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Progression

 

The Advanced Diploma is a Level 3 qualification equivalent to 3.5 A Levels.

 

You will attend a centre Coombe Dean School / Ridgeway/ Plymstock) for two A Level blocks - you will also need to pass Level 2 Functional Skills (English, maths and ICT) if you haven't got them already.

The Information Technology diploma is an applied course which aims to prepare you for employment in the IT industry. It involves learning about how IT companies operate and you will do tasks that apply to the working environment. You will spend time working in small teams to visit employers, do work experience and complete tasks set by employers. A lot of this work will be done in school/college and there will be some written assessment. Developing communication, team working and project management skills will be an important part of the course and these will be assessed.

You will need to complete:

  • seven Principal Learning Units (PLUs)
  • Additional Specialist Learning - An A Level or equivalent Level 3 qualification (doesn't have to be ICT).
  • Functional Skills in English, Maths and ICT (at level 2)
  • an Extended Project

 

PLUs
ASL
Project

There are seven Principal Learning Units:

  1. The Potential of Technology
  2. Understanding Organisations
  3. Professional Development
  4. Creating Technology Solutions
  5. Managing Technology Systems
  6. Multimedia and Digital Products
  7. Making Projects Successful

The Additional Specialist Learning is an A Level (or equivalent Level 3 qualification) that can be chosen from another block. There is the option to add a complementary qualification such as the Applied ICT A Level or the OCR Nationals ICT Level 3. Alternatively you can choose a contrasting qualification.

The Extended Project is a major study that can be written, performed or a practical outcome. It will either relate to the IT industry or another alternative vocational path.

The PLUs are of equal value and must all be taken.

Evidence may be collected using video, presentation, observation or by written assessment.

 

This qualification analyses and develops the IT systems of companies in the IT industry and examines their structure and organisation. It further develops communication, team working and project management skills that employers value.

Progression to university (IT/Computing degree) or advanced apprenticeship would be expected from this Diploma.

Age range: 16 - 19

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