Hardly any aspect of life is untouched by technology, from the workplace to control systems in the home. This vocational course will give you the knowledge, understanding and skills you need to use computers effectively, developing your practical skills as well as your creativity and technical know-how.

Students studying three A Levels will be expected to have a minimum of two GCSEs at grade 6 and three GCSEs at grade 5/4, including English Language and Mathematics at grade 5/4 or above, or eight GCSEs at a minimum of grade 5. This course may be taken alongside A Level courses and maybe more suited to learners with a strong profile of prior attainment in vocational studies.

• IT Systems

• Creating Systems to Manage Information

• Using Social Media in Business

• Data Modelling

Studying this course will help you to develop excellent communication, project management and trouble shooting skills. This will include considering the role of computer systems and the implications of their use in personal and professional situations, the design, creation, testing and evaluation of a relational database system to manage information and how businesses use social media to promote their products and services. 

There are four units of study. Three are mandatory and one optional. Two of the mandatory units consist of externally assessed examinations; students take one exam in their first year and one exam in their second year of study. The remaining units are assessed through assignments which, again, are split between the first and second year. Grades are awarded as either a Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*.

You will have the opportunity to join the Cisco Network Academy where you can gain industry recognised skills in areas such as Networking and Cyber Security. IT students also have the opportunity to gain Microsoft qualifications in MS Office applications including Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Word. These practical skill are highly sought after and valued by employers.

The course gives an insight into a variety of careers by engaging with a range of local businesses and guest speakers. There is an expectation to complete a one-week work placement. You will be proactive in finding a placement that will enable you to use your IT skills and to enrich your experience so that any applications for university or employment will show that you have good practical, as well as good academic levels of achievement.

We provide an excellent learning experience. You will learn new skills that turn you from a novice into an expert user of computer software. You will be guided to achieve excellent results and you will be helped to think outside the box. Your skills will benefit your future in terms of enhancing your capacity to study and present information as well as develop your career.

Many students progress to university or degree apprenticeships in areas including information technology, media communications, business management, communication and computer systems and electronic communication systems. Career opportunities include website design, computer graphics, training and technical support.

All IT students will be required to do additional reading to develop an awareness of emerging technologies. This can be achieved through internet research and reviewing technology broadcasts such as the BBCs “Click” programme and different websites such as “Techcrunch” and “Wired”.