Aims and philosophy

All pupils are expected to be familiar with computers and IT is an integral part of all subjects at GCSE and A-level. The computer network covers all areas of the School, and all boys have a networked computer on the desk of their study bedroom. Access to the Internet is heavily filtered: during prep boys are allowed access only to sites selected by staff. Security levels are high and boys are taught about the safe, responsible use of computers, the internet and email from day one.

Curriculum by year-group

In the Shell year boys follow a course of study that introduces them to the IT skills necessary for them to complete their coursework in other subjects in subsequent years. This includes Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Image Manipulation, Internet, and Email. In addition to this they will practise touch-typing weekly and an increase in speed will be expected to be shown in the tests at the end of each term. These two elements are combined to form the Harrow ICT Competence Test which all boys must complete before the end of their Shell year.

GCSE: A small number of boys in the Fifth Form take a short course GCSE. This is a self-study course and boys are expected to complete almost all of the work in their own time.

Outside the classroom

Every boy uses computers regularly throughout their lives at Harrow and there are opportunities to develop more advanced skills in areas such as photography, computer-aided design, control technology and film-making.