The ICT department offers one course at KS4: Edexcel BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Practitioners.

The BTEC qualifications are designed to provide specialist work-related qualifications in a range of sectors. They have been developed to provide the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to prepare learners for employment.  This course links to the National Occupational Standards for the sector, where these are appropriate, and are supported by the relevant Standards Setting Body (SSB) or Sector Skills Council (SSC).

On successful completion of a BTEC First qualification, learners may progress into or within employment and/or continue their study in the vocational area. Some students progress quickly and are entered for the BTEC First Diploma. (Equivalent to 4 GCSE's).

What are the BTEC Firsts?

BTEC First qualifications are undertaken in further education and sixth-form colleges, schools and other training providers, and have been since they were introduced in 1983. Their purpose, approaches to teaching, learning and assessment are established and understood by teaching professionals, employers and learners alike.

The BTEC Firsts for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Practitioners have been developed in the IT sector to focus on:

• education and training for employees working in ICT related occupations
• providing opportunities for employees working in ICT to achieve a nationally recognised Level 2 vocationally specific qualification
• providing opportunities for learners to 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 Edexcel Level 3 BTEC National for IT Practitioners
• providing opportunities for learners to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in working life.

All students have three lessons a week and are working towards this qualification over two years. The course is 100% coursework.  When completed successfully, students attain a qualification equivalent to 2 GCSEs (A*-C).

The 30-credit BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate extends the specialist work-related focus from the BTEC First Award and covers the key knowledge and practical skills required in the appropriate vocational sector. The BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate offers flexibility and a choice of emphasis through the optional units.