting progression grid which details evidence of progression across national curriculum levels 3-8. Teachers can use the information in the reports to identify and plan individual and group learning objectives.
The NAA project team have been contributing to INSET events around the country talking about and demonstrating the KS3 ICT tasks and their use for formative assessment. If you would like the team to input into one of your teacher events email them at ks3ict@naa.org.uk.
This term’s Global Messenger is based on the theme of Earth Hour (29/3/8) and Earth Day (22/4/8) . Did you know that an average person uses 57 acres of natural resources per year, but the Earth’s biological capacity is only 41 acres per person.
Earth Hour
Global Footprint Quiz
Oxfam, Climate Change Resources