1. Jax Snipp Subject Leader – Computer Studies Department
Why choose IT at Forest 6?
Jax Snipp
Subject Leader – Computer Studies Department

2. What have we got to offer?
Highly qualified staff with many years industry experience in Computing and ICT
Exciting courses – A level and Vocational offerings in Computing and ICT

3. Previous Year 13
2016: We had 5 pupils successfully complete an AS level in Computing.
2016: We had 7 pupils successfully complete an A level in ICT.
2016: We had 25 pupils complete the Cambridge Technicals (2012) Double Award (equivalent of 2 A levels) and 5 pupils who completed the Single Award (equivalent of 1 A level). Out of these 30 pupils, the majority passed with Distinction and Distinction * grades – equivalent UCAS points of A and A*.
2015: In 2014 we had 11 students pass the double award with Distinction and Distinction * grades.
Many of these pupils went on to study courses in IT or Computing related subjects at University.

4. Current Year 13
We have 15 pupils currently studying the Cambridge Technicals (2012) Single Award (equivalent of 1 A level).
We have 7 students currently studying A level ICT.
We also have 4 pupils studying A level Computing.

5. Current Year 12 We have 20 pupils studying the new CTEC 2016 course.
We also have 12 pupils studying Computing at AS level.

6. OCR Cambridge Technicals
The new Cambridge Technicals course launched this year for first teaching September 2016.
Level 3 Cambridge Technicals in IT qualifications will allow students to achieve their potential and progress to the next stage of their lives, whether it be Higher Education, an apprenticeship, or employment.
OCR have worked with IBM, Barclays, CompTIA and Cisco along with a number of colleges and Universities to design the content for various pathways to ensure the CTEC units have refreshing and exciting content, that’s up-to-date, engaging, fit for purpose and suitable for the needs of our pupils.

7. IT Infrastructure Technician
This pathway focuses on the design, implementation and management of an organisation’s IT Infrastructure. Plus, the activities and roles that are carried out in the workplace such as selecting hardware and software for clients, and learning how to build, upgrade or develop computer systems and networks that are safe and secure.

8. Emerging Digital Technology Practitioner
This pathway focuses on the use and development of virtual and augmented reality and emerging technologies for application across a range of sectors, to include: mobile technology, digital marketing and the visualisation of Big Data.

9. Application Developer
This pathway focuses on the development of a range of applications across platforms and sectors. OCR have made sure students will gain the right combination of knowledge, understanding and skills required for the 21st century, enabling them to demonstrate the skills of writing specifications, and the design, build, testing and implementation of applications.

10. Data Analyst
This pathway focuses on the data analytics business. Students will learn how organisations evaluate risks with data and analyse statistical information to determine whether they could accidentally damage business potential or identify opportunities to increase business potential.

11. UCAS Equivalent
Cambridge Technicals provide a strong base for progression to university, apprenticeships or work and are recognised for UCAS tariff points.
For example – a Distinction in Cambridge Technicals is just like an A at A level and has the equivalent UCAS points

12. Pathways with Mandatory Options

13. Other Available Units

14. So what does the CTEC involve?
2 mandatory units and 3 optional units:
Fundamentals of IT (unit 1) Understanding computing hardware, software and networking
Understanding business IT systems
Understanding employability and communication skills used in an IT environment.
Understanding ethical, legal and operational issues in an IT environment.

15. So what does the CTEC involve?
Global Information (unit 2)
Understand where information is held globally and how it is transmitted.
Understand the styles, classification and management of global information.
Understand the use and benefits of global information.
Understand the legal and regulatory framework governing the storage and use of global information.
Understand the process flow of information.
Understand the principles of information security.

16. Single Award in CTEC
There are other optional units that can be chosen – 5 units in total for single award
Cyber Security – which is is a compulsory unit on some pathways
Computer Networks
Virtual and Augmented Reality
Application Design
Data Analysis and Design
Project Management
Product Development
Systems Analysis and Design
Mobile Technology
Social Media and Digital Marketing
Internet of Everything

17. The 5 units - Assessment
Unit 1 – Fundamentals of IT is assessed by an external exam
Unit 2 – Global information is assessed by an external exam
Unit 3 – Cyber Security is assessed by an external exam.
All other units are assessed by coursework which is assessed internally and externally moderated. These units include lots of practical work to gain experience.

18. Why study IT with CTECH? It opens up doors for you!
There are lots of jobs in IT.
But even if you don’t want to work in IT, having the right communication skills and software skills will help you in all of your subjects at A level, plus any future qualification or job role in the future.