IT General Practitioners (BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma)

Specific Entry Criteria

Grade C in English Language or Mathematics

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.

Course Content

This course is entirely coursework based, 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. Although we have to include the compulsory units 1 & 2, these will be geared towards allowing students to develop their software skills using packages such as Adobe InDesign and Flash Catalyst.

The units we offer are:

• Communication & Employability Skills for IT
• Computer Systems
• Website Production
• Database Design
• Spreadsheet Modelling
• Multimedia Design

Unit 1 - Communication & 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.

Unit 2 - Computer Systems will allow students to look at how to choose a home computing system, setting up a home network, installing software and problem solving on a home computer.

Unit 28 - 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.

Unit 18 - 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.

Unit 42 - Spreadsheet Modelling allows students to create spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel to develop a full application using many advanced features.

Unit 43 - Multimedia Design enables students to understand how multimedia is used in business and be able to create their own multimedia products using Adobe Photoshop and Abobe Flash. Three units will be studied in the first year (the 2 compulsory units and Website Production). Students can then either take the Certificate or continue to the second year of the course to achieve the Subsidiary Diploma.

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 subsidiary diplomas although there are some exclusions. Time permitting it may be possible to add additional units at the end of the course which would enhance students potential for employment or higher education. The course provides the same UCAS points as an AS or A level.

Assessment