Fulston Manor Sixth Form A Level Brochure

Information Technology

Exam Board: Edexcel (code UTP59)

21

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

Why take this course?

Young people taking their first steps towards a new career need the right blend of technical and academic skills in order to become the highly skilled, work-ready individuals, employers and universities look for.

The course reflects the demands of a truly modern and evolving digital environment. The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Information Technology (Extended Certificate). The qualification is designed to be taken alongside A Levels as part of a study programme and can link to learning in A Level Mathematics and A Level Business Studies. It is intended for students that wish to progress into higher education as a pathway to employment.

Aims of this course:

The course allows students to study the fundamental knowledge of Information Technology covering the role and implications of using Information Technology systems and cyber-security threats and how to manage attacks. Students will also develop important skills for creating websites to meet a specific purpose and to manage data through the development of a relational database solution. The units covered, give learners the knowledge, understanding and skills that they need to prepare for employment or progression to higher education, degree and professional development programmes within the same or related areas of Information Technology study.

Course structure, content and assessment:

There are two examined units and two internally assessed units where students will engage in practical tasks to develop their Information Technology skills and knowledge.

Equivalent in size to one A Level .

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

External assessment (66.6%). UNIT 1 - Information Technology Systems UNIT 2 - Computer Network Security and Encryption

Externally Assessed Units Unit 3 - Website Development Unit 4 - Relational Database Development

Entry Requirements:

Students are expected to have achieved at least 5 GCSEs grades 9-5 (or equivalent), ideally one of these being an ICT or Creative Digital Media qualification at 5 grade or above. In addition, it is strongly advised that students should have gained grade 5 at GCSE in English and Mathematics. Students are also expected to have a keen interest in IT, be familiar with a range of software and keep themselves up to date with technological developments and advances.