General Information
A GCSE equivalent qualification is made up by completing two units successfully, these must be:
1 * 60 Hour Unit + 1 * 30 Hour Unit
All candidates must complete the mandatory unit 1 as part of their work.
The following units are available for study:
| Mandatory unit (Group A) | ||
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Unit 1 ICT skills for business |
By completing this unit candidates will develop the ability to create files in different software
packages, including word processing or DTP, spreadsheet, database and presentation software. They will communicate effectively using email and will search the internet efficiently for information. Candidates will be able to show that they understand: • good working practices, including the organisation of files using appropriate file and directory/folder names and the regular backing up of files • features of email software • methods of searching for information on the internet • methods of integrating different types of files into a document or presentation • the appropriate software to use for different tasks • methods of storing, retrieving and analysing data. It is anticipated that a candidate will require 60 guided learning hours to complete this unit. |
| Optional units | ||
| Group B optional units (60glh) | ||
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Unit 2 Webpage creation | By completing this unit candidates will develop knowledge relating to the planning and creation of a
multimedia website that is fit for purpose. Candidates will develop the skills to plan, design and
implement a simple website using appropriate software.
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| Under Development | Unit 3 Digital imaging – plan and produce computer graphics | By completing this unit candidates will develop a thorough knowledge of computer graphics. Candidates will be able to: • describe and evaluate a range of bitmap and vector images • plan the production of graphic images for a client • source and store components for graphic products • record the sources of computer graphics and consider relevant legislation • use appropriate software tools to create, edit and combine graphic images • present work to a client for a specific purpose, using a suitable format for display. It is anticipated that a candidate will require 60 guided learning hours to complete this unit. |
| Unit 4 Design and produce multimedia products | By completing this unit candidates will develop knowledge and understanding of developing and using multimedia products. Candidates will be able to: • review several existing multimedia products • design a multimedia product • source and store suitable multimedia elements • create the multimedia product • seek feedback and suggest improvements. It is anticipated that a candidate will require 60 guided learning hours to complete this unit. |
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| Unit 5 Desktop publishing | By completing this unit candidates will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of the
process of planning, drafting, developing and creating a DTP document to meet the needs of a
target audience. Candidates will develop their graphics manipulation skills to edit and develop a
series of images for inclusion in their DTP document, as well as create a simple graphic using the
graphic tools available in DTP packages. Candidates will be able to: • plan a document to meet a given brief • create and apply style sheets • use graphics tools to create basic shapes • develop images for inclusion in a completed document • prepare publication for final print. It is anticipated that a candidate will require 60 guided learning hours to complete this unit. |
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| Unit 6 Spreadsheets – design and use | By completing this unit candidates will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of how to
create and use spreadsheets. Candidates will be able to: • design a spreadsheet to meet the needs of an organisation • create the spreadsheet according to the design and format it to make it user friendly • sort data and use simple filters • carry out modelling activities using a spreadsheet • analyse data using appropriate graphs/charts • create macros to automate procedures in a spreadsheet. It is anticipated that a candidate will require 60 guided learning hours to complete this unit. |
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| Unit 7 Databases – design and use | By completing this unit candidates will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of how to
create and use a relational database. Candidates will be able to: • design a relational database to meet the needs of an organisation • construct a database according to a design • interrogate a database • create reports • create a user interface • test a database and make recommendations for improvements. It is anticipated that a candidate will require 60 guided learning hours to complete this unit. |
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| Unit 8 Technological innovation and e-commerce | By completing this unit candidates will develop basic knowledge and understanding of
technological innovation and e-commerce. Candidates will be able to: • identify the effects of ICT on the individual • describe an innovation in ICT • investigate how e-commerce has affected the way people buy goods and services • investigate one e-commerce website, and • understand legal and moral issues in the digital age. It is anticipated that a candidate will require 60 guided learning hours to complete this unit. |
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| Unit 9 Customer support | By completing this unit candidates will develop the ability to identify and provide the basic types of
technical information and support required by end-users by using appropriate communication
methods to collect information. Candidates will be able to: • identify and provide basic types of technical information and support required by end-users using appropriate communication methods • use appropriate methods to record specific details of problem/requirements identified by end user • select technical information from a variety of sources • participate in reviews and produce reports detailing existing hardware and software provision and identify existing frequently used automated procedures • identify and use appropriate methods to produce recommendations for potential improvements in the use of hardware and software, and automated procedures • create and test routine automated procedures and assist others to create more complex automated procedures. It is anticipated that a candidate will require 60 guided learning hours to complete this unit. |
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| Unit 10 Planning and supporting telecommunications | By completing this unit candidates will be able to demonstrate an understanding of
telecommunications. They will be able to: • report on the telecommunications requirements of a specific organisation, business or client • identify and make recommendations for proposed design solutions to fulfil the requirements of the client • create a design proposal for the proposed telecommunications service • create an installation plan for the proposed telecommunications service • produce reports detailing and evaluating the telecommunications systems and services acquired and installed. It is anticipated that a candidate will require 60 guided learning hours to complete this unit. |
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| Unit 11 Career planning for IT | By completing this unit candidates will develop skills, knowledge and understanding required to
effectively plan and develop a career path in IT. Candidates will be able to: • identify areas of employment within the IT sector and describe national employment trends • select and use sources of information on IT careers in selected areas of business • review opportunities for progression in selected areas of business, and assess own ability to progress • describe the steps in identifying IT job opportunities and recruitment processes • successfully apply for positions, from completing application forms to planning for and taking part in an interview. It is anticipated that a candidate will require 60 guided learning hours to complete this unit. |
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| Unit 12 Work experience in IT | By completing this unit candidates will develop skills, knowledge and understanding required to
work in a real business environment by undertaking and learning from a work experience
placement. For the candidate to successfully complete this unit, their work experience placement must be with a business that specifically uses IT. Candidates will produce evidence to meet the unit assessment objectives in order to show that they understand: • the structure, organisation and roles within a business • how to work in a healthy and safe manner • how to behave appropriately and maintain good personal presentation • how to plan and undertake tasks • how to evaluate own performance. It is anticipated that a candidate will require 60 guided learning hours to complete this unit. |
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| Unit 13 IT systems and user needs | By completing this unit candidates will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of the
range of hardware and software available and will use this understanding to analyse user needs
and make recommendations about an IT system and the software required to meet those user
needs. They will acquire the knowledge required to make logical configuration changes to software, including the creation of macros. Candidates will be able to: • select suitable hardware and software to meet the needs of a home user or small business • spec a suitable system connected to the internet • configure the operating system • configure applications software • create and edit macros to meet the needs of a user • understand and carry out simple backup procedures. It is anticipated that a candidate will require 60 guided learning hours to complete this unit. |
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| Unit 14 Installation of applications | After completing this unit, candidates will be able to: • demonstrate an understanding of the regulations affecting the registration, installation and use of software • install different software applications onto an existing system • comment on the suitability of the system showing consideration of organisation needs • identify common types of problems that can arise during the installation of new/upgrade software • configure software components to install • identify common types of faults that can occur in software components • un-install a software application • test candidate installed software. It is anticipated that a candidate will require 60 guided learning hours to complete this unit. |
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| Unit 15 System testing and maintenance | After completing this unit candidates will be able to carry out preventative and remedial
maintenance. Candidates will be able to: • identify and explain the need for preventative and routine maintenance • explain the need for routine tests and testing, and understand common types of problem • identify the actions and resources required to address typical problems • identify the range of different types of system tests and use three typical tests • analyse test results for the three tests carried out and report findings • investigate system discrepancies found as a result of testing and identify action to be taken • understand common types of system problem. It is anticipated that a candidate will require 60 guided learning hours to complete this unit. |
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| Unit 16 Repair and decommission of IT equipment | By completing this unit, candidates will develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to find a
fault with IT equipment and to implement a repair of the fault. Candidates will be able to: • explain current health and safety procedures and implement them in a workplace environment • develop procedures for the repair of equipment • identify common faults that occur with it equipment and the main causes of faults • select and explain the use of appropriate hardware and software tools to test equipment for three different faults • identify sources of information to assist with faults/testing • test hardware and suggest solutions for failed equipment • repair IT equipment by dismantling and reassembling • identify legislation and describe procedures for the safe decommissioning of IT equipment. It is anticipated that a candidate will require 60 guided learning hours to complete this unit. |
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| Unit 17 CAD and CAM | Candidates will develop a knowledge and understanding of how CAD and CAM are used to design
and manufacture a range of products and components. Candidates will be able to: • use different CAD tools to produce a range of diagrams and images • produce CAD drawings with all the information needed for products to be manufactured • understand how CAD drawings can be converted to provide data for CAM machines • produce CAD drawings that model 3 dimensional objects before production • explain the stages of manufacturing from CAD drawing to finished component using CAM • explain the commercial application of CAD and CAM. It is anticipated that a candidate will require 60 guided learning hours to complete this unit. |
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| Unit 18 Application of computer control | By completing this unit candidates will develop knowledge and understanding of how computer
control can be used in a variety of situations. Candidates will be able to: • investigate applications of computer control and their effects • explain the role of feedback in control systems • create control programs using a series of commands • design a control system to meet a given brief • construct a control system • test a control system • evaluate a control system • describe the health and safety issues related to computer control. It is anticipated that a candidate will require 60 guided learning hours to complete this unit. |
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| Group C optional units (30glh) | ||
| Unit 19 Application of data logging | By completing this unit candidates will develop knowledge and understanding of how data logging
can be used in a variety of situations. Candidates will be able to: • investigate an application of data logging • investigate the hardware used in data logging • set up and carry out an investigation(s) using data logging • evaluate data logging activities. It is anticipated that a candidate will require 30 guided learning hours to complete this unit. |
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| Unit 20 Creating animation for the WWW using ICT | By completing this unit candidates will develop a knowledge and understanding of how to design,
produce and test a short animation which is fit for purpose. Candidates will be able to: • review several existing animations • design an animation • create an animation • test the animation. It is anticipated that a candidate will require 30 guided learning hours to complete this unit. |
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Unit 21 Creating computer graphics | By completing this unit candidates will develop their knowledge of different types of computer
graphics that can be used in webpages. Candidates will be able to: • research, collect and describe a range of existing graphics/images for use in web pages plan the production of a range of graphic images for a client, to be used on their website • create a navigation bar or menu bar • create a set of navigation buttons • create an advertising banner • present work to a client for a specific purpose, using a suitable format for display. It is anticipated that a candidate will require 30 guided learning hours to complete this unit. |
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Unit 22 Creating sound using ICT | By completing this unit candidates will develop a knowledge and understanding of how to design,
produce and test a short audio clip which is fit for purpose. Candidates will be able to: • review several existing audio clips • design an audio clip • create an audio clip • test the audio clip. It is anticipated that a candidate will require 30 guided learning hours to complete this unit. |
| Under Development | Unit 23 Creating video | By completing this unit candidates will develop a knowledge and understanding of how to design,
produce and test a short video clip which is fit for purpose. Candidates will be able to: • review several existing video clips • design a video clip • create a video clip • test the video clip. It is anticipated that a candidate will require 30 guided learning hours to complete this unit. |