OCR Level 2 Nationals in ICT This year the ICT department are introducing a new vocational ICT qualification. At present over 100,000 UK students have registered with OCR Nationals and they have responded positively to gaining practical skills in a real-life context (such as developing web pages or working with digital images). The qualification is 100% coursework based with candidates required to complete a minimum of 2 units. If both units are completed then a points score equivalent to one GCSE is awarded (recognised in the DfES performance tables). Students are awarded Distinction (A*/A equivalent), Merit (A/B equivalent) or Pass (C equivalent). The initial units are ICT Skills for Business (a mandatory unit covering essential skills for the workplace such as email, spreadsheets and database management) and Creating Computer Graphics (this is not a mandatory unit with OCR but will be for the students selecting the course next year at Bishopston).
Appropriate candidates would also have the opportunity to attempt additional units from a list of 23 (including Web Site Design, Desktop Publishing, Spreadsheets, Databases, Creating Video, Design and Produce Multimedia Products). One additional unit is required for the equivalent of one GCSE, if a total of six units are completed then the equivalent of two GCSE’s are awarded. Please note: The high coursework demands require students to possess excellent organisational skills as well as an aptitude for ICT. If any of the Assessment Objectives (There are up to 6 for each unit) are not met then a ‘Pass’ cannot be achieved, hence no qualification may be awarded.
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