IT & Computing
Qualifications
Level 2 IT & Computing
Level 3 IT & Computing
Course duration
Level 2 – one year, full time
Level 3 – two years, full time
Campus
Coutanchez
Download course brochure
Purpose of the Course
These courses have been developed by the awarding body with significant collaboration with employers, representatives from higher education and relevant professional bodies, in order to provide you with up to date technical content and the necessary knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes required to be successful in this sector. Additionally, we collaborate with local employers to ensure the course meets local sector needs as well as offering a wide range of units that will cover most students’ career ambitions.
Course Outline
The Level 2 qualification is equivalent to four GCSEs.
Example of units:
- Essentials of IT
- Essentials of cyber security
- Participating in a project
- Pitching a project
- Creating programming solutions
- Creating websites
- Creating mobile applications
- Games creation
The Level 3 qualification is equivalent to three A’levels.
Example of units:
- Creating systems to manage information
- Using social media in business
- Programming
- Computer games development
- Cyber security and incident management
- IT project management
- Mobile apps development
- The internet of things
- IT service delivery
Entry Criteria
Level 2: four GCSEs at grade D/3 or above, across a range of subjects preferably English language and maths or successful completion of a Level 1 qualification, or relevant experience for mature students.
Level 3: five GCSEs at grades C/4 or above in a range of subjects including English language and preferably maths, or a relevant Level 2 qualification at merit or above, or relevant experience for mature students.
Personal Development & Skills
This course will provide opportunities for you to go beyond the purely academic and technical as there is a rich seam of personal and skills development embedded in your course such as cognitive and problem-solving skills, intrapersonal skills – communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing, self-presentation, interpersonal skills, self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development.
Each year a Tech Day is held so that you can showcase your projects to local employers as well as family and friends.
In addition, you will participate in enrichment activities, such as healthy cooking, physical activities, fund raising, charitable work, and develop a deeper understanding of the society we live in by having the opportunity to explore and discuss current affairs.
Assessment Method
You are required to complete coursework which will be in a variety of formats and will be assessed by your lecturers, internally verified and then externally verified by the awarding organisation.
At Level 2 you will also complete a number of externally assessed exams.
At Level 3 two units are externally examined, and two are also based on a written task assessed by the awarding body.
Progression Opportunities
To progress onto the Level 3 course you will need to have successfully completed your Level 2 programme with a merit or distinction, English language at Level 2 and attained overall attendance greater than 88%. There are also a range of employment opportunities including entry into the IT sector or progression onto an alternative Level 3 programme.
Completion of the Level 3 course provides direct progression into a broad range of roles within the local IT, technical or creative sectors, or onto higher education to specialise your interests.
Your tutors will provide information, advice and guidance to help you make informed decisions about your next steps.
Additional Learning Support
As part of your learning programme, if you have not yet attained a grade C/4 or equivalent in mathematics and English language, you will be required to study a Functional Skill or GCSE in these subjects.
Some students may require additional support for a number of reasons. At the start of your course you will be asked to complete an initial assessment in order for us to identify any additional needs that you may have. During your course, your personal tutor will be able to guide you on how best to access support.
We can offer the following:
- Progress Coaches
- Learner Support assistance (1:1)
- Learner Support assistance (group)
- Learner Support assistance (drop-ins)
- Specialist ESOL teaching
- Study lab sessions
- In-class support
- Special arrangements for exams
Equality & Diversity
We welcome and celebrate the diversity of our student population. We value and recognise differences in race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion or belief and age. Our aim is to provide a learning environment that is inclusive and we are committed to removing conditions that put anyone at a disadvantage.
Enquiries
Please contact Olivia McGahy – oliviam@gcfe.net
