BTEC Level 3 IT (Single)

What is it?

BTEC IT includes practical tasks and theory, incorporating a wide range of topics including website development, animation, database design and game development. The course opens the door to careers in IT and business.

Why study this subject at Blackpool Sixth?

We use ‘live’ scenarios, raising funds for charities, incorporating work experience and working in our computer lab to develop practical skills. Ideal for entry into the workplace or university. You will visit the college technical support team and tour the college’s network system. Trips to Business & IT Live at Disneyland Paris and New York are highlights of the year.

What skills will I develop?

• Teamwork: groups are often asked to work on group tasks together promoting collaborative learning.
• Employability skills: developed through workplace links as part of assignment briefs.
• Written communication: there are a variety of ways that assignments are handed in, one of the main ones being typed assignments.
• Research skills: you will develop research skills through tasks that will involve doing group or independent revision using the internet.
• Information technology: you will be taught how to use different pieces of software for different purposes. Your information technology skills will be developed throughout using different hardware and software, especially looking at the Adobe package.

How will I be taught?

• Demonstrations: sometimes you will be demonstrated to by the teacher on how to use a particular piece of software or how to connect pieces of hardware together.
• Practical tasks and collaborative learning.
• Practice tasks will be given before the formal assessment.

How will I be assessed?

Over the two years  students will study:

• Unit 1: Information Technology Systems (Written Examination)
• Unit 2: Creating Systems to Manage Information (Database Controlled Assessment)
• Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business (Internally Assessed)
• Unit 6: Website Development (Internally Assessed)

Teacher expertise

Fiona – professionally designed websites and specialises in computer systems.
Chelsie – creative media specialising in the design side of ICT.
Clair – Spreadsheets, databases and networks.
Carly – Programming and computing.

Field trips, projects and employability opportunities

For students interested in programming, Computing Club 6Advance is available. BTEC students will also take part in the Employability award, this incorporates work experience and volunteering in the local community.

Where does it lead?

Our students progress into a wide variety of further study or employment options. We have had students going into apprenticeships such as marketing and social media for the Winter Gardens Blackpool, Civil Service and BAE. One student has gone on to study ICT at an American University. We also have students going to university to study courses such as systems and networking, website design and game development.

Equipment

Equipment is provided by college within lessons. A home computer, laptop or tablet would be desirable in order to complete assignments from home. It isn’t essential because the FYi is available out of college hours in order to complete assignments.

Examination board

Edexcel Pearson.