This NEW course is offered as a two year qualification. This Alternative Academic Qualification is designed for students who are interested in the study of creating IT systems to manage and share information. It covers the fundamentals of data analytics, Big Data, data modelling with spreadsheets, the Internet of Everything and digital marketing. The course will be assessed using a mixture of written exams and controlled assignments produced in class.
This course would be of benefit to anyone who is considering a career in IT in the future. The course content would also help anyone looking to pursue further study in Business, social media or any other emerging technology field. The course will equip students with the confidence to gain the knowledge and skills needed for progression to undergraduate study in IT or data-related fields.
Students will be able to benefit from lunchtime and after school sessions when needed. Students are also able to use spare computers within the department in lesson time.
The Examination Board for this course is OCR. This vocational course leads to the equivalent of a full A-Level after two years and will give equivalent UCAS points. It may be possible to cash-in a half A-Level grade at the end of Y12 should a student not wish or not be able to continue to Y13 – this will depend on the success of units F200 and F202.
5 GCSEs at 9 – 4 including Grade 4 English. Applicants who do not meet these requirements will be considered on an individual basis.
- Unit F200: Fundamentals of data analytics
In this unit you will learn about the fundamental knowledge required for a career working in data-related occupations. Topics include: Understanding data; Managing data; How data can be accessed and managed across platforms; Legal considerations; Job roles, skills and attributes in data analytics. This will be assessed by a 75 minute exam in Year 12. - Unit F202: Spreadsheet data modelling
In this unit you will learn the principles of data modelling with spreadsheets and the knowledge and skills required to plan, design, create, test and review a spreadsheet modelling solution that meets the needs of a specific client. Topics include: Principles of spreadsheet modelling; Planning the design of a spreadsheet model; Creating the spreadsheet model; Delivering the outcomes; Evaluation. This will be assessed by a controlled assignment that will be moderated by the exam board at the end of Year 12.
- Unit F200: Big data and machine learning
In this unit you will learn about the challenges of managing big data and the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in data science. Topics include: The scope of managing big data; The Infrastructure challenges of big data; Big data, machine learning and artificial intelligence; Legal and ethical issues in data management; Environment and society. This will be assessed by a 90 minute exam early in Year 13. - Unit F204: Data and the Internet of Everything (IoE)
In this unit you will learn the principles of the Internet of Everything (IoE), and the knowledge and skills required to plan, design and present an IoE solution that meets the needs of a specific client. Topics include: IoE ecosystem; Data collection, processing and storage methods and devices; Connectivity and data transmission; Human computer interfaces (HCIs); Securing IoE devices; Documentation and audience communication. This will be assessed by a controlled assignment that will be moderated by the exam board at the end of Year 13. - Unit F206: Data and digital marketing
In this unit you will learn the principles of digital marketing, and the knowledge and skills required to plan, design, create and review digital marketing material that meets the needs of a specific client. Topics include: Digital marketing fundamentals; Data driven digital marketing; Planning digital marketing content; Creating content for digital marketing campaigns; Communicating to stakeholders; Reflection and evaluation of working processes. This will be assessed by a controlled assignment that will be moderated by the exam board at the end of Year 13.