Information Technology

An AAQ is a 2-year vocational course, equivalent to one A level. It is studied alongside two other A level courses. Students will learn about the use and management of IT facilities in a variety of different work-related contexts.

Course Outline:

The qualification has four mandatory units covering the following topics:
Unit 1: Information Technology Systems (Externally Assessed):
Information technology systems, including the relationship between software and hardware, and the issues related to IT systems
Unit 2: Cyber Security and Incident Management (Externally Assessed):
Types of cyber security attacks, the vulnerabilities in networked systems and how to plan and respond to attacks.
Unit 3: Website Development (Internally Assessed):
The development tools, techniques and processes used in website development and how to test usability, functionality and fitness for purpose.
Unit 4: Relational Database Development (Internally Assessed):
Structure of data, data design and database management systems (DBMS).

Equivalent in size to one A Level. All units are mandatory; 2 units are externally assessed and 2 units are internally assessed.
External assessment (50%)
Examining Board – Pearson

If you have taken an IT course at GCSE you must have achieved at least grade 4, or at least merit in OCR Nationals or BTEC First Diplomas. These requirements are in addition to the College’s standard A level entry requirements.

If you are studying on the AAQ IT course, you will require Microsoft Access for the external units. This will be free to download and use (via your College account) and it is only available on Windows PC/laptops. It would therefore be to your benefit to have access to a Windows based PC/laptop. For the second year, we will be using Adobe apps such as Dreamweaver.

Learners may study this course in combination with A level Computer Science. However, before starting the course, learners are strongly advised to check how this may affect their future application to Higher Education.

AAQs are recognised by both universities and employers as equivalent to one A level. The qualification provides a solid foundation for students aiming to pursue higher education or enter IT-related careers. It fully meets the requirements for progression to a degree course in Computer Science and IT. It can also lead into other related areas such as: digital technology solutions, IT management for business, computer networks security or business computing and entrepreneurship.

There will be an opportunity to go on fieldtrips. One recent fieldtrip saw students go to an IT seminar at Bletchley Park. The approximate cost was £30 per student.

Learners on this course may be interested in a variety of enrichment options to add to their College experience. These include joining the Gaming Society, being part of Student Council or taking part in the Programming enrichment. This BTEC qualification is designed to be studied alongside A Levels, such as Mathematics or Business Studies, enhancing learning through a broader study programme.