OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma in IT Bridging Work

Am I right for this course Am I right for this course? How many of these statements fit your personality? I am interested in technical, creative IT or have an interest in IT in a business context. I want to develop an understanding of how IT is used in industry and the skills needed to gain employment in IT I enjoy a practical, real-world approach to learning alongside a theoretical background I should achieve at least a C grade or above in my GCSE ICT or have shown an aptitude for IT during year 11. I can meet coursework deadlines and work under a lot of pressure I am an independent learner and I read around the topics I study in class I am prepared to work hard to close any gaps in my knowledge I am enthusiastic in class and love to participate in discussions If you recognised yourself in many of these statements then this is a suitable course for you

Cambridge Technical introductory Diploma in IT The Course Cambridge Technical introductory Diploma in IT 360 Guided Learning Hours 2 x 90 and 3 x 60 GLH units- at least two are assessed by examination and three are coursework based. You will be following the Emerging Digital Technology Practitioner pathway

What do you do in your first year? There are TWO examined components: 1 – Fundamentals of ICT (90 GLH) Examined unit (1 hour 30 mins), graded at Pass, Merit and Distinction. Content includes: computer hardware, computer components, types of computer systems, connectivity, communication hardware, troubleshooting, units of measurement, and number conversions. 2 – Global Information (90 GLH) Examined unit (1 hours 30 mins) grades at a Pass, Merit and Distinction. Content includes: gaining an understanding of where information is held globally and how it is transmitted, the styles, classification and the management of global information; the use of global information and the benefits to individuals and organisations; the legal and regulatory framework governing the storage and use of global information; the process flow of information; and understanding the principles of information security. These exams will be sat at the end of year 12. Once the exams are completed you will begin the coursework units. These will be decided as a group but include:- Virtual and Augmented reality, (mandatory unit), Internet of Everything, Computer systems, and mobile technology,

Summer Bridging Work: ESSENTIAL During the summer holiday you will be expected to complete the following: Use online job sites to draw up a list of different IT roles. Make a note of the technical and other skills required for each role. For each skill rate your current level of competency. From this list draw up the top 5 skills you want to improve during the OCR course. Look back over the last 100 years and identify changes in communication methods – radio, tv, mobile technology and the internet and consider how these developments have impacted on politics. What examples (positive or negative) can you find of Facebook and Twitter being used for political purposes. The perfect computer – if money was no object what computer would you buy? What make and model would you choose? What would be the specification for the CPU, RAM, hard drive, graphics card etc What mix of external hardware would you order? What operating system would you prefer to use? What software would you want to install?

Summer Bridging Work: RECOMMENDED IT stories in the news. Make a note of news items about IT e.g. new developments, social media incidents, large IT projects Open up a computer – can you identify the parts? If you have an old PC which is no longer used take it apart and take photos of the components. Use internet research to help you identify the purpose of each component. Complete research on IT courses at university and / or apprentices opportunities in the IT industry

And finally… Where can I find more information and how can I prepare for the course? Contact: Mrs Collins – dcollins@asap.org.uk Mr Thorpe – sthorpe@asap.org.uk Check out the OCR Cambridge Technical Website www.ocr.org.uk/it

What can I do with this A level? You can study a wide range of courses at at university including computer science, software engineering and game design. Qualifications in IT could lead to one of the following careers: Programmer Games designer Web designer Network engineer Technician Database Administrator Analyst Teacher