ICT

BTEC

Careers related to studying ICT:

If you choose to study Information Technology, you will develop comprehensive computing and ICT skills, becoming adept at using several different types of IT software, as well as learning how to design, create and test your own computer programs and websites. You will also have a fundamental understanding of computer systems and how they work.

You could consider careers in:

Software development, website creation or management, network management, ICT consultancy, teaching and business management.

Course content:

Throughout this course, you will study several different elements of ICT that will give you the opportunity to develop a broad and varied skill set and allow you to produce projects that you will find both engaging and challenging; from Social Media for Business, to Programming, the course is designed to give you a real understanding of ICT and its real world importance.

Entry requirements:

GCSE ICT or Computer Science is desirable but not essential.

Subject specific events:

You will be given opportunities to work with real world businesses, to help advance your understanding of the different facets of ICT and how these can lead to varied job roles and opportunities.

Methods of study:

There are five lessons per week, which are divided between two subject specialists. Teaching groups tend to be between fifteen and twenty-five in number, and the course is taught through a range of teaching and learning strategies.

Your teacher will train you in all the necessary skills needed to complete the ICT projects set by the examination board.

Much of your work will be produced independently. However, there are frequent opportunities to share ideas either prior to, during or after written assignments. You should expect to complete approximately 5 hours of independent study per week outside of your lessons. This could include: research, learning new skills or other activities. In order for you to take full advantage of the course, it is also recommended that you immerse yourself in learning as many ICT skills as possible. e.g. Python or HTML.

Methods of assessment:

The course is a two-year program involving the following components of work.

Unit 1 Information Technology Systems (Exam)

Students will explore ICT systems and networks and how they integrate together.

Unit 2 Creating systems to Manage Information (Exam)

Students will learn how to build and interrogate a multi relationship database system.

Unit 3 Using Social Media in Business (Coursework)

Students will explore how businesses use social media and develop and implement their own social media campaigns.

Unit 4 Programming (Coursework)

Students will explore a range of different programming languages and follow a systems lifecycle to create their own programming project.

Unit 5 Data Modelling (Coursework)

Students will learn how data modelling is used in business. They will then explore a range of ways in which data can be manipulated and create their own data models.

Unit 6 Website Development (Coursework)

Students will explore what makes a successful website and use this knowledge to design and develop their own websites.