The characteristics of ICT Levels
Characteristic of this level and features that distinguish it from Verbs associated with typical activities at this level
Level Characteristic themes
adjacent levels (drawn from ICT level descriptors)
The initial exploratory use of ICT and a developing familiarity with Explore, know, work, share, recognise, make choices,
1 Explore and Choose
some of its everyday uses. produce, talk about
2 The purposeful use of ICT to achieve specific outcomes. Options Organise, classify, present, enter, save, retrieve, generate,
KS1 are investigated and the effects of actions described. Begin to use Use and Describe amend, record, share, plan, give, make, describe, explore,
target ICT independently. Save and retrieve work by themselves. talk about
ICT is used to develop ideas. Lines of enquiry are followed, Save, find, use, generate, develop, organise, share,
3 decisions are made, the results are taken into account in successive Develop and Decide exchange, use, control, achieve, make, find things out,
steps, and the use of ICT is described. solve, describe
4 Demonstrate the ability to interpret the information obtained using Understand, collect, find, interrogate, interpret, question,
KS2 ICT tools and information sources, question its plausibility and Collect and Interpret recognise, add, amend, combine, use, show, exchange,
target compare the use of ICT with other methods. control, sense, explore, predict, compare
5 Demonstrate increased rigour. Quantitative information is Select, check, organise, structure, refine, present,
KS3 considered and the value of using ICT in working practices is Organise and Present exchange, create, understand, explore, discuss, assess,
target assessed. reflect,
An increase in range, focus, efficiency and complexity. Work is more
Develop, refine, enquire, present, consider, try out, refine,
6 developed and refined, and the wider impact of ICT on society is Enquire and Refine
predict, vary, test, assess, discuss
considered.
ICT systems are selected and designed considering the
Combine, identify, select, translate, measure, record,
7 advantages and limitations of different packages, tools and Select and Develop
analyse, design, consider, apply, reason, develop,
information sources and of the results they produce.
Systems are designed and implemented for others to use. The
8 needs of users are considered and addressed. The wider issues Design and Implement Select, design, implement, collect, prepare, inform, debate
raised by ICT are discussed.
The ability to design, implement, test, document and evaluate
Evaluate, analyse, develop, assess, suggest, design,
8* systems for others to use. Characteristically, pupils would consider Document and Evaluate
implement, document, predict, discuss, inform, consider
wider issues such as how it might affect working practices.