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COURSE oVERVIEW
This one-year Foundation Certificate provides a broad, practical introduction to digital systems, data analysis, and programming. Students learn to clean and visualise data, configure and secure networks, write and test code, assemble digital hardware/software, and evaluate digital sources. It develops key computational thinking and analytical skills to prepare students for Level 3 study.
EXAMINATION BOARD: AQA
To be confirmed by Awarding Organisation
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Designed for students on the one-year Further Study pathway who did not meet direct Level 3 entry requirements. Standard college Level 2 entry criteria apply; no mandatory prior subject knowledge or GCSE computing background required.
Why study Subject at Blackpool Sixth?
Blackpool Sixth features dedicated computer labs with industry-standard software and hardware, providing an exceptional environment for practical development. Our highly experienced teaching staff include subject experts and active examiners who provide tailored support. Students benefit from outstanding pass rates, access to specialist computing enrichment clubs, cyber-security competitions, and strong employer links with local tech firms.
How will I be taught?
Teaching combines interactive theoretical lectures with extensive practical coding sessions in dedicated computer labs
You will work through live coding exercises, independent programming projects, collaborative group tasks, and exam-style problem-solving workshops.
Independent study is supported through guided digital resources and code repositories.
Teacher expertise
Our digital team consists of experienced subject specialists with degrees in.
Staff members include current OCR examiners, bringing insider knowledge of assessment criteria and exam techniques directly to the classroom.
They bring industry-aligned expertise in cybersecurity baselines, data handling, and modern digital practices.
What skills will I develop?
- Data cleaning, interpretation, and visual presentation.
- System configuration, network setup, and basic cybersecurity enforcement.
- Logical problem-solving and programming syntax debugging.
- Critical evaluation of online sources and AI-generated outputs.
- Core transferable skills: task planning, technical recording, and evidence-based decision making.
- Advanced problem-solving and computational thinking.
- Proficiency in procedural and object-oriented programming.
- Data structure manipulation and algorithm optimisation.
- System analysis, database design, and network design.
- Project management, logical reasoning, and testing strategies.
What will you study and other information about Subject A-Level
- First Year
On this course you will study:
• Data Analysis & Visualisation: Data types, cleaning datasets, spreadsheet tools, and presenting findings visually.
• System Security & Configuration: Network infrastructure, access control, system security, patch management, and monitoring threats.
• Programming & Logic: Planning, writing, debugging, and testing code to meet practical project briefs.
• Hardware & System Architecture: Integrating hardware and software components, system maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Digital Research & AI Evaluation: Assessing digital source credibility, evaluating AI-generated content, and making evidence-based decisions.
• Develop employability, teamwork and communication skills through project-based learning and practical activities
•Prepare for progression to Level 3 study, apprenticeships or employment within the digital and technology sector
•Have opportunities to engage with industry-related activities, guest speakers and educational visits
•Develop your wider skills through enrichment opportunities such as coding clubs, esports and digital competitions
- Equipment
Windows Laptop
- Field trips, projects and employability opportunities
•Trips to Bletchley Park and the National Museum of Computing.
•Participation in the CyberFirst Girls Competition and the Bebras Computing Challenge.
•Guest lectures from local software engineers, cybersecurity experts, and university researchers.
•Work experience placements with local digital tech agencies and IT infrastructure providers.
Where does it lead?
This course acts as a direct stepping-stone onto Level 3 qualifications, including A Level Computer Science and V Levels in Digital Systems & Data
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