ICT: Inspiring Creative Thinkers

ICT: Inspiring Creative Thinkers We are continuing the transition from ICT to Computer Science and have introduced IGCSE Computer Science at British International School Hanoi this year. This is a very different course to ICT, instead focusing on the principles of computing and problem solving through algorithmic design.

For the computer scientists reading this 01101011 01100101 01100101 01110000 00100000 01110010 01100101 01100001 01100100 01101001 01101110 01100111! 

It’s been a fantastic year for the ICT department so far - we have grown considerably! The department is now responsible for whole school ICT lessons to ensure that all of our students learn ICT and Computing by subject specialists. In order to ensure the very best lessons for primary and secondary students, the school recruited two new ICT & computing teachers; Mr James Trett and Mr Gary Byatt.

Mr Trett joins us from the UK and has a wealth of experience teaching Computer Science in London and has led ICT before, achieving many recommendations and certifications for his work. He is also our e-safety guru and will soon be communicating with parents on how to ensure their child can use the internet safely. Whilst at British International School, Mr Trett has been teaching both primary and secondary students the core principles of computer science and computer programming. Mr Byatt joins us from an international school in Thailand where he was teaching Business Studies & ICT and is very familiar with the requirements of teaching in an international setting; an excellent addition to the team. Mr Byatt has experience of teaching IGCSE ICT and is currently teaching year 10 students the intricacies (and beauty) of spreadsheets. 

We are continuing the transition from ICT to Computer Science and have introduced IGCSE Computer Science this year. This is a very different course to ICT, instead focusing on the principles of computing and problem solving through algorithmic design. However, it does still give students plenty of opportunity to apply knowledge and understanding by developing software skills. Next year, we complete the transition to Computer Science at Key Stage 4 and we are very excited by how popular it is; 43 students have selected it as an option choice which shows students understand the impact computers might have in their future careers.

Did you know in a recent Oxford University study, findings indicated there is a high chance that engineers will find ways to automate 47% of jobs in the United States, possibly within 20 years?

In other news, key stages 2 and 3 have been competing in an international coding challenge. Over 30 British International Schools across Asia are competing to create an original computer game themed around ‘Space.’ It has not been easy but our students have developed some fantastic ideas for games and are currently producing some high quality content. The deadline for the competition is May 4th and I really do hope the 4th is with them!

Finally, to celebrate our transition to computer science I will leave you with this joke, ‘there are 10 types of people in the world: those who understand binary, and those who don’t.’

Martin Toner, ICT/Computing Leader