This book, ICT Skills Year 5, forms part of a series covering the whole of the primary age range. The books have been written specifically to complement the QCA and DfES scheme of work for Information Technology. The introduction points out that the aim of the book is to provide the teacher with the materials, skills and knowledge that will make covering the ICT Scheme of Work an achievable and positive experience.

The introduction is informative without being patronising. It gives a broad insight into the structure of the book and suggests ways in which ICT lessons can be structured. The Teaching ICT section contains some very useful guidance and information on the theory behind the subject and its pedagogy. There is also a very useful contents section that provides links with other areas of the curriculum so that the work done in ICT lessons can be fully integrated.

Where the book scores strongly is in its ability to be used alongside almost any suitable software package. I have taught the section on spreadsheets using both Microsoft Excel and BlackCat Number Box with equal ease. The book avoids using screen shots from any particular software package, which will no doubt increase its universal appeal.

The book is organised into lessons following the QCA scheme of work for year 5. Typically there are three lessons for each unit. Lesson plans are given that include clear objectives, resources needed, whole class introduction, group activities and a plenary session. Each lesson is backed up with photocopiable worksheets, which are differentiated to take into consideration the ability levels within the class. Most of these photocopiable sheets can be completed away from the computer and from experience I have found that they can prove a valuable way to either introduce a topic or consolidate work covered in a unit. There is a collection of additional worksheets and resources in the appendix. The book also contains a useful assessment grid matched to the QCA outcomes that can be used to form part of a child’s ICT portfolio or to plan future targets.

ICT Skills should not be seen as a total solution to the non-specialists’ needs. To get the most from the book you need to adapt the lessons to meet the needs of your own children. The units on databases and spreadsheets, in particular, are obviously more successful if the teacher sets these up on the computer before the lesson begins. This is certainly a book that will reward the teacher who is willing to put in the effort. Those just looking for the easy option of giving their children photocopied sheet after photocopied sheet will need to look elsewhere.

Where this book excels is in providing a starting point upon which the teacher can build. It would be naïve to think that you could cover the unit on data accuracy, for example, in just three lessons. The book provides a clear outline of the skills to be taught in each unit and provides some activities to practise and consolidate them. I am not sure of the value of the differentiated activities, I would have rather worked out the differentiation myself and have the publisher provide me with more follow up ideas. However this is a minor criticism of an otherwise first rate book. We use the ICT Skills books in each year group and staff find them an excellent teaching resource.

Russell Ingleby.
ICT co-ordinator,
Westmoor Junior School.