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Information Technology

QUALIFICATION:

Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate Level 3

OVERVIEW:

You will take five units to achieve this qualification. There are three mandatory units that are externally assessed. These are Unit 1: The Fundamentals of IT, Unit 2: Global information and Unit 3: Cyber Security.

The first two mandatory units provide you with an insight into the IT sector as you investigate the pace of technological change, IT infrastructure, the flow of information on a global scale and important legal and security considerations. The third mandatory unit reflects an important development in the sector around information security and requires you to consider how data should be protected and the response of the IT sector to emerging threats such as cyber terrorism.

You must then take two coursework units that are centre-assessed and moderated by the exam board. The coursework units are Product Development and The Internet of Everything.

All units assist in the development of transferrable skills such as communication and problem solving. The optional units encourage the development of time management, research and analytical skills as well as emphasising the need for good written and verbal communication skills.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification, but you will have an advantage if you have studied an IT related subject at GCSE level.

EQUIPMENT:

The course requires no specialist equipment although having access to a computer at home would be beneficial.

SKILLS:

The course requires a high amount of independent learning so strong levels of motivation and a good work ethic are useful attributes.

ASSESSMENT:

The assessment structure for this course is as follows:

  • Unit 1 exam – January of Year 12
  • Unit 2 exam – May of Year 12
  • Unit 3 exam – January of Year 13

Coursework will be completed in Year 13.  This gives you the advantage of being able to work on individual units throughout your time in Sixth Form rather than relying on final exams at the end of Year 13.   All exams can be re-sat if needed (with the highest grade being used to calculate their final result).

FUTURE PROSPECTS:

This course will provide you with skills, knowledge and understanding to progress into Higher Education on an IT related degree course such as Information Technology, Information Systems, Computer Science and Information Management. It will also allow you to choose non-IT related degree programmes or take them into employment.

WHAT DO OUR STUDENTS SAY:

“I found the course really interesting, particularly the cyber security unit.  I achieved a Distinction overall which meant I got into Sheffield Hallam University to study Computer Science” – 2019 Leaver.

“I really enjoyed designing and creating a website for the Product Development coursework” – 2020 Leaver.