ICT Computing
Course Overview
It is a natural progression from the study of GCSE Computer Science and is designed to further develop you into an independent learner.
Throughout the course you will study a variety of topics and build upon your knowledge and understanding of the world of Computing. The nature of the course not only gives you the opportunity to develop your knowledge and understanding, but it also allows you to improve your organisational skills, time management and the ability to apply learning to a vocational context. You will develop personal skills and attitudes essential for successful performance at university and in working life.
Assessment Objectives
Units 1 and 2 are externally assessed units.
Unit 1 will be a written examination consisting of a 1.5 hours paper each. Unit 2 consists of a set task provided by the exam board.
The remaining two units are assessed through the completion of assignments. Each of these internally assessed units has a number of tasks to complete in order to fulfil the individual unit requirements. Within assignments, tasks will be completed to PASS, MERIT or DISTINCTION level.
Each individual assignment must be completed to at least a pass level in order to pass the whole unit.
On successful completion of a unit, points are awarded depending upon the level of completion and the size of the unit (GLH). At the end of the course, the points will be added from all eight units to make a combined total points score.
Overall PASS – Equivalent to E grade
Overall MERIT – Equivalent to C grade)
Overall DISTINCTION – Equivalent to A grade
Overall DISTINCTION* – Equivalent to A* grade
Examination Board:
Pearson
Entry Requirements:
Grade 5 in GCSE maths and grade 4 in GCSE English Language. An interest in programming and a general aptitude for problem-solving.
Course Level:
BTEC – Level 3
What skills will I develop?
| An understanding of and ability to apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science including; abstraction, decomposition, logic, algorithms and data representation. | |
| The ability to analyse problems in computational terms through practical experience of solving such problems including writing programs to do so. | |
| The capacity for thinking creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically. | |
| Mathematical skills. | |
| The ability to articulate the individual moral, social, ethical, legal and cultural opportunities and risks of digital technology. |
How will I be assessed?
There are a total of four units (three mandatory and one optional). Two of the units are internally assessed and worth 42% of the overall grade. Two units are externally assessed and worth 58% of the overall grade.
Candidates must achieve four units over two years in order to gain the full award equivalent to one A Level. The course also provides the flexibility of completing two of the core units in one year equivalent to 0.5 A Levels.
The units from this qualification are graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction. The total of each unit will determine the overall grade for the course.
The overall grade equivalents are detailed below:
PASS – Equivalent to E grade.
MERIT – Equivalent to C grade.
DISTINCTION – Equivalent to A grade.
DISTINCTION * – Equivalent to A* grade.
Is there anything else I should know?
The Edexcel BTEC Level 3 in Computing can be studied with a variety of other subjects to suit the needs of the student. It has been designed to accredit candidates’ achievement in a modern and practical way that is relevant to the workplace. It is widely accepted by universities and during the UCAS application process; students will need to provide details on attainment/ expected attainment within individual units.