The digital sector is a major source of employment in the UK. Around 1.46 million people work in digital companies and there are around 45,000 digital jobs advertised at any one time. Digital skills span all industries, and almost all jobs in the UK today require employees to have a good level of digital literacy. The UK has positioned itself to be the ‘Digital capital of Europe’ as it continues to invest billions every year in digital skills and commerce. The modern world expects digital skills to be as important as English and Maths. Having both technical skills and business understanding is the key to success.

This course is part of the Business Education Team's provision. To view the video introduction to all of the Business courses from Mrs McHarg , follow this link.

What is the curriculum intent?

To equip students with the technical skills and business understanding to develop a level of digital literacy that will allow them to confidently take part in the modern world.

What is the programme of study on the BTEC Level 1/2 Tech Award in Digital Information Technology course?

You will develop important technical skills in data interpretation, data presentation and data protection. You will cover aspects of user interface (UI) design and development, and learn how to develop a project plan for your own UI designs. Cybercrime is an increasing threat – understanding the different types of threats and how to mitigate against them is vital to any business that uses and retains sensitive data. You will develop an understanding of what cyber security is and the importance of legal and ethical considerations when using modern technologies. Organisations often implement technological improvements by rolling out change projects, so understanding how projects are structured is of vital importance. This qualification will enable you to use project-planning tools, models and techniques within a digital context. Digital projects today often involve working with diverse teams across different locations. You will develop an understanding of what a virtual work environment is and how cloud technologies allow remote teams to work together more effectively.

The qualification has three components.

• Component 1 Exploring User Interface Design Principles and Project Planning Techniques
• Component 2 Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data
• Component 3 Effective Digital Working Practices

In Components 1 and 2 you will carry out tasks or assignments that your teacher will mark.

Component 3 is externally assessed by Pearson and assesses the knowledge and skills you have developed across all three components. The external assessment will test your ability to recall the knowledge you have gained and allow you to demonstrate that you can apply that knowledge in realistic scenarios and situations.

What we teach when

Year 10

Year 11

What are the opportunities with a Tech Award in Digital Information Technology?

Once successfully completed, you may wish to progress to further study in the sixth form with the BTEC National in IT or A level Computer Science. Alternatively, you may want to progress to an apprenticeship, for example, at Level 3 in Digital Marketing, Infrastructure Technician or Software Development Technician.

How can students be supported through learning at home in their BTEC Tech Award?

All tasks are set on Firefly so can be worked on at home as well as in school.

Students will be expected to use homework time to research and draft tasks for the unit assessments.

How are students grouped?

Students are taught in mixed ability groups. The group size for the BTEC course will be smaller due to the practical nature of the units.

What extra opportunities to learn are available?

Students will work closely with local businesses in order to give their work context.

Running up to the examinations there are extra classes provided to those students who are not yet achieving their target grade.

What websites do we recommend?

The current examination board specification can be found at:

• https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-tech-awards/digital-information-technology.html