About BTECS

Do you enjoy learning about technology and how it works? Skills shortages in key areas of the digital economy mean there’s a wide variety of IT careers available for people with the right qualifications and experience.

BTECS are well-respected set of practical qualifications available at all levels, that equip you with the skills you need to get ahead in further / higher study and the workplace.

Why CHOOSE THE BTEC TECH AWARD IN DIGITAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY?

Almost half of businesses (48%) are recruiting for roles that require hard data skills, proving a career in IT will always be needed.

The BTEC Tech Award in DIT provides a solid grounding in all aspects of IT.  You’ll be putting theory into practice with practical tasks and tests.

NOTE: this course is available at Levels 1 and 2.  The only real difference is the level of the exam students take at the end of the course. The qualification is directly equivalent to a GCSE at the same level.  Qualifications are awarded at the grades of L1 and 2 Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction*.

"The digital sector is a major source of employment in the UK. Despite a turbulent economy in 2020 the Digital sector in the UK advertised 90,000 jobs per week.

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 Tech industry as a whole employs over 2.93 million people and has seen 40% growth between 2017-2019. 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."

Pearson / BTEC

What job opportunities are there if you want a career in IT? Want to know which IT jobs will be in the greatest demand, offer the highest salaries and best opportunities for advancement once you finish training? ITCareerFinder has assembled the best future jobs for ICT ranging from ‘Mobile App Developer’ to ‘Video Game Designer!’  Click on the link below to learn more about the vast amount of job opportunities!  These 10 computer jobs will experience the fastest growth, pay salaries well above the national average, boast top employment rates, and offer a range of promotion opportunities!  

Not entirely sure if you want a career in IT?  It is seriously worth your while choosing IT as it will fit into any job sector for many organisations, and will always compliment any career path you choose to take.  IT is a skill you cannot do without and is highly valued by employers during the recruitment process.  And if you want to run your own business - well you will learn how to develop a website, graphics and other marketing materials which will support your online business - its a win win solution!

The course is structured into 2 coursework units and a 1.5 hour written exam that is taken at the end of Y11.  

For all internal assessments, deadlines will be shared with you at the start of the course.  Once an assessment has been submitted and marked, you will be given feedback and an opportunity to resubmit any work by a second deadline.  Your coursework will be marked by your teachers and quality-assured by BTEC.

All units each contribute 1/3 of your total marks.

Unit 1: Exploring User Interface ("UI") Design Principles and Project Planning Techniques

• Investigate different types of UI.

• Learn and practise project management skills.

• Design and build a prototype of your UI to meet a project brief.

• Review the success of your UI prototype.

• Most of the unit is preparation using the briefs from the exam board. 6 hours of controlled coursework. Assessed by teachers, moderated by the exam board.

Unit 2: Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data

• Investigate types of data, collection methods and difference between data and information. 

• Design and build your own data management system using spreadsheet software.

• Review your data management system and make conclusions about the data provided.

• Most of the unit is preparation using the briefs from the exam board. 6 hours of controlled coursework. Assessed by teachers, moderated by the exam board.

EXAM: Effective Digital Working Practices

A 90 minute exam paper taken at the end of Y11. Marked by the exam board. This will cover:

• Impact of modern technologies.

• Data threats / cybersecurity.

• Policies with handling data.

• Wider implications (legal, privacy etc.)

• Planning & communication in digital systems.