ICT
In ICT and Computing at Woodlands School, we aim to provide our students with a high standard of Education. ICT and Computing is taught as a standalone subject as well as being embedded across the school and the wider curriculum. We aim to ensure that our students are provided with opportunities to engage in a variety of subject areas including cyber security, coding, and animation. At Woodlands School we currently offer three pathways in gaining a recognised qualification in ICT and Computing. These are BTEC Introductory Award – ICT (Level 1, BTEC Tech Award (Level 1 / Level 2) in Digital Information Technology and BTEC National (Level 3) in Computing.
BTEC Introductory Award – ICT (Level 1)
These BTEC Introductory qualifications are part of the new suite of BTEC Introductory qualifications offered by Pearson. This suite has been designed for pre-16 to 19+ learners who wish to achieve at Level 1 qualification in preparation for future study.
This qualification provides a broad introduction to the ICT sector and give learners the opportunity to demonstrate increased skill levels. Learners will develop the necessary transferable and sector skills to progress more quickly. The qualifications prepare learners for progression to Level 2 BTECs or other study programmes. They provide for progression by meeting entry requirements or by being accepted alongside other qualifications at the same level and adding value to them, typically alongside maths and English studies.
The course comprises of one mandatory unit and an optional unit selected by the student.
BTEC Tech Award (Level 1 / Level 2) in Digital Information Technology
The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Digital Information Technology is designed for learners who want to acquire technical knowledge and technical skills through vocational contexts by studying the knowledge, understanding and skills related to data management, data interpretation, data presentation and data protection as part of their Key Stage 4 learning. The qualification recognises the value of learning skills, knowledge, and vocational attributes to complement GCSEs. The qualification will broaden the learners experience and understanding of the varied progression options available to them.
“I like getting to work on computers.”
The Award gives learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment. The focus is on four areas of equal importance, which cover the:
-
Development of key skills that prove your aptitude in digital information technology, such as project planning, designing, and creating user interfaces, creating dashboards to present and interpret data.
-
Process that underpins effective ways of working in digital information technology, such as project planning, the iterative design process, cyber security, virtual teams, legal and ethical codes of conduct.
-
Attitudes that are considered most important in digital information technology, including personal management and communication.
-
Knowledge that underpins effective use of skills, process, and attitudes in the sector such as how different user interfaces meet user needs, how organisations collect and use data to make decisions, virtual workplaces, cyber security, and legal and ethical issues.
Learners who generally achieve at Level 2 across their Key Stage 4 learning might consider progression to:
-
A Levels as preparation for entry to higher education in a range of subjects
-
Study of a vocational qualification at Level 3, such as a BTEC National in IT, which prepares learners to enter employment or apprenticeships, or to move on to higher education by studying a degree in the digital sector.
“I enjoy using technology and the coding and
programming side of ICT is fun.”
BTEC National (Level 3) in Computing
The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate in Computing introduces study of the sector. It is intended to be an Applied General qualification for post-16 learners with an interest in computing who wish to continue their education through applied learning. It aims to give learners transferable knowledge and skills for progression to higher education. The qualification is equivalent in size to half an A Level and forms part of a study programme alongside other vocational and/or academic qualifications. No prior study of the sector is needed but learners should normally have a range of achievement at Level 2, in GCSEs or equivalent qualifications.
The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with academics to ensure that it supports progression to higher education. In addition, employers and professional bodies have been involved and consulted, to confirm that the content is also appropriate and consistent with current industry practice used in computing and related occupational disciplines. All the content of this qualification is mandatory, with two units that focus on:
Learners who have completed this qualification in one year may progress to a larger-size BTEC National in the computing sector. In addition to the sector-specific content, this qualification develops learners’ transferable and higher-order skills that are highly regarded by higher education and employers. The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to admission requirements for degree courses when taken alongside other Level 3 qualifications. It combines well with almost all subjects across the sciences, technology, arts, and humanities as part of a programme of learning. Depending on the other qualifications learners have taken, they can progress to a degree from a wide range of programmes in the computing sector.
-
Fundamentals of computer systems.
-
IT security and encryption.
-
Learners will gain a basic introduction to the study of computing through knowledge and understanding of computer systems. Learners will develop a range of skills, techniques and personal attributes that will be valuable across all areas of future study and work.