1. BTEC Firsts in IT Unit 1 – Communicating in the IT Industry Introduction to Unit 1

2. What will you study this year? Over the course of this year you will complete two units ▫Unit 1 – Communicating in the IT Industry ▫Unit 23 – Computer Graphics Each unit will be based around a set scenario If you successfully complete both units you will achieve a Pass, Merit or Distinction

3. How you will learn There is an emphasis on practical work but you will also ▫ participate in discussions, ▫deliver presentations ▫produce written commentaries You will also develop your key skills ▫ teamwork, ▫communication, ▫problem solving, ▫planning ▫taking responsibility ▫using your initiative.

4. What’s the point? You can progress on to one of the many BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas You can also go on to study an A Level in ICT This course can be used to enter a career in computing or ICT: ▫administrator or technician ▫software developer ▫graphics designer ▫and many more Practical IT skills are required in nearly every type of business or industry.

5. Resources At the beginning of each unit you will be given ▫Student booklet ▫Assignment booklet ▫Log book All other resources used in class will be available on the shared area AND on the Calder ICT Blog ▫Both of these can be accessed at school and from home

6. Work Produced You will produce a portfolio of work for each unit When you complete a piece of work you will be required to: ▫Save the work into the BTEC Firsts folder in your area ▫Upload the completed work on to your blog

7. Timescale Unit 1 > September – December Unit 23 > January – May / June You will be required to work hard during class You will also have to work independently at home You will have the option to attend lunchtime / after school catch-up sessions

8. Unit 1 Scenario Mr Howard has just visited your assembly to give you information about The Great Generation Project and to invite you to apply to become part of the 2012 team. Volunteering with The Great Generation gives you a unique opportunity to take part in a sustainable development project, where you get to see your donation in action, helping to invest in local infrastructure and microfinance ventures. The first part of the project will see you working with the Friends for Life team at Reach Out Mbuya engaging with students and young people for the Kampala community.

9. Likely activities include a cultural exchange programme incorporating workshops on life in the UK and the setting up of a community library. Students will also be working at one of the outreach clinics located about an hour and a half north of Kampala. They will work on the established community model garden based at the clinic and will go to members homes in the community to establish new sites. The model gardens provide a source of sustenance and livelihood for Reach Out clients, and are a useful learning tool for all Reach Out clients.

10. Unit 1 - Tasks Unit 1 is made up of 4 tasks: ▫Task 1 – setting up a blog ▫Task 2 – role play, letter of application, interview ▫Task 3 – power point presentation on the social impacts of IT ▫Task 4 – report on blogs

11. Unit 1 All resources for Unit 1 can be found in Shared > ICT > BTEC Firsts IT > Unit 1 Resources can also be found on the Calder IT blog For each task there will be: ▫Task evidence sheet (where you should add your print screens) ▫Task feedback sheet (showing how you will be marked) Pay close attention to both the feedback sheets AND your assignment booklet