About the course

Information Technology is taught to Year 11 students twice a week at New River College Medical where they follow the BTEC Level 1/2 Award in Information Technology. These qualifications have been developed to give learners the opportunity to:

• engage in learning that is relevant to them and will provide opportunities to develop a range of skills and techniques
• gain a nationally recognised vocationally specific qualification to enter employment in the IT sector or to progress to higher education vocational qualifications such as the Pearson BTEC Level 3 for IT Users (ITQ) qualifications or the Higher Nationals in Computing and Systems Development qualifications
• develop the functional, personal learning and thinking skills essential for successful performance in working life.
  
  

BTEC Information Technology Level 2

Students will complete a compulsory unit which covers:

• using correct procedures to start and shutdown an IT system
• using interface features effectively to interact with IT systems
• adjusting system settings to meet individual needs
• using a communication service to access the internet
• using appropriate terminology when describing IT systems
• working with files and folders so that it’s easy to find and retrieve information
• identifying what storage media to use
• organising and storing information, using general and local conventions where appropriate
• working safely and taking steps to minimise physical stress
• recognising the danger of computer viruses and learning how to minimise risk
• keeping information secure
• outlining why it’s important to stay safe and to respect others when using ICT-based communication
• following relevant guidelines and procedures for the safe and secure use of IT
• identifying why routine maintenance of hardware is important and when to carry it out
• identifying where to get expert advice
• carrying out regular routine maintenance of IT systems safely
• Taking appropriate action to handle routine IT problems.

Students will then have a choice of optional units to complete which include:

• using the Internet
• using Mobile IT Devices
• using email
• IT software fundamentals
• data management software
• desktop publishing software.
  
  

Additional support

Students have the opportunity to receive extra support with written work for their BTEC qualification during lunchtimes or after school.

Student assessment

Students’ written work is marked regularly, and they receive verbal feedback during lessons.