Fulston Manor Sixth Form A Level Brochure

Computing

14

Exam Board: Edexcel (code UTP58)

Qualification: Level 3 Applied Extended Certificate (worth up to 56 UCAS points)

Why take this course?

The influence of computing has been profound in shaping the world in which we now live. The use of technology is almost universal among UK businesses, and increasingly businesses are adopting strategic technologies to deliver new opportunities. There are over 2 million people working in technology specialist roles in the UK, and technology specialist employment is consistently increasing. The course reflects the demands of a truly modern and evolving computing environment. The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Computing (Extended Certificate) gives students opportunities to develop the core knowledge, skills and understanding that underpin computer programming and to develop computational thinking and programming skills that will enable them to solve problems. The qualification is designed to be taken alongside A Levels as part of a study programme and can link to learning in A Levels in Mathematics, Physics and Business. It is intended for students that wish to progress into higher education as a pathway to employment.

Aims of this course:

Students will explore the critical components that safeguard information systems and data and will acquire knowledge and skills to comprehend and apply security and encryption principles and practices to computer networks in various situations. Students will also have the opportunity to examine the underlying principles of human-computer interaction (HCI) and develop a HCI solution to meet the requirements of a given brief. Students will draw synoptically on their programming learning and computational thinking skills to manage the development of a software solution to a problem.

Course structure and content:

4 units of which 4 are mandatory and 2 are external.

External assessment (66%). UNIT 1 - Programming Fundamentals UNIT 2 - Cyber Security and Incident Management

Externally Assessed Units Unit 3 - Human-Computer Interaction Unit 4 - Practical Programming

Entry Requirements:

Students are expected to have achieved at least 5 GCSEs grade 9-5 (or equivalent), one of these being GCSE Computer Science at 5 grade or above. It is strongly advised that students should have gained a grade 5 at GCSE in Mathematics or a 5 in GCSE Science. Students are also expected to have a keen interest in computing and keep themselves up to date with technological developments and advances.