Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Information Technology (RQF)

This qualification is designed for pupils who are interested in an introduction to the study of creating IT systems to manage and share information, alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses.  This course is delivered over two years and is equivalent to one A-Level.  The course is recognised by Universities and Employers.

Pupils 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.
BTEC Level 3 Nationals are vocational qualifications designed to help your learners succeed. They have been developed in collaboration with over 5,000 universities, employers and professional bodies with employability at the heart, to allow pupils to develop the skills and confidence they will need to step into their future.

During this course you will:

• Learn about the fundamentals in IT, this will include computer hardware, networks and legislation in IT.
• Learn about the design of relational databases and develop skills in developing databases.
• Learn about Social Media and how it is used in businesses and manage your own Social Media campaign.
• Learn about website design and development and design, develop and test your own website.

Entry requirements.

• GCSE Digital Technology - Grade C or above.
• GCSE Maths - Grade C or above.
• An interest in the Computer industry with a possible desire to enter employment in this area is required.
• You should enjoy using computers to research and produce material.
• You must also be interested in the technical aspect of how the computer systems work and in the creative aspect of digital media.

Assessment

Year 13:

• Unit 2 - Creating systems to manage information (Exam - January 2023)
• Unit 3 - Using Social Media for Business (Coursework May 2023)

Year 14:

• Unit 1 - Information technology Systems. (Exam - January 2024)
• Unit 6 - Website development (Coursework May 2024)

How you will be assessed:

A learner’s final qualification grade reflects their achievements across units in their BTEC Nationals course.
Both internally and externally assessed units are individually graded, and each final unit grade is allocated points.

Internally assessed units are marked and graded in the school by your IT teacher and are subject to external
verification by Pearson.

Externally assessed units are marked and graded by Pearson.

Units are graded Pass, Merit or Distinction with points between grades also recognised for external units.

Total points scored across all units are used to calculate the final qualification grade.

Pathways to future careers/courses 

The course is designed to develop advanced ICT skills and knowledge, which are desirable to employers and could enhance career opportunities. It is a subject that fits in well with other A Level subjects or can act as a stand- alone extra. In particular, ICT would benefit being studied alongside subjects such as Media, Science or Business Studies as a career path.

Entry requirements

GCSE Digital Technology C or Higher

And

GCSE Mathematics C or Higher

5 A*- C