Departmental contact

Mrs Buxton – [email protected]

Examining board & Qualification

OCR – LEVEL 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate

Entry requirements

Please see current prospectus for further information

Students say

“An exciting course that is delivered at your pace with relevant content that will help you achieve a sound knowledge for the workplace.”

WHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?

Studying IT prepares you to use a variety of software packages which are common in all lines of work. You will also develop an understanding of how advances in technology affect everyone.

By studying a range of software packages during this course you will have the skills to use any software package effectively. This course also supports creative and logical thinking which can be used in any other subject.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP?

You will:

• Develop a knowledge and understanding of information systems within a range of organisations
• Build an understanding of the main principles of solving problems using ICT
• Develop project management skills and an understanding of the need to work with others
• Learn website development, problem solving and analytical thinking skills

As part of the course we visit Disneyland Paris to gain an insightful and hands-on understanding of how IT is not only applied but also thrives within the dynamic billion dollar entertainment industry. This unique opportunity allows us to explore cutting edge technology that powers the magic behind the scenes of one of the world’s most iconic and successful theme parks.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

UNIT 1 – Fundamentals of IT

This mandatory unit will help you develop your understanding and prepare to study real systems, hardware and software. You will study components of computers and how they are used in industry.

UNIT 2 – Global Information

This unit explains how information is held and used by different types of users. You will learn about how organisations use internal and external sources of data and the types of data and information that may be found. You will study the importance of good management of data and information and the impact that this can have on the ability of organisations to compete with one another.

UNIT 3 – Cyber Security

You will learn about what cyber security is, the threats that users and systems face, the ways in which you can protect yourself and your systems from harm and other cybersecurity issues. This is a mandatory unit for this qualification.

Plus additional units in Year 13:

• Product development
• Advanced website design skills
• Internet of everything

You will learn how businesses connect through the internet and produce a new innovation using latest connection methods

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

3 exams Mandatory Units 1 to 3 (70%) and 2 coursework units from above (30%).

WHAT ARE MY POST-18 OPTIONS?

This course will be highly relevant to a number of careers in ICT, from technical support roles to network design and security analysis. It also provides a very strong basis for further learning at degree level. Careers in the IT industry are extremely well paid and have a secure future in the digital world that we live in today.

WHAT EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE?

There will be opportunities to practise techniques outside of lesson time, for example taking apart and reconfiguring PCs, setting up networks and testing their security, plus an educational trip to Disneyland Paris investigating ICT systems in context. Students will have the opportunity to volunteer at the Computing Department’s Gaming and Coding Club with our local primary schools.