IT'S ABOUT YOU! - 16pluspathways

How is it assessed? One unit is assessed by means of a
set of activities provided by the exam board. You will be
given unlimited investigation time for this and then a set
period of time to log your results. The other two units are
assessed by your teachers who mark your portfolio of
work done.
Course duration One year at AS level, followed by
another year for A2.
What do I need to study this subject? You will need
the ability to work on your own to solve problems and
undertake research assignments within a given timescale,
good organisational skills and the ability to recognise and
meet deadlines, and the ability to analyse a problem
and carry out evaluations. An interest and enthusiasm for
computers is a must, together with an awareness of the
range of contexts in which computers are used.
Where can this lead me? This specification provides an
excellent starting point for those students who wish to
gain employment in the IT industry or those who wish to
pursue ICT at degree level. You can progress from the
Applied ICT course to related courses in HE such as
Multimedia Technologies, Internet and Computer Science
degrees. However, this course offers the opportunity to
develop skills which are very useful in most areas of
employment, most particularly in the fields of systems
design and computer support. ICT skills are a pre-requisite
of many office and administrative posts, and are a key
component in all teacher training courses.
What are the enrichment opportunities? Every opportunity
will be given for you to experience ICT in the real world
with visits and trips.
ICT Practitioners: BTEC First Diploma
The BTEC First Diploma is a practical, work-related
course. You learn by completing assignments across
eight different units. The course is equivalent to four
GCSE grades A*-C.
Course details The course introduces key concepts of
data presentation and systems, and progresses through
modules on web design and software development,
databases and spreadsheets, mobile communications
technology and security.
How is it assessed? All the units are assessed by written
assignments and practical demonstrations. For each unit
you will be given three to four assignments, each of
which you will have around four weeks to complete.
Course duration One year full-time.
What do I need to study this subject? You should have
five GCSE grades A*-D or a Merit in the BTEC Introductory
Diploma IT@Work course.
Where can this lead me? Students may progress to the
BTEC National IT Practitioners course. Some students
choose to study the BTEC National Certificate in Business
course at Leyton. Alternatively, students can look for
employment in the IT industry.
What are the enrichment opportunities? Students on this
course have been on numerous outdoor visits to places
including Kingswood Adventure Centre in Norfolk,
Stubbers Adventure Park and Thorpe Park, and taken
part in activities such as abseiling, quad biking, sailing,
archery and rifle shooting.
IT Practitioners (Software
Development): BTEC National
Certificate/Diploma with Vendor
Qualifications
This is a two-year, level 3 course for students interested
in the IT industry (and programming in particular). The
diploma is equivalent to three A levels. The certificate
is equivalent to two A levels.
Course details The certificate course consists of four
core units detailing the underlying concepts of software
development, and eight specialist units for the more
advanced skills including: databases, spreadsheets,
website production, computer game development,
digital graphics and computer animation. The Diploma
course requires a further six units, making a total of
eighteen units in all.
How is it assessed? The assignments are marked internally
and you are given feedback for each unit. You must
complete all criteria at each level to gain the full grade.
Course duration Two years full-time.
What do I need to study this subject? You should have
five GCSE grades A*-C and at least D in Maths and
English. Students wishing to progress on to BTEC IT courses
from other vocational courses must have a grade D or
above in GCSE Mathematics and English.
Where can this lead me? The BTEC National
Certificate/Diploma is an excellent course for students
wishing to pursue a career in computing, such as
hardware testing and design, systems analysis, web
design or software engineering. Students have the option
of progressing to degrees in computer-related courses
at university.
What are the enrichment opportunities? Students on the
course can participate in projects with other European
countries. In the past the course has been involved with
the Comenius Project, giving students the opportunity to
travel to Germany or Hungary and to meet overseas
students when they visit London.
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