Specification/Exam Board: Pearson BTEC
Overview
This qualification is for learners interested in taking a hands-on course that will offer them an insight into what it is like to work in the Digital sector. Digital skills span all industries, and almost all jobs in the UK today require employees to have a good level of digital literacy, putting it increasingly on a par with English and Math skills. The BTEC Tech Award in Digital Information Technology gives learners a broad introduction to several aspects of ‘digital’ – from UX and interface design to data management and IT systems – enabling them to see what areas they are most keen on and keeping their options wide open for progression.
Through the study of these topics, learners will not only acquire sector-specific applied knowledge and skills but also the processes and attitudes that underpin the sector. Using realistic vocational contexts, learners will have the opportunity to explore, develop and apply highly sought-after key skills such as data management and data protection, project planning, and the design of user interfaces and dashboards as a way to present and interpret data. They’ll learn about the iterative design process, cyber security, virtual teams, codes of conduct, and legal and ethical issues.
In addition, learners will gain an understanding of relevant employability skills and personal attributes, such as self-management and communication skills and the ability and willingness to evaluate and critically analyse their own performance. This course can also be complementary learning for creative media, engineering and maths. Covering topics and themes that are very relevant to today’s digital landscape, it is a perfect stepping-stone into a BTEC National in IT & Computing, a Level 3 Apprenticeship, or the new T Level in Digital Design, Development and Production.
Content Overview & Assessment
| Component | Content | Assessment Type | Weighting | Completed |
| 1: Exploring User Interface Design Principles and Project Planning Techniques 36 GHL | Learners will develop their understanding of what makes an effective user interface and how to effectively manage a project. They will use this understanding to plan, design and create a user interface. | Internal PSA* with 4 tasks. 6 Hours | 30% | Year 11 February Assessment Window |
| 2: Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data 36 GHL | Learners will understand the characteristics of data and information and how they help organisations in decision making. They will use data manipulation methods to create a dashboard to present and draw conclusions from information. | Internal PSA* with 3 tasks. 6 Hours | 30% | Year 12 October Assessment Window |
| 3: Effective Digital Working Practices 48 GHL | Learners will explore how organisations use digital systems and the wider implications associated with their use. | External synoptic exam. 1 Hour 30 Mins | 40% | Year 12 Terminal Summer Assessment |
Grades Awarded: Seven grades are available from Level 1 Pass to Level 2 Distinction*.
Progression Pathways
BTEC Digital IT will provide relevant knowledge and understanding to live in the 21st Century. It will provide students with essential skills to progress in education and the workplace. Students who are successful in gaining a Level 2 Merit or Level 2 Distinction in BTEC Tech Award in Digital IT may have the opportunity to progress to GCE Digital Technology in Years 13 and 14 (or equivalent course offered by the ICT Department).
Career Opportunities:
The digital sector is a major source of employment in the UK. Despite a turbulent economy in 2020 the Digital sector in the UK advertised 90,000 jobs per week during. Digital skills span all industries, and almost all jobs in the UK today require employees to have a good level of digital literacy. The UK Tech industry as a whole employs over 2.93 million people and has seen 40% growth between 2017-2019. The UK has positioned itself to be the ‘Digital capital of Europe’ as it continues to invest billions every year in digital skills and commerce. The modern world expects digital skills to be as important as English and Maths. Having both technical skills and business understanding is the key to success.
A qualification in BTEC Digital IT could lead to a career in the following areas:
Applications Programmer, Information Systems Manager, Database Administrator, Information Technology Consultant, Multimedia Programmer, Software Engineer, Systems Analyst, Systems Designer, Computer Game Designer, Cyber Security, Robotics, Technical Support Specialist.
