Using data and information sources

• use information from primary or secondary sources and know when to choose the different types
• recognise how the content and style of information can influence the message it gives and that data can be distorted and misused
• justify the use of particular information sources to support an investigation or presentation, and devise and apply criteria to evaluate how well various information types support a task

Searching and selecting

• select information from a range of sources and assess the potential value of the information for a task
• frame searches in an appropriate and considered way in relation to the required results, for a more complex problem
• use basic logical operators and apply these when searching for information
• understand that the different ways in which search engines work can affect which information is returned
• acknowledge all sources, recognising copyright and other constraints

Organising and investigating

• save files in appropriate formats and create a hierarchical folder structure
• identify the essential data and ICT tools required to solve a problem
• develop open and closed questions with sensitivity, recognising people’s cultural, social and ethical differences  
• design a questionnaire or data-collection sheet to collect relevant data, and obtain and use feedback to establish what are good questions
• produce or adapt a data structure, enter data into this and check that data is reasonable and accurate
• use more complex queries – AND, OR, NOT; use different searches to produce the most effective result or to collect extra or different data for more detailed conclusions
• represent information in graphs, charts or tables, and in a report where appropriate; justify the form of representation and check the plausibility of their conclusions
• identify examples of automated data collection and recognise the impact of electronic databases on learning, everyday life and employment
• evaluate different applications in terms of the structure and method of processing data
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Analysing and automating processes

• identify the key elements of a problem and represent components in a plan
• automate simple processes by harnessing software tools; recognise where automation tools, such as filtering, can be used to improve safety when using the internet

Models and modelling

• combine variables within a model in different ways to form rules
• recognise that the rules contained within a model determine its output, and make more complex predictions based on several variables
• amend existing simple models by changing variables and formulae
• identify whether a model has an appropriate set of variables to make it suitable for a particular purpose, and assess its accuracy by comparing its outcomes with those from other sources

Sequencing instructions

• use precision and accurate syntax when framing instructions
• test and refine sequences in order to achieve specific outcomes
• recognise that sequencing instructions is fundamental to a wide range of ICT applications
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Fitness for purpose

• plan communication projects and select the appropriate communication (type, length, media) for the intended audience (considering audience needs and expectations), purpose and environment
• reflect on the work of others to help plan and amend their communications and understand how effective presentations or publications address specific audience needs and expectations

• draft, refine and structure their work using a combination of ICT tools to convey meaning more effectively
• modify and develop text, images, tables and sounds from several sources within the structure of a piece of work
• extract, combine and modify relevant information for a specific purpose, and structure and sequence this to meet audience needs
• use a range of ICT tools efficiently to refine the presentation of information for a specific purpose

Communicating

• select appropriate methods of exchanging digital information and recognise that the format affects the method of exchange
• use digital communications for the sharing and collaborative development of ideas for a variety of purposes
• work in a safe and responsible way when communicating with others
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Evaluating work

• improve the quality of outcomes for specific audiences and purposes by using a range of ICT tools
• make and use simple success criteria that ensure fitness for purpose
• justify the process they use in relation to the task
• gather and use feedback to inform future work
• reflect on their previous work and learning in order to improve their work
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