Information Technology

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE BTEC IT?

Regardless of your higher education or career aspirations you cannot escape the fact that Information Technology will play an integral role in your life. If you are considering a future in the IT/Computing industry then Information Technology (IT) is the course for you.

WHAT DOES THE COURSE INVOLVE?

The vocational nature of the course means that there is emphasis on developing practical skills in key areas of IT and Computing.

HOW WILL I LEARN?

Coursework lessons will be based around a PC and students will be taught the BTEC Level 3 syllabus.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP?

Students will expand skills they already possess in areas of Publishing, Databases and Spreadsheets and will gain knowledge and expertise in new areas of creating industry-standard documents, websites and ICT systems and applications used in various organisations.  Students will expand skills such as web development and data handling, creating systems to manage information.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

Students will study four discreet units, two of which are externally assessed under examination conditions and two via internally assessed and externally moderated coursework.
Units 1 and 2 are mandatory examination units; unit 1 explores the role of computer systems and the implications of their use in personal and professional situations, whilst unit 2 allows students to study the design, creation, testing and evaluation of a relational database system to manage information.
Unit 3 is a mandatory coursework unit. Students produce a portfolio of coursework that explores how businesses use social media to promote their products and services. Students also implement social media activities in a business to meet requirements.
Unit 4 is the selected optional coursework unit. Students investigate website development principles and will design and develop a website

WHAT CAN A QUALIFICATION IN IT LEAD TO?

Students who study this subject will be eligible to apply for most ICT-related university courses but in addition, it is a qualification that is recognised by most course providers in the areas of business and finance. The vast majority of employers now require that prospective employees possess a competent level of IT skill.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics AND grade 4 in GCSE English.