Qualification Name: BTEC National Certificate For IT Practitioners (ICT Systems Support) Course Name: Computing (IT Practitioners): BTEC National Certificate Course Code: BYNP Centre: Willesden, Wembley Park Applies to: School Leavers Availability: Full Time (Tuesdays to Fridays 0900 - 1600 hours)

Who is this course for?
The main aim of the course is to provide a flexible learning environment to enable students to fulfil all of the requirements of a BTEC National Certificate in Computing. You can take the General pathway or the System Support pathway.

What are the entry requirements?
You should have four GCSEs at grade C or above including grade C in English and Maths or Merit Level GNVQ Intermediate or equivalent. You will be assessed on your English and Maths skills at interview.

After applying you will have an interview to determine which course is suitable for your needs and abilities.

• Minimum Literacy Level: Entry 2

You can read and understand short pieces of writing such as letters, messages, simple stories, timetables and adverts. You can write short pieces of writing – for example an email to a friend, a simple letter, a story or a message.
• Minimum Numeracy Level: Entry 2

You can work with numbers, symbols, and simple diagrams. You can add and subtract simple numbers and use simple fractions. You can use money, tell the time, measure things and know about squares, triangles and rectangles.

What qualification will I receive?
BTEC National Certificate

Where can it lead?
Many students choose to use their qualification to go straight into employment. The employment opportunities consist of a wide range such as Database Design, Communications, System Software and Hardware.

What will I study?
There are transferable skills to aquire throughout the course. These include collecting and analysing data, communicating your findings in different ways, and identifying and developing the links between different parts of the subjects.
This certificate is equivalent to three 'A' Levels and is made up of 18 units. This is a modular course consisting of 18 units :

Unit 1 - Language and Communications;
Unit 2 - Computer Systems;
Unit 3 - Business Information Systems;
Unit 4 - Introduction to Software Development;
Unit 5 - Communication Technology;
Unit 6 - Systems Analysis;

Plus 12 more units depending on whether you take the System Support pathway or the General pathway.

and the 2 Key Skills, i.e.

* Communications and
* Application of Numbers.
* IT

How will I be taught?
Students will be timetabled for 18 hours a week at the College, which will be spent in practical work on computers and theoretical work in the classroom. In addition, you will be required to spend an extra 20 hours at least on private study. Teaching strategies will include lectures, class exercises, working in groups, research, visits, reading, videos and presentations to a group as well as discussions.

How will I be assessed?
The course will be internally assessed through assignments set and marked by your lecturers. Work is graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction for each unit. The grades are then averaged to get the final overall grade. You must pass at least 16 units to pas

What support is available while I am on the course?
You will have access to a personal tutor to help you throughout the course and the College offers a comprehensive range of student services including learning and language support as well as guidance and counselling.

What will it cost?

Full Time Overseas Fees	Up to £0*
UK Home Fees	Up to £0*

Students aged between 16-18 will be charged a £20 resource fee, plus material courses if applicable.

On income-based benefit? You could study for only £30.

Cost & Availability - Please be aware that certain courses are not subject to concessions.

Additional Fees:

Some courses will incur an observation charge or charge for materials.

*Please note that fees are subject to change at any time. Please contact us on 020 82085050 for the latest information.

For Information on grants or student loans for certain courses please click here

The College reserves the right to vary any aspect of the details of this course and qualifications