IT and Computing Course Leaflet 17-18

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2017 . 2018

Destination: Information Communication at the University of Huddersfield Studied: L3 Foundation Diploma/Extended Diploma in IT School: Almondbury High School

01484 652341 New Hey Road, Huddersfield HD3 4GL

paulina oko-baro

If you need the information in this leaflet presented in a different way please contact Erika Montgomery on 01484 652341 or info@huddnewcoll.ac.uk with IT are very fun.” on trips to York and Chester Zoo made lots of friends here. I’ve been “The college is very welcoming and I Details of all BTEC courses are accurate at time of print. However, some of these courses at Level 3 may be subject to change prior to August 2017 in terms of course tite, content and assessment methodology. These changes will be communicated via our website once they have been finalised by the awarding bodies.

computing and it AT HUDDERSFIELD NEW COLLEGE The Computer Science and Information Technology department at Huddersfield New College is housed in a well equipped, purpose built environment. IT students go on to do exceptionally well after studying at the college thanks to the well rounded courses we offer.

Students study in spacious, flexible rooms allowing for a variety of teaching styles and activities, and have excellent access to state of the art industry standard software and hardware, allowing them to complete their studies using current industry standard resources.

Our aim is to inspire and build confidence in our learners in a supportive and challenging learning environment. Over the years we have helped to guide our learners in achieving qualifications beyond their initial expectations: we help give our learners aspirations and goals and then strive to provide the tools to achieve them.

The A Level in Computer Science is ideally suited for students studying subjects such as Maths and Physics.

The department also offers a Level 2 entry course.

“The lessons are well planned

MEET THE TEAM • • • • • • • • •

and we have really good teachers and support if we need it.

Joe Norton Andrew Kennedy Duane Laverick Clive Morley Manzoor Mughal Janet Oldfield Lynnette Cadamarteri Bryan Hemming Clark Brooks

The lessons have been great and everyone is so friendly.”

........................................”

We have a range of possible courses for you to think about. We offer an A Level in Computer Science, 3 Level 3 BTEC courses in IT - equivilent to 1,2 and 3 A Levels and a Certificate/Extended Certificate in Computing (Software Development).

luke smith

These practical based courses are a popular choice for students either wishing to progress on to Higher Education, or for those hoping to move onto employment in the area.

School: Lightcliffe Academy Studied: L2 First Information and Creative Technology Extended Certificate Destination: IT Apprenticeship

BTEC Level 3 Extended certificate/Diploma in IT ABOUT the subject The programme is equivalent to 2 A Levels and is the ideal starting point for all those who want a career in the world of IT or those who want to simply improve their employment prospects by gaining skills relevant to the modern expanding IT sector.

This course starts gently by helping students understand how computers work whilst building their confidence in setting up a computer system. Students will use different software learning to programme, set up and maintain websites, learn about animation and graphics and acquire enhanced skills in database development. We also do not neglect the business context, system analysis and design. No subject taught requires prior knowledge.

course content As we are still awaiting final specifications from the examinations board, the contents of this leaflet are subject to change.

Year 1 In the first year the emphasis is on gaining a thorough understanding of Personal Computer hardware. You will learn how to build and repair Personal Computer Systems. You will learn how to create Computer Programs in modern programming languages such as Delphi, Java and Visual programming. Additionally, in the first year of study, you will learn web design techniques to create stunning websites. You will work to specific briefs from which you will convey relevant information to a target audience using graphical images and textual content.

Year 2 The second year focuses on commercial Software Applications used in enterprises today. You will learn how to use commercial applications to solve business related problems such as advanced database and spreadsheet skills. You will also learn how to create exciting e-Commerce websites using Dreamweaver and Flash.

Typically we will create databases and advanced spreadsheets, thereby learning how to use creative software applications to solve business related problems.

Work experience is an important part of this course and clearly students have other obligations. Although not obligatory students will be encouraged to complete, where possible, a one week work placement early in the second year.

ASSessment Currently most units are assessed and moderated internally but it is expected that some aspects of the course will be externally assessed.

Additionally students are encouraged to develop specialist skills such found in Microsoft Academy and the CISCO networking course. A set time will be allocated to this but this is subject to change.

You will be expected to take an active responsibility for planning, organising and completing your work on time.

specific entry criteria Grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

BTEC Level 3 Certificate/extended certificate in computing (software development) ABOUT the subject

course content

ASSessment

This course will help students understand how to design and write programs in modern programming languages such as object oriented with Java, procedural with Delphi and visual with Visual Basic. We will look at different types of software and gain experience in selecting and using the best software for a given task. We will appreciate why computers are used in nearly all businesses and select the best combination of both hardware and software for a particular business.The course includes the study of specific areas of computer programming and computer hardware, that are popular and growing areas of IT within industry today.

This is a two-year course leading to a Extended Certificate, which is equivalent to one A Level. The programme would suit anyone who is considering a career in Software Development or Programming industries and would like to improve their employment prospects by gaining skills relevant to the workplace.

The course is made up of 4 units.

2 units will be completed in year 1 and 2 in year 2.

Year 1

This points score is cumulative and will ultimately determine your final grade.

specific entry criteria Grade 4 in GCSE Maths.

In the first year the emphasis is on gaining a thorough understanding of the software development process.

You will learn how to create computer programs using programming languages such as Java or Delphi and Visual Basic. You will also study Personal Computer hardware where you will learn to get an overview of how to repair Personal Computer Systems.

Year 2 The second year focuses on software used in businesses today. Typically, we will create databases using SQL, learning how to use create software applications to solve business related problems. We will also build upon programming skills to develop basic computer games concepts.

You will be expected to take an active responsibility for planning, organising and completing your work on time.

Each unit will be awarded a grade and also a number of points.

Currently most units are moderated internally but it is expected that some aspects of the course will be externally assessed.

Additionally students are encouraged to develop specialist skills found in Microsoft Academy and the CISCO networking course. A set time will be allocated to this but this is subject to change.

i love the it facilities! with the grades i achieve, i want to go into it system building. – Niles Motley L2 Extended Certificate in Information and Creative Technology

BTEC Level 3 Certificate/extended certificate in IT ABOUT the subject The main aim of this course is to develop students’ abilities to use a wide range of ICT software. It is our intention to provide students with skills that will enhance their ability to do well in their other chosen subjects. The course can therefore be combined with a wide range of subjects. It is a useful option to consider for students looking for a fourth subject that is not too demanding.

ASSessment This is mainly via internally set and assessed coursework, but there is also an externally assessed element.

specific entry criteria Grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

course content This course is mainly coursework based, with some external assessment.

It is intended to be very generic, offering students a chance to improve their skills in using a wide variety of current, industry standard software packages. It provides students with a good understanding of major aspects of ICT work, it is geared towards allowing students to develop their software skills using packages such as Adobe InDesign, Flash, Illustrator and Photoshop.

The content of BTEC qualifications is currently being revised, but we expect to offer a course with units similar to those listed below: Communication and Employability Skills for ICT This unit gives students the opportunity to develop good presentation skills for their written work, whilst also looking at how they can use ICT to improve their learning skills generally. It includes developing a personal action plan and target setting, using Internet search engines and e-mail software more efficiently.

Computer Systems will allow students to look at how to choose a home computing system, set up a home network, install software and problem solve on a home computer.

Website Production enables students to design and create interactive websites incorporating many advanced features. They will be able to use Adobe Photoshop and Dreamweaver to produce their site but also develop an understanding of HTML etc.

Database Design enables students to understand the features of relational databases and to develop the skills necessary to design, create, populate and test a relational database using Microsoft Access to an advanced standard.

Spreadsheet Modelling allows students to create spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel to develop a full application using many advanced features.

Two units will be studied in the first year. Students can then either take the Certificate or continue to the second year of the course to achieve the Extended Certificate.

This course will be accessible to a wide range of students who wish to extend their ICT skills. It could possibly be combined with other Extended Certificates. Time permitting, it may be possible to add additional units at the end of the course, which would enhance student’s potential for employment or higher education. The course provides the same UCAS points as an A Level.

computer science linear a level ABOUT the subject A Level Computer Science challenges students to develop, create and be innovative with special emphasis on problem solving and logical thinking.

These are key aspects to develop that allow you to move on from college to a relatable university course or career within the Computing industry. Those who study Computer Studies are in a position to choose from a wide variety of choices.

Computing is a rapidly developing area which provides ample opportunity to progress onto related Computer Science Degrees. Prospects in the industry also include software development, systems analysis, computer games programming, computer research, system managers, computer engineers, network administrators and database administrators.

ASSessment This will be via examinations (as described in the course content).

Additionally, a programming project will be completed during the second year of the course.

specific entry criteria

course content

Computer Systems (40%) The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices; software and software development; exchanging data - 2 hours and 30 minutes written exam, 140 marks.

Computing Principles (50%) The characteristics of contemporary processors, input, output and storage devices, software and software development, programming, exchanging data, data types, data structures and algorithms, legal, moral, ethical and cultural issues - 1 hour and 15 minutes written exam, 70 marks.

You will learn the following:

You will learn the following:

In year 2 you delve deeper into the concepts of computing, covering characteristics of contemporary processes, input, output and storage devices, advanced software development, exchanging data, data types and algorithms, advanced computational thinking, advanced problem solving and programming, algorithms to solve problems and standard algorithms.

In year 1 you will learn the principles of computing including the characteristics of contemporary processors, types of software, how data is exchanged between different systems, how data is represented and stored within different structures, risks involved with digital technologies, understanding computational thinking, how computers can solve problems and the use of algorithms.

Year 2

Year 1

Algorithms and Problem Solving (50%) Elements of computational thinking; Problem solving and programming; Algorithms - 1 hour and 15 minutes written exam, 70 marks.

Algorithms and Programming (40%) Elements of computational thinking; Problem solving and programming - 2 hours and 30 minutes written exam, 140 marks.

Programming Project (20%) You will choose a project and analysis, design, develop and evaluate a project - Non-exam assessment.

Grade 6 in GCSE Maths and grade 4 in GCSE English Language plus grade B in Physics.

BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Information and Creative Technology ABOUT the subject Information technology is a popular subject at all levels. This course is at intermediate level, and successful students will achieve the equivalent of 3 GCSE passes at grades C or above.

The course covers a wide range of information technology skills and acts as a very good preparation for the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT course that we offer in the department.

The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma is a good preparation for University study or employment within the IT industry.

Over the past five years students on intermediate information technology courses have consistently performed at a higher level compared to students in the rest of the country.

specific entry criteria Standard requirements for Level 2 Extended Certificate.

ASSessment Two units are externally assessed through online tests. The other units are internally assessed by your subject teachers using assignments that are set and marked in the College. The marked assignments are finally verified by the BTEC examination board Pearsons.

course content The BTEC Level 2 in Information and Creative Technology Extended Certificate will appeal to you if you have a lively and enquiring mind, an interest in Information Technology, a willingness to explore new ideas and an ability to communicate those ideas effectively. Over the course of the year, you will develop your problem solving and written communication skills through the more practical parts of the course.

This course lasts for one year, and is composed of 8 units of study. The first two units are about the hardware and software used by computers to help us find and share information on the internet and across networks. You will discover how we view web pages and send or receive emails using different computers and applications. In the third unit you will be required to design and create your own digital portfolio that showcases the skills you have learned throughout the year. These three mandatory units form the basis of the course, focusing on Internet technologies, computer hardware and software, and preparing you for Level 3, employment or an apprenticeship.

The course continues with a fourth unit on Computer Networks. This unit lets

you design, set up and configure a small virtual computer network within a computer laboratory environment.

There are two more units in Website Development and Software Development. These two units help you learn the skills required to create interactive websites and programs.

In both cases you will learn about specialist software used in website and programming design and production.

The final units, Database Development and Spreadsheet Development look at a range of useful business applications.

Spreadsheet and database applications are used throughout businesses regardless of the products and services these businesses use (e.g. banking, marketing, multimedia industries, engineering, science, etc.)

You will apply your new theoretical and practical work to create suitable solutions based on a given scenario.

The skills you learn are very important skills when formatting and presenting data as well as producing an analysis of your findings. Again, real life examples are used to ensure the usefulness of these units.

BTEC Level 3 foundation diploma/extended Diploma in IT ABOUT the subject The programme is equivalent to 3 A Levels and is the ideal starting point for those who want a career in the world of IT or simply improve their employment prospects by gaining skills relevant to the modern expanding IT sector. 6 units are taught in year one and 8 in year two.

This course starts gently to help students understand how computers work and gain confidence in setting up a computer system. Students will use different software to programme, set and maintain websites, learn about animation and graphics and acquire enhanced skills in database development. Additionally and significantly, we teach network development. We also do not neglect the business context and system analysis and design. In addition, no subject taught requires prior knowledge.

specific entry criteria Grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

These skills are highly valued in Industry and Business, as well as being functional life skills.

course content As we are still awaiting final specifications from the examinations board, the contents of this leaflet are subject to change.

Year 1 In the first year the emphasis is on gaining a thorough understanding of Personal Computer hardware where you will learn how to build and repair Personal Computer Systems. You will also find out how to connect Personal Computers together to form a network.

You will be trained in how to create Computer Programs in modern programming languages such as Java, Delphi and Visual programming.

The role of IT in business as well as analysing and planning IT systems will also be taught.

Year 2 The second year focuses on commercial Software Applications used in enterprises today. You will learn how to use commercial applications to solve business related problems such as advanced aspects of databases (SQL) or spreadsheets. You will also learn how to create exciting e-Commerce websites using appropriate industry standard software.

Work relatedness is an important part of this course; industry contacts ensure that some students experience real workplace practices as part of the course. Additionally, some students who are achieving top grades complete a one-week or more work placement during the course.

This course is usually studied on its own, although there is an option to study a further GCSE in any other subject if required.

As a final point it ought to be noted that work is assessed by an external agency for final grades.

Students are encouraged to develop specialist skills such as those found in Microsoft Academy and the CISCO networking course. A set time will be allocated to this but this is subject to change.

ASSessment As stated, the course over the full 2 years is composed of 18 units. Currently most are moderated internally but it is expected that some aspects of the course will be externally assessed.

You will be expected to take an active responsibility for planning, organising and completing your work on time.