Key Stage 4

OCN NI Level 2 Certificate in Information Technology Applications

Today’s work environment depends increasingly on a range of technologies. The OCN NI Level 2 Certificate in Information Technology Applications is designed to provide learners with the IT skills required to function successfully in the work and wider environment. 
 
In order to achieve the Level 2 Certificate learners must complete a total of 15 credits.
 
Total Qualification Time (TQT) for this qualification: 150 hours
 Methods of Assessment
All evidence will be internally assessed by qualified centre assessors and internally verified by the approved centres. External verification visits and monitoring activities will be conducted with centres annually.

Unit Title	Learning Outcome
Word Processing Software	Be able to enter and combine text and other forms of information. Be able to create and modify layout and structures for word processing documents. Be able to format and present documents
Spreadsheet Software	Be able to use a spreadsheet to enter, edit and organise data. Be able to select and use appropriate formulas and data analysis tools. Be able to select and use tools and techniques to present and format spreadsheet information​
Email Software Skills	Use email software tools and techniques to compose and send emails. Be able to manage incoming emails.​
Websites Software	Be able to create structures and styles for websites. Be able to use software tools to prepare content for websites. Be able to publish websites.

The Level 2 Certificate is equivalent to a Grade B at GCSE.

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​Key Stage 5

​YEAR 13 OCR LEVEL 3 CAMBRIDGE TECHNICAL INTRODUCTORY DIPLOMA IN IT (2012 suite)

This qualification provides opportunities to develop many of the skills demanded by employers.   It offers learners the opportunity for a programme of study to:

• prepare for further learning or training
• develop essential knowledge, transferable skills and personal skills in a subject area that interests them with the aim of enhancing their employability
• move into different areas of employment
• achieve a nationally recognised vocational qualification

Assessment: The units in this qualification are all internally assessed by centre assessors and quality assurance personnel and externally moderated by OCR Visiting Moderators. There are no external examinations.
 
Students will complete units 1, 2 and 17 in Year 13 and units 12, 19 and 23 in Year 14.

Unit 1: Communication and employability skills for IT	This unit allows students to understand what an employer expects of an individual and how to communicate effectively while developing their own personal development needs.
Unit 2: Information system	This unit will ensure that students have a greater understanding of how organisations use information internally and externally. The skills gained by completing this unit will give students knowledge of the functionality of information and the ability to produce management systems
​Unit 12: Website production	​This unit will prepare students to design, create and test a fully functioning website, while also providing essential grounding knowledge on the architecture and security issues that need to be considered. Websites need to be well designed to keep visitors returning and avoid excluding user groups by being inaccessible. Companies need to analyse the technical considerations to ensure that they do not hinder the user experience.
​Unit 17: Interactive Media Authoring	This unit focuses primarily on the creation of interactive media products for a range of platforms, such as apps for mobiles or CD/ DVD-ROM. There is a range of authoring tools available to use in their production and the creation of their assets. Interactivity can be included in the form of quizzes and games, using scripting languages such as Lingo or Action Script.
​Unit 19: Spreadsheet modelling	The aim of this unit is to help students understand how spreadsheets can be used to solve complex problems. They will also learn how to automate and customise their spreadsheet models. Finally, they will learn how to test and create user and technical documentation. The unit will provide students with the skills to enable them to create and use a complex spreadsheet model.
​Unit 23: Database design	Once they have gained the skills they need, students will design and create a relational database to meet a specified user’s needs. They will also create and use a range of features within their database, such as queries, forms, reports and a user interface/ navigation menu. They will look at how to test their relational database, carry out improvements based on feedback and, finally, evaluate the design.

Note: All units carry equal weighting.

Grades available: Each unit has specified assessment criteria for Pass, Merit and Distinction.  The overall qualification is also graded. Qualifications awarded above a Pass grade are graded Merit, Distinction or Distinction*. 

​Cambridge Technical Level 3 Introductory Diploma in IT	​UCAS Tariff points	A Level Equivalent
D*	56	A*
D	48	A
M	32	C
P	16	E

Assessment
The units in this qualification are all internally assessed by centre assessors and quality assurance personnel and externally moderated by OCR Visiting Moderators. There are no external examinations.
 
Prior Learning
There is no requirement for any specific prior learning
 
OCR Webste
www.ocr.org.uk

Jobs in IT include: Information Architect, Network Administrator, Technical Editor/Writer, Usability Analyst, Content Manager, Systems Analyst, Technology Coordinator, Web Developer/Administrator, Information Technology Manager, Social Media Manager, Digital Media Manager, Project Manager, Information Security Manager.