Course details may be subject to change.
Computing & IT is at the heart of everyday life, at home, work and in our leisure time from computer graphics and control systems to communications and problem-solving, IT has an ever increasing role to play. This course has been developed in consultation with employers in the IT sector to allow you to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed in industry. It includes practical activities in all units where you learn, do and review as well as development of your transferable skills for the workplace or your future studies.
Entry Criteria
You will hold four GCSEs at grade 3 or above (or equivalent), including maths and English.
Additional Costs
You will be required to pay £30 at the start of the course as a contribution towards enrichment activities.
What are the next steps?
You will meet with a course tutor to find out more about the course, discuss which course is right for you and see the facilities. Please bring your GCSE grades/predicted grades or any other relevant qualifications.
Study Aims
This course aims to:
- Prepare you for further learning or training
- Enhance your employability skills
- Allow you to develop essential transferable and personal skills, such as planning, research and analysis skills
- Develop a sound knowledge and understanding of the subject
- Give you the skills to work with others to develop good communication skills.
Modules Studied
- Communicating in the IT Industry
- Working in the IT Industry
- Website Development
- Computer Graphics
- Computer Systems
- Database Systems
- Spreadsheet Modelling.
Teaching and Assessment
You will have access to a wide variety of resources and course related materials in class and via on our online virtual learning environment. Your study programme will include preparation for employment and an expectation to complete relevant work experience and independent study.Teaching will be a variety of classroom based, self-study and workplace learning activities. Assessment is both formative and summative.Formative assessment of learning will be through a range of methods such as peer assessment, self-assessment and tutor assessment including observations, group work, written assignment, oral presentations and projects and aims to support your learning in preparation for summative assessment.Summative assessment is undertaken through assignments assessed internally and moderated by the awarding body.
Industry Links
The computing and IT curriculum area enjoys extensive links to industry, including:
- Durham County Council
- British Telecom
- Hewlett Packard
- NVIDIA
- British Airways
- Sage
- Leighton
- Waterstones
- CA Group
- Nissan
- And many more.
Placement
You will be required to complete a work placement of at least 70 hours (approximately 10 days) for each academic year of study. Wherever possible, we ask you to try and source a meaningful placement, however, if this is not possible, we do have limited opportunities sourced through the College. You will be expected to proactively engage with applying for a placement as they become available. All of our placement opportunities will be posted to your online learning system. You will always perform to the best of your ability and conduct yourself in a professional manner as if an employee of your placement organisation.
Your Level 2 Diploma in IT (minimum grade Merit) together with achievement in GCSE maths and English at grade 4 provides you with the entry criteria to progress to BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in IT at New College Durham, or employment within the industry.
