BTEC Extended Diploma in IT

BTEC Extended Diploma in ITEquivalent to 3 A-levels
What will I be studying on the course?
In year 1 you will carry out tasks and activities that will help you to learn about:
· Websites - how to design and build websites to meet clients' needs
· Computer systems - the hardware components of a computer system and what they do
· Software - the advanced use of a range of modern software.
· Event Driven Programming - how to use the tools and techniques of this type of programming.
· Databases - the use of advanced features of database software.
· Web Server Scripting - the purpose and use of scripting languages.

What sort of things will I be doing on the course?
· Designing and building websites to meet the needs of clients such as local hairdressers, restaurants and pubs.
· Stripping/rebuilding dismantling, rebuilding, configuring and testing of computer systems and networks by undertaking maintenance tasks, such as removing motherboards, hard disks and network cards.
· Developing advanced software applications such as automated spreadsheets to manage invoicing systems for the local butchers or building firms.
· Using software tools and techniques to design and develop user driven programs such as interactive builder's costing systems.
· Building complex, multi- purpose relational database to meet the needs of local sports centres and hotel booking systems with multiple tables and advanced features.
· Using Web Server Scripting to add animation and special effects to websites and enable the website to freely transfer data between itself and the underlying database with advance coding techniques.

How will I be assessed on this course?
Your course tutors will assess you through a range of written and practical projects as well as oral presentations. There are no written examinations on this course.

What sort of things can I go on to do once I've completed this course?
After completing the BTEC National Diploma in IT Practitioners' you could:
· Get a job in the IT Industry
· Get a job in other areas making use of your IT skills
· Progress to Higher Education such as a BTEC Higher National or a Degree in Computing/IT
Oliver Dennis who came to Paston from Aylsham High School gained a Distinction in his BTEC National in 2006 and is now in full time employment as an ILT Support Officer at Paston College in the Management Information Systems department.
Joe Pickering who came to Paston from North Walsham High School gained a Distinction/Merit in his BTEC National in 2006 and has now achieved a First Class honours degree in Computer Science at the University of East Anglia.
"The BTEC National was the best course that Paston had to offer for me personally, because it is not exam based and everything is assessed by assignments, this suited me perfectly as my exam skills lack." Marc Kendal.
"BTEC IT links a different style of teaching with the ability for you to spend more time with your Tutors. You always know where you are on the course because it is coursework based and the hands on experience that you gain is invaluable." Oliver Dennis