“Technology can become the “wings” that will allow the educational world to fly farther and faster than ever before-if we will allow it” (Jenny Arledge).
Overview
In Northern Ireland, Using ICT is one of the three statutory Cross-Curricular Skills in the primary curriculum, alongside Communication and Using Mathematics. It applies from Year 1 to Year 7, with a strong emphasis on developing digital competence in meaningful and age-appropriate ways.
The curriculum aims to:
- Equip children with digital skills for learning and life.
- Encourage safe, responsible, and creative use of technology.
- Support problem-solving, collaboration, and communication through digital tools.
The 5 ‘E’s Framework
Children are guided through five core ICT skill areas:
- Explore – Accessing and researching information safely; investigating and solving problems using digital tools.
- Express – Creating and presenting ideas using various digital media (text, images, sound, video).
- Exchange – Communicating and collaborating online in a safe and responsible manner.
- Evaluate – Reflecting on their digital work and processes to improve outcomes.
- Exhibit – Managing and showcasing their digital work across the curriculum.
Practical Integration
ICT is embedded across all learning areas, including:
- Language and Literacy
- The Arts
- Mathematics
- The World Around Us
Children use tools like iPads, Bee-Bots, Chromebooks and educational software to enhance learning such as Just2Easy and Timetables Rockstars.
At Fane Street we aim to:
- Enable pupils to handle and communicate information, solve problems, and be creative using ICT.
- Promote safe and responsible online behaviour and digital wellbeing.
- Prepare pupils as digital citizens, workers, and makers for a technology-driven world.
- Develop digital skills for learning and life.
