ICT Skills Journey

Overview

This 33-week scheme of work for Year 8 (2nd year) ICT supports students in deepening key digital skills within a structured, practical, and curriculum-aligned framework. Each 40-minute lesson builds progressively on prior knowledge (Year 7) and integrates CBA-aligned mini-projects, focused assessments, and digital citizenship awareness. The plan embeds the Irish Curriculum Framework for Junior Cycle ICT, with explicit reference to learning outcomes in Digital Media Literacy, Information Processing, and Collaboration.

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Curriculum Framework Alignment

This plan aligns with Junior Cycle ICT Statements of Learning and Key Skills (CSOs), notably:

• SOL 4: "Communicate effectively using a variety of digital media."
• SOL 6: "Select and use software to create and edit digital content."
• SOL 7: "Use a variety of tools and applications to investigate, organise, create, and present information."
• SOL 10: "Use technology and digital resources ethically, responsibly, and safely."
• Key Skills: Managing Information and Thinking, Using Digital Technologies, Communicating, Being Creative, Working with Others.

This plan prepares students for Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs) required in Year 3 by scaffolding skills early.

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Weekly Breakdown

Week	Topic	Learning Objectives	Practical Activities	Notes/Assessment
1	Revision: Outlook Basics	- Manage email effectively using Outlook - Understand email etiquette and personal organisation	Students configure Outlook (or webmail), send/receive emails, organise inbox folders, practise netiquette	Diagnostic assessment on Year 7 basics via practical quiz
2	Revision: Internet Safety	- Recognise online risks and privacy issues - Identify safe vs unsafe digital behaviour	Class discuss scenario-based safety cases, complete interactive quiz, create a ‘Top 5 Internet Safety Tips’ poster	Verbal feedback; formative peer review
3	Word Processing Review	- Format documents using styles, alignment, spacing - Insert and edit images and tables in Word Docs	Students create a one-page assignment report integrating text and images	Teacher checks formatting standards, formative feedback
4	Dictation & Speed Typing	- Use dictation tools effectively - Improve typing speed and accuracy	Timed Typing Club exercises Practice dictation to word process	Monitor progress using Typing Club analytics
5	Advanced PowerPoint: Transitions	- Apply slide transitions and custom animations - Design consistent slide layouts	Mini-presentation creation incorporating transitions and animations	Peer review and feedback
6	Advanced PowerPoint: Multimedia	- Embed audio, video, and hyperlinks into slides - Manage slide timing effectively	Add relevant multimedia to presentation, practise timing control	Teacher assessment for CBA prep
7	Introduction to Excel Basics	- Understand Excel interface and terminology - Enter and edit data, use formulas	Create simple tables with input data and use SUM, AVERAGE formulas	Formative quiz on Excel functions
8	Excel Charts: Bar and Pie Graphs	- Create bar and pie charts from data - Format charts for clarity and presentation	Enter sales or survey data, produce at least two chart types	Mini-project: chart creation from provided data
9	CBA Mini-Project Part 1: Data Gathering	- Plan and collect meaningful data - Organise data for presentation in Excel	Students select or gather data; input and organise in Excel	Project check-in; teacher feedback
10	CBA Mini-Project Part 2: Analysis	- Use charts and formulas to analyse data - Draft findings alongside visuals	Complete Excel tables, create charts, begin report drafting	Peer feedback session
11	Microsoft Forms Introduction	- Create quizzes and surveys - Understand form setting: questions types, branching	Design and share a short survey related to a school topic	Submission of Forms link for teacher review
12	Microsoft Forms Data Analysis	- Access and interpret responses - Export and summarise data	Analysing survey responses using built-in graphs and exporting to Excel	Formative assessment via short report
13	Canva Overview	- Use Canva tools to design digital posters and infographics - Apply templates and customise graphics	Design a digital poster promoting digital citizenship	Mini-project start; display final posters in class
14	Canva Advanced Techniques	- Import assets, adjust layers, use grids and frames - Collaborate on Canva design	Students collaborate in pairs to create multi-page digital brochure	Peer assessment; formative teacher feedback
15	Microsoft Teams: Communication	- Navigate Teams interface - Join meetings, share files, chat effectively	Simulated group chat and shared file on Teams	Formative digital participation record
16	OneNote: Organising Notes	- Use OneNote for note-taking and organisation - Share notebooks and collaborate	Create a shared notebook for class notes; embed multimedia	Observe collaboration and content organisation
17	Digital Citizenship: Ethics	- Understand intellectual property and copyright - Discuss online behaviour and its consequences	Class debate on digital ethics; create ‘Code of Conduct’ poster	Verbal feedback; poster displayed in classroom
18	Digital Citizenship: Data Privacy	- Learn how personal data is used online - Understand privacy settings on social media	Privacy settings walkthrough; role-play consequences of oversharing	Formative Q&A session
19	Revision Week: Office 365 Tools	- Consolidate knowledge of Office 365 environment and productivity tools	Mixed activities: email, document editing, cloud collaboration	Formative quiz and diagnostic feedback to support learners
20	Mini-Project 2 Introduction: Collaboration Tools and Presentation	- Plan a group research project using Teams and OneNote	Group project: research an ICT topic using online tools	Project planning document submission
21	Mini-Project 2: Research & Drafting	- Use Teams for communication - Organise notes in OneNote - Begin drafting presentation	Students allocate tasks, collate research in OneNote	Teacher check-in on progress
22	Mini-Project 2: PowerPoint Presentation	- Design final presentation incorporating multimedia and collaboration tools	Develop slides in PowerPoint with integrated research and data	Peer feedback on draft presentations
23	Mini-Project 2: Presentation Practice	- Rehearse presentations - Use feedback to improve	In-class presentations in groups with Q&A	Teacher and peer assessment for CBA preparation
24	CBA Project Preparation	- Review criteria for CBA - Compile and polish final project components	Final edits and project submission plan	Monitoring progress; formative review
25	Assessment Week	- Complete formative assessment tasks aligned with CBA criteria	Practical test involving Excel, PowerPoint, and Forms	Teacher assessment; feedback and support for students
26	Halloween Break (No class)	- Holiday	–	Non-teaching week
27	Microsoft Word: Advanced Formatting	- Use styles, headers/footers, references, and tables	Create document with advanced formatting for report	Formative teacher feedback
28	Typing Club Challenge	- Improve speed and accuracy through gamified typing	Timed typing challenges and progress tracking	Typing level benchmark assessment
29	Excel: IF Statements & Conditional Formatting	- Use IF formula for decisions - Apply conditional formatting	Create marksheet applying conditional formatting and IF logic	Mini project task
30	Data Protection & Digital Footprint	- Understand GDPR principles and digital footprint management	Case study discussions and create ‘Digital Footprint’ awareness campaign materials	Summative class discussion and activity
31	Canva Infographics Project	- Create infographics using data and icons - Apply design principles for clarity	Design infographic on a topic such as internet safety	Mini-project submission
32	Final Review & Class Reflections	- Reflect on learning journey - Self-assess ICT skills and identify strengths and weaknesses	Class discussion, portfolios updated, reflection journaling	End of scheme reflective assessment
33	Year Wrap-Up & Next Steps	- Discuss pathways in ICT - Set goals for Year 3 and Junior Cycle CBA	Goal-setting exercises; introduction to Year 3 expectations	Teacher feedback and student goal setting

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Notable Pedagogical Approaches

• Active Learning & Peer Collaboration: Group projects, peer feedback, and collaborative software tools develop critical skills in teamwork and responsibility.
• Scaffolded CBA Preparation: Mini-projects designed to build necessary skills for Year 3 classroom-based assessments progressively.
• Embedded Digital Citizenship: Ethics, privacy, and safety topics are regularly integrated to build responsible digital citizens aligned to SOL 10.
• Personalised Progress Monitoring: Use of Typing Club analytics, formative quizzes, and practical projects to monitor and support all learners.
• Creative Tools: Students use Canva and Microsoft Forms to encourage creativity and real-world tech proficiency alongside traditional Office products.

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This detailed 33-week plan provides a balanced, engaging curriculum tailored to Irish 2nd year students, ensuring strong foundations for the Junior Cycle ICT syllabus and future digital literacy demands.