Cambridge Technicals Introductory Diploma in IT
(Specialist Pathway – Emerging Digital Technology Practitioner)
Exam Board: AQA
Aims
The aims of the course are as follows:
- Give students an understanding of the essentials of IT and Cyber Security.
- Give students an insight into the IT sector as they investigate the pace of technological change, IT infrastructure on a global scale, and the importance of legal and security considerations.
- Develop the transferable skills required by universities and employers such as communication, problem solving, time management, research and analytical skills.
Entry Requirements
Students should have Grade 4 or higher in GCSE English, Mathematics and ICT, or the equivalent grade/mark in their national system of secondary education.
Course Structure
Year 1
Unit 1: Fundamentals of IT
Unit 2: Global Information
Unit 3: Cyber Security
Year 2
Unit 3: Cyber Security (cont’d.)
Unit 4: Virtual and Augmented Reality
Unit 5: Internet of Everything
Assessment
- Unit 1 – externally assessed exam taken in January of Year 1.
- Unit 2 – externally assessed exam taken in June of Year 1.
- Unit 3 – externally assessed exam taken in January of Year 2.
- Unit 4 and Unit 5 – internally assessed assignments.
The 3 externally set examinations make up 65% of the grade and the internally assessed assignments 35%.
Core Text
Cambridge Technicals Level 3 IT – Mo Everett, Saundra Middleton, Victoria Ellis and Graham Manson – Hodder Education, ISBN 978-1-471-87491-8.
Careers and Opportunities
The Cambridge Technicals is a vocational qualification and will educate you in the knowledge and skills required for employment and for the community. The course will help you develop the behaviours and attributes needed to progress and succeed in education and work. The chosen pathway focuses on the use and development of virtual and augmented reality, and emerging technologies for application across a range of sectors which include mobile technology, digital marketing and the visualisation of Big Data.
