Software Development and Technology Systems – Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

Level: 3 |Location: Cronton Sixth Form College |Duration: 2 Years | Details: September 

What is this course about?
IT and Computing is an exciting and constantly evolving subject, with a job market that is expected to grow exponentially over the next 10 years, and with Liverpool City Region having the second fastest growing Digital and Creative sector in the UK, it is an exciting time to get involved in the subject. This course will prepare you to access these job roles and develop the skills that will allow you to access employment opportunities and new apprenticeships that haven’t even been invented yet.

You will study a wide range of subjects enabling you to develop highly sought after skills in the IT and Computing industry. The course is a mixture of practical and theory activities which allow you as a student to develop an understanding of the topics covered. You will study 13 units which include: Programming, Cyber Security, Database Systems, Computer Games Development, 2D & 3D Graphics, Digital Animation, IT Technical Support and Using Social Media in Business.

In your second year you will have the opportunity to take part in the implementation of a substantial project which could take on a focus from areas including; Cyber Security & Digital Forensics, Virtual Reality, Games Design & Development, Software Development, or Computer Network solutions.

You will also have the opportunity to see IT in actions by taking part in different trips such as seeing how technology is used at Alton Towers and Disneyland Paris. You will also be invited to the largest game convention in UK, where you will have the opportunity to meet software developers and universities.

What will I learn on this course?
You will explore a number of different facets of IT to give you an overall view of where you would like to specialise in the future. You will discover and develop the skills required to become a valued employee in the sector. You will learn how to successfully plan and implement systems, including; websites, 3D interactive games and database systems. You will learn the fundamentals of programming and apply these to create a complex solution to a problem. You will also learn about exciting developments in technology such as Virtual Reality and Industry 4.0, while considering how they impact on society.

The course combines internally assessed project work and also four external assessments including one on-screen exam on Information Technology Systems and three controlled assessments, which include: creating a system to manage information; managing cyber security; and completing a design for an IT solution using project management skills

Entry requirements:
You will need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 9 – 4 including English and Maths.

What will this course lead on to?
This qualification is highly valued by employers and universities, allowing you to pursue careers in many IT and Computing related disciplines such as systems development, social media developer, technical support and self-employment opportunities through the development of systems such as mobile apps and websites. Many of our students have progressed into higher education and study a degree in subjects such as: Computer Science, Multimedia Computing, Games Design & Development Website Development, Computer Forensics and Cyber Security.
The course also prepares you for progression to our new higher apprenticeship routes or our full-time Higher Education course.

How will I be assessed?
Themes will be used for assignment briefs to cover the assessment criteria for a range of units; these may include written reports, presentations and creating products. There will be opportunities to assess by other methods throughout the year including; Observation, Video or Audio.
Four of the units will be externally assessed, you will sit one on-screen exam that will assess your understanding of Information Technology Systems. The remaining three units are controlled assessments where you will complete a short project over the assessment period, these assessments are set and marked externally but you will be provided with practice projects to help you prepare for them

Enrichment Opportunities:
There are a variety of Enrichment activities that you can get involved in: Virtual Reality Club, CISCO IT Essentials, CISCO CCNA, Adobe Certified Associate exams. Students will also take part in Local and National Competitions such as Bebras Computing Challenge and CyberCenturion.

Our students also enhance their studies by taking part in different trips including: International trip to Disneyland Paris for Computing Live!; EGX – UK’s largest computer game convention and Bletchley Park – the home of the codebreakers

Any additional costs?
Standard course materials such as, pen, pencil, and paper will be needed. All students will have their own OneDrive cloud storage that will allow them to access work outside of the classroom. You will be required to pay for trips and visits.