Introduction to the subject

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• know and understand business concepts, business terminology, business objectives, the integrated nature of business activity and the impact of business on individuals and wider society

• Apply knowledge and understanding to contemporary business issues and to different types and sizes of businesses in local, national and global contexts

• Develop as enterprising individuals with the ability to think commercially and creatively to demonstrate business acumen, and draw on evidence to make informed business decisions and solve business problems

• Develop as effective and independent students, and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds

• Use an enquiring, critical approach to make informed judgements

• Investigate and analyse real business opportunities and issues to construct well-argued, well-evidenced, balanced and structured arguments, demonstrating their depth and breadth of understanding of business

• Develop and apply quantitative skills relevant to business, including using and interpreting data.

What will you learn?

The specification is structured into two themes, taking students from how entrepreneurs start businesses (Theme 1) through to growing and global businesses (Theme 2). There are two equally weighted exam papers, focusing on each specification theme. Theme 1 concentrates on the key business concepts, issues and skills involved in starting and running a small business. It provides a framework for students to explore core concepts through the lens of an entrepreneur setting up a business. Theme 2 examines how a business develops beyond the start-up phase. It focuses on the key business concepts, issues and decisions used to grow a business, with an emphasis on aspects of marketing, operations, finance and human resources. It also considers the impact of the wider world on the decisions a business makes as it grows. The course is assessed through two exams at the end of year 11.

After the course

The skills and knowledge learnt on this course will equip you to move onto A Levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships or the world of work. The most popular areas are Business, Economics, Law, Administration and customer service.

Introduction to the subject

This subject is all about how computers work and how we can use them to help us solve complex problems.

We are living in a world where computers and the internet are playing an increasingly important part of our everyday lives. All of us will be users of technology at work or at home. Some will be designers and programmers of the technology used by others or, specifically, in their own areas of work.

We all interact with technology in many different ways! Studying Computing at GCSE level is a great way to develop critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills, which can be transferred to further learning and to everyday life. It is specifically designed for students who enjoy studying mathematics and science.

What will you learn?

You will develop an understanding of:

• The fundamentals of algorithms

• Programming

• Fundamentals of data representation

• Computer systems

• Fundamentals of computer networks

• Fundamentals of cybersecurity

• Relational databases and structured query language

• Ethical, legal and environmental impacts of digital technology on wider society, including issues of privacy

• How to become an independent and discerning user of IT

The course is broken down into two exams, each one worth 50%:

• Paper 1 - Programming

• Paper 2 - Computational Theory

After the course

Studying Computing at GCSE level is a great way to develop critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills, which can be transferred to further learning and to everyday life. It is specifically designed for students who enjoy studying mathematics and science. Lots of the skills you learn you can transfer to other subjects. You must study GCSE Computer Science if you want to take it at A-Level.

Introduction to the subject

The Cambridge National in IT will inspire and equip students with the confidence to use skills that are relevant to the IT sector and more widely. The course will enhance students' digital and technical understanding and skill base and will enhance their learning in other subjects as well as prepare them with essential skills for the workplace.

This course is ideally suited to students who prefer a practical approach to learning. You will be enhancing your skillset and making yourself stand out for employment or further study. You will not only be learning IT skills and knowledge but will be building a portfolio of transferable skills that complement and can be applied to multiple areas whichever you choose to go into.

What will you learn?

This course aims to cover a broad range of areas that will enhance a student’s understanding of information technology and its ever-changing landscape. The topics covered include learning about IT in the digital world, the Internet of Everything (IoE), how to manipulate data, design and implement a human-computer interface (HCI) as well as create an augmented reality (AR) model prototype.

Externally assessed Exam:

• IT in the digital world - 40%

NEA(Non-Exam Assessment):

• Data manipulation using spreadsheets - 30%

• Using augmented reality to present information - 30%

After the course

This course provides transferable skills and a pathway into A-levels (including Computer Science), T-levels, apprenticeships or further level 3 advanced qualifications. It is a perfect subject to help enhance your learning in other subjects too, giving you essential IT skills ready for the workplace.