BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Computing
Computer Science Teacher - Mrs. Young
This qualification is designed to support learners who are interested in learning about the computing sector alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in the computing sector.
The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Computing is equivalent in size to one A Level.
It allows learners to gain fundamental knowledge and skills in computing from which they can progress to broader or more specialist study at Level 3.
The qualification can be taken in combination with A Levels or other vocational qualifications to meet progression requirements.
In the BTEC National units there are opportunities during the teaching and learning phase to give learners practice in developing employability skills.
Where employability skills are referred to in this specification, we are generally referring to skills in the following three main categories:
cognitive and problem-solving skills: use critical thinking, approach non-routine problems applying expert and creative solutions, use systems and technology
intrapersonal skills: communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing, self-presentation
interpersonal skills: self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development.
Welcome from Mrs Young
Computer Science BTEC.MOV5 Top Tips
1. Understand the fundamentals to tackle exams: Make sure you understand the theory when preparing for Unit 1 and Unit 2 external exams, read and re-read any resources in order to understand some difficult concepts. You may watch short video, read some Computing educational websites or ask your peers and teachers. Gathering all your resources and making notes is the first step of preparing for revision for many students. You may use any suitable free online resources to create quizzes, flashcards and mind maps.
2. Good time management, able to work towards coursework deadlines: Make sure you are on top of the progress of your coursework. Start your coursework early, leaving it all to the last minute and trying to catch up at the end does not work with BTECs. Begin working on your coursework as soon as you are given. This means you have more time to work on it but also means that the information you have been given is fresh in your mind.
3. Do not suffer alone, ask for help if you need it: Teachers are there to support you, so you should not suffer in silence if there’s anything related to your BTEC course that you are feeling unsure about. You can always ask for support and help from teachers if you are struggling. Don’t panic, talk to others in your group as they are experiencing the same as you. When come to prepare for Unit 1 and Unit 2 exams, you may want to revise as a small group
4. Don’t be a copycat: Plagiarism is a definite way to fail, no matter how hard you have worked. You will not be allowed to copy any words from textbooks, the Internet or other students without referencing the source. So much information is readily available online these days it’s easy to fall into a trap of taking what is written as literal, so make sure you use legitimate academic references. Remember Wikipedia is not a credible source! Make sure everything is in your own words.
5. Doing some extra in your free time is useful and helps sharpen your skills: Do go beyond the BTEC in Computing syllabus and research on other Computing topics that are not within the BTEC course. This will widen your horizon and knowledge in Computing and even better, it helps with your personal statement in UCAS application.