COMPUTING
COMPUTING
Taught by Mr Stuart Cook - Scook@broadwater.surrey.sch.uk
Cambridge National in IT (Level 1/Level 2)
https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/cambridge-nationals/it-level-1-2-j836/
Years 10–11 option
Why choose this course?
This is a Level 2 qualification (the same level as a GCSE) and is therefore a fully recognised option at Key Stage 4. The qualification has been designed to inspire and equip students with the confidence and skills to use information technology in the digital world and beyond.
By studying this qualification, students will:
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develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in IT and digital technologies;
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build real-world abilities (e.g., spreadsheet modelling, augmented reality) which support further study and employment;
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gain a strong foundation to progress into Level 3 courses (such as the Cambridge Technicals in IT, T-Levels, apprenticeships) or directly into the world of work in digital roles.
Course structure & units
The qualification is made up of three units. One is externally assessed by examination and two are internally assessed (NEA) and externally moderated.
Unit R050 – IT in the Digital World
This is the externally assessed unit (exam)
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Topics include: design tools; human-computer interface (HCI); data and testing; cyber-security and legislation; digital communications; the Internet of Everything (IoE).
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This unit gives students strong theoretical underpinning – understanding how IT works in the digital world, what factors influence design, how data is used and protected, and how communication systems connect.
Unit R060 – Data Manipulation Using Spreadsheets
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Internally assessed
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Students plan, design, create, test and evaluate a spreadsheet solution for a given client requirement.
Unit R070 – Using Augmented Reality to Present Information
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Internally assessed
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Students explore Augmented Reality (AR) in different contexts, then design, create, test and review an AR model/prototype to meet a defined target audience or client.
Assessment overview
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40 % of the qualification comes from the externally assessed exam (Unit R050).
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60 % comes from the two non-exam assessment units (Unit R060 and R070) – each worth 30 %.
Progression routes & future opportunities
Completing this course gives students the platform to move on to Level 3 study and beyond:
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Level 3 vocational qualifications such as the Cambridge Technical in IT or other IT/digital apprenticeships.
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T-Levels in Digital or Business Services and related fields.
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Employment in entry-level digital roles: data support, digital marketing, web/spreadsheet roles, junior IT support.
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The practical experience gained (e.g., designing a spreadsheet solution, creating AR prototypes, understanding cyber-security) is valued in the workplace and will support future studies in computing, business, digital media, engineering and beyond.
Who should consider this course?
This option is well suited for students who:
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have an interest in digital technology, software applications and solving real-world problems;
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prefer a mix of practical work and theory rather than purely exam-driven assessment;
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want to build skills that are immediately useful and transferable both for study and the workplace;
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are considering further study in IT/digital fields or wish to explore digital roles after school.
BRITISH VALUES
Democracy
KS3 - Pupils are encouraged to make their own choices when using digital technologies, but at the same time to respond appropriately to the laws and legislations relating to on and off-line use. Pupils are encouraged to voice their own opinions but at the same time to respect the opinions of others, which may not be the same as theirs. Pupils are taught the meaning of bias and opinion and how this relates to information received, used and given, particularly on line.
KS4 - Pupils are encouraged to make their own choices when using digital technologies, but at the same time to respond appropriately to the laws and legislations relating to on and off-line use. Pupils are encouraged to voice their own opinions but at the same time to respect the opinions of others, which may not be the same as theirs.
The rule of law
KS3 - Pupils are taught good working practices when using digital technologies at home and at school. Laws and legislation relating to computer and internet use are discussed and pupils are made aware of their responsibilities when using these technologies. This is further expanded to include laws and legislation (both formal and informal) relating to bullying, cyber bullying and discrimination.
KS4 - Pupils are taught the important of good working practices when using digital technologies at home and at school. Laws and legislation relating to computer and internet use are discussed and pupils are made aware of their responsibilities when using these technology. This is further expanded to include laws and legislation (both formal and informal) relating to bullying, cyber bullying and discrimination.
Individual liberty
KS3 - Pupils are encouraged to develop their own ideas yet retain responsibility in what they do, both on and off line. Pupils are supported in developing skills which extend beyond the work undertaken in the classroom to allow them to develop their own work and skills at home/future education/careers. However, we aim to develop the culture of what is “right” and what is “wrong” when using technology (for example illegal downloading, inappropriate images, anti-social chatrooms etc).
KS4 - Pupils are encouraged to develop their own ideas yet retain responsibility in what they do, both on and off line. Pupils are supported in developing skills which extend beyond the work undertaken in the classroom to allow them to develop their own work and skills at home/future education/careers. However, we aim to develop the culture of what is “right” and what is “wrong” when using technology (for example illegal downloading, inappropriate images, anti-social chatrooms etc). Pupils are also encouraged to consider their use of digital technologies and to look at their own digital footprint and the impact that this may or may not have on themselves and others.
Mutual respect
KS3 - Mutual respect is encouraged when dealing with other people, particularly on-line. Pupils are made aware of the need to be respectful, tolerant and non-biased when dealing with other people. We encourage pupils to develop their communication skills in working with different types of people, but also encourage them to do this safely and appropriately.
KS4 - Mutual respect is encouraged when dealing with other people, particularly on-line. Pupils are made aware of the need to be respectful, tolerant and non-biased when dealing with other people. We encourage pupils to develop their communication skills in working with different types of people, but also encourage them to do this safely and appropriately.
Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
KS3 - Pupils are encouraged to develop respect for other people through their use of technologies. Pupils are also made aware of their own digital footprints to enable them to foster respect of their own online input.
KS4 -