BTEC First Diploma for ICT Practitioners

BTEC FIRST DIPLOMA FOR ICT PRACTITIONERS

WHAT IS THE BTEC FIRST DIPLOMA?
A BTEC First Diploma is a practical, work-related course, which upon completion is equal to four GCSE grades. If you achieve a Distinction then it is equal to four A grades, a Merit equals four Bs and a Pass four Cs. You learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands. It introduces you to the employment area you have chosen and provides a good basis to go on to a more advanced work-related qualification.

WHY TAKE THE BTEC FIRST DIPLOMA IN ICT?
The course will encourage you to:

• use ICT for the presentation and manipulation of information
• gain knowledge and understanding of the hardware and software used to provide ICT services
• learn and apply the basic and intermediate skills in spreadsheets and databases
• develop skills in graphics and desk top publishing principles

USEFUL SKILLS & INTERESTS
If you have one or more of the following then you are likely to benefit from this course:

• a standard of literacy and numeracy supported by GCSE grades C D
• an interest in the application of ICT

COURSE STRUCTURE & CONTENT
If you have enrolled on the Certificate course you will follow a three unit program of which Unit 1* is compulsory. Those on the diploma course study six units, Unit 1* and 2** are compulsory with a further four units selected from the units below.

*Unit 1 Using ICT to Present Information

In this unit you will learn
about the range and purpose of different document types, how to present information effectively taking into account the purpose of the document. You will be able to justify why you selected a particular technique over another and be able to use them competently.

**Unit 2 Introduction to Computer Systems

This unit focuses on the study of the different types of computers, their users and looks at the typical tasks they are expected to do. You will learn about the different parts of a computer system, how they connect together and how the capacity and performance of these devices are recognised.

Unit 4 - Website Development

Technology is always on the move and every day there are exciting new developments. MP3 players, digital cameras, email plus many more. The World Wide Web plays a major part in all of these you down load songs, send letters and images across the globe and shop from the comfort of your bedroom. An understanding of how this works and the ability to design the documents that can be read on the web is essential. Whilst doing this there are legal requirements that need to be adhered to and this unit hopes to give you all of these skills.

Unit 6 Network Essentials
-This unit will help you to understand why networks are used by organisations and how they help to coordinate activities carried out. At the end of this unit, you will understand the purpose of many of the hardware devices and software used on a network.

Unit 9 Database Software
-Database software is one of the most commonly used application packages in business. This unit will give you an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of using it. You will learn the principles of database design along with the associated reports and forms and understand how to create queries and use them as a basis for forms or reports.

Unit 10 - Spreadsheet Software
-A spreadsheet can be used to store and analyse data and then present it in easy to understand ways. You will learn effective ways of using spreadsheets.

Unit 18 ICT Graphics
-Graphics are now an everyday part of computer use and are used in a variety of ways. In this unit you will learn how to understand the hardware and software required to work with graphic images, and be able to create and modify images to meet users requirements.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

All of the units are assessed by coursework. The final grade is a Pass, Merit or Distinction.

COURSE COMMITMENT
You must be organised, motivated, be able to work independently and to meet strict deadlines.

COURSE COSTS
Each student is given three hundred print credits at the beginning of the academic year but due to the nature of the course they may be required to purchase further print credits.

PROGRESSION ROUTES
Upon successful completion of the course you will progress to the vocational GCE Applied ICT.