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BUSINESS AND IT btec level 3 For 16-19 Year Olds

AAQ BTEC Level 3 IT (Single)

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COURSE OVERVIEW

Students will study the fundamental knowledge of Information Technology covering the role and implications of using Information Technology systems and cyber-security threats and how to manage attacks. Students will also develop important skills for creating websites to meet a specific purpose and to manage data through the development of a relational database solution.

The qualification has four mandatory units covering the following topics:

  • Unit 1 - Information Technology Systems – Information technology systems, including the relationship between software and hardware, and the issues related to IT systems (makes up 33.33% of the course). This is externally assessed
  • Unit 2 - Cyber Security and Incident Management – Types of cyber security attacks, the vulnerabilities in networked systems and how to plan and respond to attacks (makes up 33.33% of the course) This is externally assessed
  • Unit 3 - Website Development – The development tools, techniques and processes used in website development and how to test usability, functionality and fitness for purpose (makes up 16.67% of the course) This is internally assessed
  • Unit 4 - Relational Database Development – Structure of data, data design and database management systems (DBMS).(makes up 16.67% of the course) This is internally assessed
EXAMINATION BOARD: Edexcel Pearson

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

Vocational level 3 courses are advanced courses, we require five grade 9-4 passes (or equivalent) including English language or maths.

Why study BTEC IT (Single) at Blackpool Sixth?

We use ‘live’ scenarios, raising funds for charities, and incorporating work experience both virtually and in the local area. Ideal for entry into the workplace or university. Trips to Business & IT Live at Disneyland Paris and New York are highlights of the year. Not to mention our new IT labs and our teacher expertise for this subject.

How will I be taught?

A combination of teacher delivery, group work and independent learning.
This subject has a dedicated website that provides the students with essential resources for the whole course.

For externally assessed units you will have mock exams and frequent revision tasks throughout the year. There will be practice tasks incorporated throughout the learning process so you are ready for the formal assessment. All course resources are available online and full access to GSuite and Google Classroom is embedded in the delivery and assessment of the course.

Teacher expertise

  • Carly – Information Technology, Database Development & Web Design
  • Fiona – Information Technology, Cyber Security & Web Design

What skills will I develop?

  • Knowledge of digital technologies and how organisations plan digital projects and follow a project lifecycle 
  • Understanding of organisation structures and processes and how to embed digital safety to keep data and assets secure 
  • Technical skills to: design and build a website to meet user requirements using relevant tools and techniques, including testing for usability, functionality and fitness for purpose 
  • Technical skills to: follow a design methodology to create and develop a database design to meet user requirements, including testing the solution 
  • Transferable skills such as creativity and innovation, written communications, critical thinking and taking personal responsibility. 
  • Students will develop the ability to apply digital concepts to different sectors which is beneficial to the analytical approach included in many degrees. The ability to take personal responsibility and written communication skills will develop students' ability to manage their own work and independently create extended writing tasks which is a good foundation for academic success.
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How will I be assessed?

There are two examined units and two internally assessed units where students will engage in practical tasks to develop their Information Technology skills and knowledge. 

  • External assessment (66.6%)

Each assessment is taken under specified conditions, then marked by Pearson and a grade awarded. Students are permitted to resit the examination twice. This equates to three attempts in total. External assessments are available twice a year.

  • Internal Assessments (33.3%)

Assessed by a Pearson Set Assignment Brief (PSAB), which is set by Pearson and marked by teachers. Where a student has not achieved their expected level of performance for an assignment upon being marked by the teacher, they may be eligible for one resubmission of improved evidence.

Units are assessed using a grading scale of Distinction (D), Merit (M), Pass (P), Near Pass (N) and Unclassified (U). The grade of Near Pass is used for externally assessed units only.

BTEC National qualifications are graded using a scale of P to D*.

The BTEC Nationals attract UCAS points. Please go to the UCAS website for full details of the points allocated.

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What will you study and other information about BTEC Level 3 IT (Single)

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, Victrex and BAE. One student has gone on to study at an American University and is now a member of staff at Blackpool Sixth Form. We also have students going to university to study courses such as systems and networking, website design and game development. Opportunities for Higher level apprenticeships in Cybersecurity is a growing sector in the North West and several students have applied for this sector of employment recently.

Our Alumni

Elliott Gray-Medd, class of 23

HIGH SCHOOL: Cardinal Allen Catholic High School

Elliott studied level 2 and 3 BTEC Health and Social Care, GCSE English and GCSE Maths at Blackpool Sixth. He is now working as a teaching assistant at Red Marsh School. He said “The staff are amazing and so supportive. I wouldn’t be where I am without them!”

Yulan ChanDelaney, class of 23

FORMER HIGH SCHOOL: Montgomery Academy

Congratulations to Yulan ChanDelaney for achieving excellent grades in her A Levels! Yulan has excelled with A grades in Biology and her Extended Project and B grades in Chemistry and Religion, Ethics and Philosophy. We are delighted to announce that Yulan will be attending the University of Leeds in the coming academic year to study medicine. Best of luck with your future studies, Yulan!

Adam Walker, class of 23

FORMER HIGH SCHOOL: Millfield Science & Performing Arts College

Adam has achieved an impressive Double Distinction star in BTEC Music and a Merit in BTEC Business at Blackpool Sixth. We are thrilled to announce that Adam will be pursuing Creative Musicianship at ICMP, and we cannot wait to see where his passion for music takes him!

Luke Moore, class of 23

FORMER HIGH SCHOOL: Lytham St Annes Technology & Performing Arts College

Luke is an incredibly talented student who excelled in BTEC Performing Arts – Musical Theatre, achieving an impressive Triple Distinction Star grade. Luke has decided to take a gap year to audition for colleges but dreams to attend a top London-based college, and eventually make it to the West End. We have no doubt that Luke will achieve great success in his future!

Thirisha Varatharajan, class of 23

FORMER HIGH SCHOOL: Baines School

Thirisha Varatharajan has excelled in her biology A Level with a grade of B, as well as chemistry and mathematics A Levels, both with a grade of A. We are proud to announce that Thirisha will be attending the University of Liverpool in the upcoming academic year. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours and can’t wait to see what she will achieve next!

Maddie robinson, class of 23

FORMER HIGH SCHOOL: Carr Hill

Maddie Robinson has received a Double Distinction Star and a Distinction in Health & Social Care (Triple). We are thrilled to hear that Maddie plans to progress into employment at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, and we are confident that she will excel in this role. Maddie’s hard work and dedication have clearly paid off, and we wish her all the best with her future. Well done, Maddie!

David Speight, class of 23

FORMER HIGH SCHOOL: Highfield Leadership Academy

David Speight gained an A grade in A Level Photography and a Double Distinction Star in BTEC Film and Television. We are proud to announce that he will be moving onto a Level 3 Content Creator Apprenticeship at Ascent Trampoline Park.

Sarah Grogan, class of 23

FORMER HIGH SCHOOL: Montgomery Academy

Sarah has recently received A* grades in maths and physics, as well as an A in economics. We are thrilled to announce that Sarah will be attending Cambridge University to pursue her studies in economics.

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