The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Information Technology is intended as an Applied General qualification, equivalent in size to one A Level. It is designed for learners who are interested in an introduction to the study of creating IT systems to manage and share information alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in IT. Learners will develop a common core of IT knowledge and study areas such as the relationship between hardware and software that form an IT system, managing and processing data to support business and using IT to communicate and share information. The objective of this qualification is to give learners the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in IT systems, systems management and social media in business. This will enable learners to progress to further study in the IT sector or other sectors. Learners will study three mandatory units: Unit 1: Information Technology Systems External unit assessed by a 2-hour exam The unit explores the relationships between the hardware and software that form an IT system, and the way that systems work individually and together, as well as the relationship between the user and the system. This unit examines issues related to the use of IT systems and the impact that they have on organisations and individuals Unit 2: Creating Systems to Manage Information External unit assessed by a 5 hours-controlled assessment to be carried out over two days. This unit examines the structure of data and its origins, and how an efficient data design follows through to an effective and useful database. Students will be given a scenario in order to develop an effective design solution to produce a database system. Candidates will then test their solution to ensure that it works correctly. Finally, students will evaluate each stage of the development process and the effectiveness of the database solution. Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business Internal assessed assignment Students will explore different social media websites, the ways in which they can be used and the potential pitfalls when using them for business purposes. Students will develop a plan to use social media strategies for business purposes to achieve specific aims and objectives. They will then implement the plan, developing and posting content and interacting with others. Finally, students will collect data on the business use of social media and review the effectiveness of their efforts. This qualification includes a choice of optional units, including: Unit 6: Creating Websites Internal assessed assignment In this unit, students will review existing websites, commenting on their overall design and effectiveness. Students will use scripting languages such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and JavaScript® and a simple text editor, or rapid application development tools. Finally, they will reflect on the website design and functionality using a testing and review process This will allow progression to a variety of degrees when combined with other suitable Level 3 qualifications.
Grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths and English Language as well as an APS of 3.83 or above combined with other BTEC courses, or an APS of 4.5 or above if combined with A Level courses.
One 90 minute examination and one 5 hour controlled assessment in Year 12. One mandatory assignment looking at how Social Media is used in business. One optional assignment to design a website for a business.
About Education Provider
| Region | East of England |
| Local Authority | Hertfordshire |
| Ofsted Rating | Outstanding |
| Gender Type | Mixed |
| Address | Manland Way, Harpenden, AL5 4QP |
The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Information Technology is intended as an Applied General qualification, equivalent in size to one A Level. It is designed for learners who are interested in an introduction to the study of creating IT systems to manage and share information alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in IT. Learners will develop a common core of IT knowledge and study areas such as the relationship between hardware and software that form an IT system, managing and processing data to support business and using IT to communicate and share information. The objective of this qualification is to give learners the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in IT systems, systems management and social media in business. This will enable learners to progress to further study in the IT sector or other sectors. Learners will study three mandatory units: Unit 1: Information Technology Systems External unit assessed by a 2-hour exam The unit explores the relationships between the hardware and software that form an IT system, and the way that systems work individually and together, as well as the relationship between the user and the system. This unit examines issues related to the use of IT systems and the impact that they have on organisations and individuals Unit 2: Creating Systems to Manage Information External unit assessed by a 5 hours-controlled assessment to be carried out over two days. This unit examines the structure of data and its origins, and how an efficient data design follows through to an effective and useful database. Students will be given a scenario in order to develop an effective design solution to produce a database system. Candidates will then test their solution to ensure that it works correctly. Finally, students will evaluate each stage of the development process and the effectiveness of the database solution. Unit 3: Using Social Media in Business Internal assessed assignment Students will explore different social media websites, the ways in which they can be used and the potential pitfalls when using them for business purposes. Students will develop a plan to use social media strategies for business purposes to achieve specific aims and objectives. They will then implement the plan, developing and posting content and interacting with others. Finally, students will collect data on the business use of social media and review the effectiveness of their efforts. This qualification includes a choice of optional units, including: Unit 6: Creating Websites Internal assessed assignment In this unit, students will review existing websites, commenting on their overall design and effectiveness. Students will use scripting languages such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) and JavaScript® and a simple text editor, or rapid application development tools. Finally, they will reflect on the website design and functionality using a testing and review process This will allow progression to a variety of degrees when combined with other suitable Level 3 qualifications.
Grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths and English Language as well as an APS of 3.83 or above combined with other BTEC courses, or an APS of 4.5 or above if combined with A Level courses.
One 90 minute examination and one 5 hour controlled assessment in Year 12. One mandatory assignment looking at how Social Media is used in business. One optional assignment to design a website for a business.
