INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Information & Creative Technology

BTEC First qualifications were originally designed for use in colleges, schools and the workplace as an introductory level 2 course for learners wanting to study in the context of a vocational sector. This is still relevant today. The skills learnt in studying a BTEC First will aid progression to further study and prepare learners to enter the workplace in due course. Potential employment opportunities, such as an apprenticeship or a supervised role (depending on the specific job requirements) should be available in the Information Technology sector and appropriate parts of the creative industries, such as electronic publishing or multimedia production. This
BTEC First qualification provides learners with a taste of what these sectors can offer, enabling them to make informed choices about their future career.

BTECs are vocationally related qualifications, where learners develop knowledge and understanding by applying their learning and skills in a work-related context. Additionally, they are popular and effective because they engage learners to take responsibility for their own learning and to develop skills that are essential for the modern-day workplace. These skills include: team working; working from a prescribed brief; working to deadlines; presenting information effectively; and accurately completing administrative tasks and processes. BTEC Firsts motivate learners, and open doors to progression into further study and responsibility within the workplace.

The Edexcel BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Information and Creative Technology has one externally assessed core unit Unit 1: The Online World this is worth 25% of your final grade and a further core unit: Unit 3: A Digital Portfolio, which is internally assessed. This is also worth 25%. Unit 1: The Online World provides learners with a firm understanding of the fundamentals of digital technology and the pivotal role they play in today’s online world. The remaining subject content will be worth the remaining 50%. Therefore 75% of the grade is internally assessed and only 25% will be achieved through the online exam. This can be completed in Year 11 and a resit is possible if you are unsuccessful on the first attempt.

Calculation of qualification grade Award (120 GLH)