Information Technology and Computing AAQ (BTEC Level 3 Combined Certificate)

Programme Overview:

This two-year programme covers essential learning in both IT and Computing. It comprises of two single A Level-sized vocational BTECs, completed consecutively – one per year (see the individual course descriptions below).

This programme is aimed at students capable of L3 learning but who do not yet meet T- Level or BTEC Extended Diploma entry criteria, and provided the Combined Certificate entry criteria are met, allows a single retake of either Maths or English GCSE in year 1.

All students successfully completing their first AAQ and GCSE retake will progress to the second AAQ in year 2.

Strong students successfully completing year 1 may be offered a T-Level progression opportunity based on their AAQ performance and their progression aspirations.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate IT

Units and Key Topics: Unit 1 (Information Technology Systems) - exam

• Hardware, software, and IT system architecture
• IT in business operations and digital environments
• Emerging technologies and future trends

Unit 2 (Cyber Security and Incident Management) - exam

• Threats, vulnerabilities, and risk management
• Cybersecurity legislation and responsibilities
• Incident response and forensic investigation

Unit 3 (Website Development) - assignment

• HTML/CSS and multimedia elements
• UX/UI principles and accessibility
• Design documentation and functional testing

Unit 4 (Relational Database Development) - assignment

• Data modelling and normalisation
• Structured Query Language (SQL)
• Creating and testing relational solutions

Transferable Skills

• Project planning and self-management, digital collaboration and critical thinking, data handling and secure information management

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Computing

Units and Key Topics:

Unit 1 (Programming Fundamentals) - exam

• Python programming (e.g. functions, recursion, data types)
• Computational thinking and algorithm design
• Flowcharts and pseudocode

Unit 2 (Network Security & Encryption) - exam

• Types of networks and topologies
• Malware, encryption methods, firewalls, and legal frameworks

Unit 3 (Human-Computer Interaction) - assignment

• User experience (UX) and interface (UI) principles
• Accessibility and usability testing

Unit 4 (Practical Programming) - assignment

• Software development lifecycle
• Managing and evaluating software projects

Transferable Skills

• Problem solving, collaboration, research, and resilience