Information Technology

Information Technology

Qualification

Applied

This is a vocational IT qualification designed to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding that today’s universities and employers demand.

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You will gain insight into the IT sector as you investigate the pace of technological change; IT infrastructure; the flow of information on a global scale and the importance of legal and security considerations.

Course Content

Extended Certificate in IT – equivalent to 1 A Level 

Unit 1 – Fundamentals of IT 

A sound understanding of IT technologies and practices is essential for IT professionals. Information learnt in this unit will create a solid foundation in the fundamentals of hardware, networks, software, the ethical use of computers and how businesses use IT.

Unit 2 – Global Information 

The purpose of this unit is to demonstrate the uses of information in the public domain, globally, in the cloud and across the Internet, by individuals and organisations. You will discover that good management of both data and information is essential and that it can give any organisation a competitive edge. This unit will provide you with a greater understanding of how organisations use information sources both internally and externally and the types of information they will encounter. The skills gained by completing this unit will give you knowledge of the functionality of information and how data is stored and processed by organisations.

Unit 3  – Cyber Security The need for secure digital systems is more crucial than ever before. We rely on computerised systems and networks to collect, process, store and transfer vast amounts of data and to control critical systems such as water and power supplies. Business and e-commerce can be undertaken twenty four hours a day, seven days a week and telecommunications enable us to keep in touch with family and friends and collaborate with colleagues at any time. Mobile devices offer us freedom and flexibility of where and how we learn and work.

Unit 9  – Product Development The purpose of this unit is to prepare you to undertake product development activities. You will learn about different product design methodologies and the role of the product development life cycle. In addition, you’ll discover the factors that influence product developments. The key to any product development being a success is the analysis, client review, design, testing and final acceptance that takes place. The skills that you will learn can be applied to the development of any product, large or small. You will use product development skills and work through the product development life cycle.

Unit 17 – Internet of Everything (IOE) This unit is about the use of the Internet and how it is impacting people and society. You will learn about the Internet of Everything (IOE) and how it is used. Using your knowledge you’ll carry out a feasibility study for a potential idea. You will pitch your idea to potential stakeholders and use your feedback to revise your proposal.

(Exam board: OCR) 

(Specification code: 05839)

How it is Taught

Assessment Information

Exams 67% 

  1. Fundamentals of IT
  2. Global Information
  3. Cyber Security

Coursework 33% 

  1. Product Development
  2. Internet of Everything
Entry Requirements

You should have a grade 4 in GCSE English and GCSE Maths and should also meet the general college entry requirements for Advanced Level study. (Please see the current Prospectus- Advanced Programmes, Entry Requirements).

It is NOT necessary to have studied Information Technology at GCSE level. (Students are accepted onto this course with no ICT qualifications).

In this subject, particular skills and aptitudes will be required, many of which will be demonstrated by students’ GCSE profiles.

Students will also need to meet the general College entry requirements. Entry requirements are subjects to change.

Careers & HE Information

The Extended Certificate is preparation for an apprenticeship, work or further study.

Useful Subject Combinations

Maths, Media Studies and Business Studies are subjects that could be taken alongside IT.

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