Extended Diploma in IT Subsidiary Diploma in IT (Software Development) 2013 Entry
BTEC Level 3 IT
1987-2012
•
The department offers a range of courses to suit everyone
•
Develop your theoretical knowledge and practical skills
•
25 Years of inspiring individuals Dedicated, well qualified and enthusiastic members of staff
•
In addition to lessons, help and support is available at a number of drop in sessions
•
Dedicated computer suites with wireless internet connection, printing facilities, interactive whiteboards and multi-media projectors
•
Many students progress to continue their studies at university
1987-2012 25 Years of inspiring individuals
Brandon’s Perspective From the moment I stepped foot into this college I have always had a warm reception from the staff and students. I suppose that’s what I like most about Carmel, that nobody judges you for what you are or where you come from, you always feel a sense of belonging. BTEC IT, for me, is the best thing that I could have done at college. It teaches me to have adaptable skills in IT ranging from digital graphics to website production. Carmel also has an enrichment scheme. I picked photography in my first term which has been very beneficial to me as I have learned a lot about photography which helped me with my IT course in digital graphics. When I leave Carmel College I hope to go to university and study Computer Science.
Extended Diploma in IT Exam Board EDEXCEL Why choose this course at Carmel? You will study 18 units over the two year course leading to a qualification the equivalent of 3 A-levels. This is an excellent grounding to go on to further education in an ICT based subject or seek an apprenticeship/ employment. The Extended Diploma is a vocational course which means the emphasis is on developing skills in a variety of IT related topics. The assessment is a coursework portfolio instead of exams. What will I study? The units of study will cover 3 distinct strands which include ICT, Computing and Business Information. The course is designed for students who are interested in acquiring an in-depth knowledge of these subject areas. The units are a combination of theory and practical work but all units will require you to use ICT to present your evidence. Each unit studied will have an assignment which will involve you presenting a variety of evidence. You will have the opportunity to use a variety of standard software packages to present your evidence. This may include websites, presentations, reports, brochures/leaflets etc.
Brandon Thorpe St Aelred’s Catholic Technology College Studying: BTEC L3 Extended Diploma in IT, Mathematics
Meet the Tutors Lesley Heyes Head of Vocational ICT (BTEC) Kay Arrowsmith Emma Roberts Sandra Tickle
It is important that you have a lively and enquiring mind, an interest in ICT/Computing, a willingness to explore new ideas and the ability to communicate your ideas clearly in a variety of styles. You must be motivated to work unsupervised during study time and work hard to develop your portfolio.
How will I be assessed? Student work is evaluated throughout the course by continuous assessment, comprising of assignments and observed practical skills which make up a portfolio of evidence. This portfolio is assessed by tutors then externally verified. The following Units are studied in the first year: Unit 1: Communication & Employability Skills for IT, Unit 2: Computer Systems, Unit 3: Information Systems, Unit 8: E-Commerce, Unit 9: Computer Networks, Unit 14: Event driven programming, Unit 22: Developing Computer Games, Unit 30: Digital Graphics and Unit 43: Multimedia Design. In the second year: Unit 11: Systems Analysis & Design, Unit 12: Technical Support, Unit 18: Database Design, Unit 19: Computer Systems Architecture, Unit 25: Maintaining Computer Systems, Unit 28: Website Production Unit 31: Computer Animation, Unit 38: Interactive Media Authoring, Unit 42: Spreadsheet Modelling. Where does this course lead? On successful completion of a BTEC Level 3 qualification, learners can progress into employment and/or continue their study in the same vocational area at degree level.
What support will I receive? All students receive extra support via individual and group tutorials throughout the academic year as required. What is the department like? At Carmel College we have 2 dedicated computer suites with wireless internet connection, printing facilities, interactive whiteboards and multi-media projectors. In addition to these we also have a theory classroom.
Subsidiary Diploma in IT (Software Development) Exam Board Edexcel Why choose this course at Carmel? This single A Level equivalent course focuses upon the fundamentals of Computer Systems and Computer Programming. This will provide you with an excellent grounding to go on to higher education in a Computing based subject or seek an apprenticeship/employment. It is a vocational course so the emphasis is on developing skills and enhancing theoretical knowledge of Computing topics. What will I study? In the first year you will study two mandatory units that are set by the exam board and one Computer Programming unit: Unit 1 Communication & Employability Skills for IT – examines the Computing Industry and the characteristics that employers find desirable in an employee. It also encourages learners to selfassess their strengths and areas for development and set targets to achieve. Finally the unit helps learners to develop good communication skills and appreciate Computer Systems as communication tools. Unit 2 Computer Systems – covers the fundamental components of a computer system. You will develop your knowledge of hardware and software and practical skills such as replacing/upgrading hardware components, installing software, configuring settings and basic maintenance. Unit 16 Procedural Programming – covers the fundamental
constructs used in most computer programming languages. You will develop the skills and knowledge required to design and create procedural programming applications. The programming language used will be Visual Basic. NET (Console Mode) The remainder of the course is made up of three units covering theory and practical work on a variety of topics such as: Event Driven Programming; Computer Systems Architecture; Developing Computer Games; Mathematics for IT practitioners; Database Design. It is important that you enjoy problem solving, have an interest in Computing, a willingness to explore new ideas and the ability to communicate your ideas clearly in a variety of styles. You must be motivated to work on your portfolio both in and out of lesson time.
When I first started at Carmel I was very nervous as it was something new and different from High School. However, within a week of being at the college I had settled in really well with the help of the staff and other students. They were all very welcoming and non-judgemental. The main thing I like about studying IT is the time we spend in class. Everyone is friendly and the staff treat the students like adults which gives us all a sense of maturity. As part of the Enrichment Programme at college I took Aromatherapy which was a nice break from my studies. When I leave Carmel I will hopefully go to university and study IT.
How will I be assessed? Student work is assessed by a portfolio of evidence for each unit studied. These will be made up of written work and demonstrations of practical skill. For written tasks you may be asked to produce reports, booklets/leaflets, web pages, presentations etc. giving you the chance to practise your word processing, desk top publishing and web development skills. The final portfolio is assessed internally and verified externally. Where does this course lead? Upon successful completion of this qualification learners can progress into employment or continue their study in the same vocational area at degree level.
How successful are Carmel’s BTEC students? Summer 2012 Examination Results: BTEC Level 3 IT
Claudia’s Perspective
100% Pass Rate
Over 50% of students achieved 3 Distinctions overall What are the entry requirements for these courses? GCSE grade C in ICT or pass in equivalent ICT qualification plus GCSE grade C in both English Language.
Claudia Evans De La Salle Studying: Diploma in IT, AS Photography
Kieran’s Perspective I really enjoy life at Carmel College as everyone is very friendly and there’s a great environment. The learning styles are brilliant especially with the course I study. There is not an excessive workload to complete for deadlines. Students are able to take their time to get the work in on time. The teachers are extremely helpful and provide feedback regularly to ensure that the highest grades can be achieved as long as you’re willing to put the effort in yourself. I am impressed by the way Carmel is always looking to improve on technology and teaching techniques that will help benefit the students more. The facilities the college provides are always outstanding too like how clean the rooms are and no graffiti etc. After Carmel I hope to attend Liverpool John Moores University to study IT and Multimedia Computing.
Enrichment Opportunities These enrichment opportunities are open to any students. You do not have to study IT/Computing to take part. Introduction to Animation in Flash This is an introductory course covering some basic skills in Adobe Flash software. You will have the opportunity to utilise these skills in creating some basic animations of your own design to produce a cartoon. Introduction to Website Design – An introduction to Adobe Dreamweaver software. Learn how to create webpages including a variety of multimedia features. You will learn
the basics including constructing a webpage, formatting, adding multimedia elements and creating navigation between pages in your site. Summer enrichment Trip to Cadbury World - A fascinating fun-packed day out. Learn how your favourite confectionery is made and how ICT is utilised in all aspects of the Cadbury Company. Trip to Cineworld Cinema – A tour of the cinema projection room, a talk on how ICT is utilised by Cineworld followed by a film.
BTEC IT Student Destinations Employment Apprenticeships: •
IBM Computers
•
ZENOS Academy
Further Education: BTEC IT students were accepted onto the following courses:
Kieran McKevitt Wade Deacon Studying: BTEC Extended Diploma in IT
More Information You can get a detailed course specification from the exam board websites: www.edexcel.com
•
Liverpool University – Computer Information Systems
•
Liverpool John Moores – Computer Technology
•
Liverpool John Moores – Computer Forensics
•
Leeds Metropolitan University – Computer Forensics
•
Chester University – Computer Science
•
Manchester Metropolitan University – Computer Forensics and Security
Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between ICT and Computing? Computing students learn how to create software whereas ICT students learn how to use software. What is the difference between ICT and the BTEC IT The main difference is that the BTEC is equivalent to 3 ‘A’ Levels whereas ICT is just 1 ‘A’ Level. The BTEC involves more practical work and a portfolio of evidence. Can I study Computing/ICT/BTEC if I have not taken it at GCSE? Yes.