IT BTEC National Extended Certificate (Level 3)

Level: Advanced (Level 3)Awarding Body: Edexcel

Why Study IT?

An ability to work with all types of IT systems is as essential to education, life and workplace success as ‘reading, writing and arithmetic’. No matter what your chosen pathway in life, ICT will enhance your skills in a wide range of current and topical content such as social media, spreadsheets for financial management, building databases for organisations and understanding the role technology plays in a wide variety of business and industries. These are skills which can open new doors to enjoyment, enlightenment and very lucrative employment opportunities making ICT students the best prepared for a digitally enhanced, globally competitive world.

A dynamic discipline in its own right, ICT teaches transferable skills which link closely to, and increase performance levels within, other subjects, and will be an asset to you throughout your time at college and beyond. When 3 out of the top 4 jobs available to university graduates are based within the ICT industry why would you choose any other subject?

What can it lead to?

ICT Careers Include:

Computer Programmers
Web Designers
Project Managers
Social Media Managers
Social Community Managers
Security/Networking Analysts
Technology Support
Mobile Application Developers
Technical Trainers/Managers
Digital Specialists
Web Development Specialists

Many of our students continue to study ICT, programming, software development, games design and other related degrees at university, whilst others use it as a stepping stone to study another discipline such as business, finance, and marketing. Many also go onto high quality IT apprenticeships with well-known big companies.

The transferable skills developed whilst studying ICT include problem solving, project management, creative thinking, the capacity for independent enquiry and team working which are all highly valued skills for further education as well as prized by top quality employers.

How is the course organised?

Exam Board: Edexcel

The course is valued as the equivalent of 1 A Level for UCAS purposes and can be taken along with another A-level.

Year 12

Unit 02 Creating Systems to Manage Information (E)

Unit 03 Using Social Media in Business

Year 13

Unit 01 Information Technology Systems (E)

Unit 05 Data Modelling

NB: Unit delivery schedule is subject to change based on timetabling

How is the course assessed?

Teaching is a combination of theoretical lessons and practical work. It is essential that learners have a good working knowledge of the basic application packages (word processing, spreadsheets and databases).

Assessment for this course is 58% external; comprising 1 set task (controlled assessment) and an examination. The remaining 42% is internally assessed coursework.

In order to gain the Extended Certificate, learners must complete all 4 units to at least pass grade standard.

For the coursework units feedback will be given by the subject teacher on each assessment, with the opportunity for improvement, and exemplar materials will be made available so students can assess for themselves their own standard of work.

What do I need to qualify for this course?

The General entry requirements are five GCSEs grades 9-4 for an Advanced Vocational programme, including English Language and Maths.

Units have been selected to reflect the demands of current industry practices. However, as well as developing a clear grounding in the subject knowledge, this qualification also aims to promote the necessary skills required by universities and future employers.

Who are the teachers?

At least 5 GCSE’s with a minimum C grade GCSE ICT or BTEC 1st ICT and English.

Industrial experience includes Research and Development at BT, working for Natwest and network management in a large community library.

For further information, contact Ms. Bashir iba@stcharles.ac.uk. Alternatively, you can get information about this course direct from the Exam Board website: www.edexcel.org.uk

What do the students say about the course?

"I enjoy learning ICT as I would like to pursue a career in coding or games development. Learning about the intricate parts of the computer has been exciting and my teachers help me understand complex IT concepts."

"I love the atmosphere of the lessons, they are easy going and yet I feel like I am learning all of the time."

"I love learning new things, especially the multimedia aspects of the course."

"ICT allowed me to expand upon the knowledge I had developed throughout my education. I would strongly advise other students to choose this subject as it is a great stepping stone into university."

What else should I know?

There are three dedicated ICT rooms with 20 networked computers per room. There is wireless internet access across the college, printing facilities, interactive smartboards and projectors. In addition there is a bank of 20 ‘off line laptops’ used for lessons where network restrictions are removed. Many lessons will make use of mobile technology in the form of laptops, tablets and smartphones.