Year 9 ICT SAT Test ICT Onscreen Test 2006

Introduction This year, Year 9 pupils will sit an ICT onscreen SAT test The onscreen tests have been developed to test pupils' capabilities in ICT at Key Stage 3 Each child taking the test will be awarded a national curriculum level and a report on their performance in ICT

What is an onscreen test? The onscreen test is a new alternative to a traditional paper test or exam In an onscreen test, a pupil carries out tasks and answers questions using a computer The answers they give and the actions they take are tracked and marked by the computer

What is the test like? The test is set in a virtual world based on a fictional case study To carry out the tasks, pupils have access to a range of assets such as websites, pictures and documents Pupils are also given an ICT Toolkit of applications to enable them to complete the tasks (e.g. a word processor, a spreadsheet, a web browser etc.)

What is the test like? These applications are similar to the applications pupils normally use during the course of their studies, such as Microsoft Office The test consists of two 50-minute sessions that are taken on different occasions Your child can only gain a level after completing both of the tests

What is the test environment like? This is what the onscreen test environment looks like.

Revising for the test at school Pupils will have opportunities in lesson time to familiarise themselves with the test environment Pupils will start receiving lesson tasks via email to get them used to this method of receiving tasks There are familiarisation posters displayed in all ICT rooms

Revising for the test at school Pupils will receive a revision booklet to help them practise for the test ICT rooms are open for pupils to use with ICT teachers available to help Pupils will sit a mock exam in January 2007, which will give an indication of the level they are working at in ICT

Revising for the test at home Pupils can take the revision booklet home so they can continue revising there There are suggested internet sites that can use to help with revision SAM learning can help towards revising for the test There is a copy of the revision booklet along with additional helpful materials on Moodle