Course Outline and Assessment

The BTEC Computing course is a vocation 2 year course worth the equivalent of 3 A Levels. The course is comprised of 13 units of which 7 are mandatory and 4 are external. The 7 mandatory units are:

1. Principles of Computer Science Written exam – set and marked by Pearson (external unit)

2. Fundamentals of Computer Science Written exam – set and marked by Pearson (external unit)

3. Planning and Management of Computing Projects Task - set and marked by Pearson (external unit)

4. Software Design and Development Project Task - set and marked by Pearson (external unit)

5. IT Systems Security and Encryption Assignment - set and marked internally

6. Business Applications of Social Media Assignment - set and marked internally

7. The Impact of Computing Assignment - set and marked internally

Each external assessment for a BTEC National is linked to a specific unit. All of the units developed for external assessment are of 90 or 120 GLH to allow students to demonstrate breadth and depth of achievement. Students will be awarded a Pass, Merit or Distinction for each internal unit completed depending on criteria they have achieved.

Example of the internal optional units that may be chosen to complete the course include:

Unit 11. Digital Graphics and Animation

Unit 15. Website Development

Unit 16. Object Orientation Programming

Unit 19. Computer Networking

The styles of external assessment used for qualifications in the computing suite are:

Assessment method: 50% coursework 50% exam

Where could this take you?

A BTEC in Computing can open up many pathways. Students have progressed on to apprenticeships in the Computing Industry as well as progressing to top universities to study Computer Science and non-Computing related courses. Students can also embark on careers in related subject areas. As the course is so varied students will be able to begin careers in an array of computing related careers ranging from Programming to software design.

What can I do now?

We have put together a GOOGLE CLASSROOM with an array of resources, including lessons, for your use. Please use the code to access the GOOGLE CLASSROOM and make your way through the material. Please email peter.agbakoba@petcheyacademy.org.uk if you have any questions.

Google Classroom code: do6afft