Information and Creative Technology
Why Study Information and Creative Technology?
Information and Creative Technology (I&CT) is an exciting and dynamic industry to work in. Many specialist jobs are available making use of specialist skills like networking, programming, web development and IT technician roles. With computers playing such an important role in many businesses and organisations around the world today, talented individuals are needed to develop and maintain these computer systems.
Entry Requirements
You must have at least three grade 3s and one grade 2 at GCSE, which must include English Language. We accept Passes in Level 2 BTEC or OCR qualifications as worth up to two GCSE grade 3s each.
The Course
You will learn how to communicate in the IT industry and the sorts of jobs that there are in the IT industry. You will also learn about computer hardware, website development, databases, customising application software and creating and editing computer graphics. All exercises will have a vocational context, to reflect the skills needed in the workplace. There are two examined units, so revision and exam technique will also be covered.
Course Activities
Students learn through a number of activities, including teacher-led demonstrations, practical exercises, group work, quizzes and discussions. There may be trips organised to go into various workplaces to see how IT is being used in real-life situations. These trips are not optional and are an integral part of the course, so therefore must be attended by all students on the course.
Career and Progression Opportunities
Many students studying the BTEC Level 2 Award and Certificate in I&CT will progress to do the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in IT in the next academic year (though this depends on the students showing some aptitude). Some students may go straight into work at a junior level in IT or they may go on to do an apprenticeship, again in the IT industry, or in a different working area.
Course Structure and Assessment
The Award is taught over three 1.5 hour lessons a week. There are three units in the year, one of which is examined, the other two are assessed via coursework. The Certificate is taught over six 1.5 hour lessons a week. There are six units in the year, two of which are examined, the other four are assessed via coursework.
Unit title Assessment Unit 1: The Online World You will learn the basic complexities of how computers communicate over the internet, including protocols, packet switching and the client/server model. You will also learn about HTML coding, ubiquitous computing, cloud computing, transmission modes and data storage. Assessment: Examination
Unit 3: A Digital Portfolio You will learn how to produce a complete, fully functioning, digital portfolio. You will learn how to add navigation elements and interactive elements along with various multimedia including images, video, graphics and sound. This portfolio will showcase your skills and can be used to help you gain employment after the course. Assessment: Portfolio
Unit 13: Website Development You will learn to evaluate and analyse existing websites, looking at effective features that are used today. You will learn how to design, create, test and evaluate your own websites. Learning HTML coding, JavaScript and Cascading Style Sheets. Assessment: Portfolio
Unit 2: Technology Systems You will learn about all the basic hardware components that make up a
computer. You will also look at the technical complexities of networking, memory and storage devices, binary numbers, ASCII codes, basic programming, flowcharts and classifications of software packages. Assessment: Examination
Unit 6: Creating Digital Graphics You will learn about different types of graphics including vectors and bitmaps, appropriate use of graphics, physical size versus logical size, resolution, compression ratios and meeting user needs. You will also design, create and evaluate your own graphic solutions. Assessment: Portfolio
Unit 17: Multimedia Products Development You will learn all about different multimedia products on the market at the moment. You will evaluate features of existing multimedia products and look at how these products meet the needs of the user. You will then design, create, test and evaluate your own multimedia solutions. Assessment: Portfolio
Students on the Award will study Units 1, 3, and 13.
Additional Information
Examination Board: Pearson Edexcel