I.T (BTEC)

BTEC EXTENDED CERTIFICATE – EQUIVALENT TO ONE A LEVEL

Introduction to Course

In Key Stage 5, learner are able to complete the BTEC Extended Certificate in Information Technology qualification which uses a combination of assessment styles to give students confidence which they can apply to succeed in the workplace and have the study skills to continue learning throughout their career. The range of vocational assessments, both practical and written, means learners can showcase their learning and achievements to their best effect when taking their next step in IT, whether that’s supporting applications to higher education courses or to potential employers.

Students will become advanced users of the Microsoft Suite as well as other multimedia products such as Dreamweaver. Students will develop their skills in project planning, identifying user needs, testing and the systems product cycle.

Exam board/Specification

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Information Technology XC79

Modules/Units

Year 1 Units taught:

  • Unit 2: Creating Systems to Manage Information (Mandatory)
  • Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business (Mandatory)

Year 2 Units taught:

  • Unit 1: Information Technology Systems (Mandatory)
  • Unit 5 or 6: Data Modelling or Website Development (Optional unit)

Assessment

  • Unit 1: Information Technology Systems (120 GLH)

External Examination – Written Paper (2 hours)

  • Unit 2: Creating Systems to Manage Information (90 GLH)

Externally Assessed Unit (set and marked by Pearson) Practical Assessment

Part A (3 hours)

Part B (2 hours)

  • Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business (90 GLH)

Internally Assessed Unit (Coursework)

  • Unit 5 or 6: Data Modelling or Website Development (60 GLH)

Internally Assessed Unit (Coursework)

Progression Routes

The qualification will give learners the opportunity to enter employment in the IT and Computing sector or move onto University to study a Degree in ICT/Computer Science. It carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements to many relevant courses. As the content is equivalent in size to one A Level, higher education representatives have confirmed that it is appropriate to allow learners to choose their optional units from a wide range so that they can explore their own choice of areas for further study.

The qualification also supports entry to further studies in areas such as:

• HND in Business

• BA (Hons) in Computer Arts

• BSc (Hons) in Fashion Buying Management

• BSc (Hons) in Software Development for Animation

• BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance.