Overview

Our Cambridge National in IT will inspire and equip students with the confidence to use skills that are relevant to the IT sector and more widely. It covers the use of IT in the digital world, Internet of Everything, data manipulation, human-computer interface (HCI) and augmented reality.

The OCR Level 1/Level 2 Cambridge National in IT is aimed at students aged 14-16 years
and will develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills that would be used in the
IT sector.

You may be interested in this if you want an engaging qualification where you will use your learning in practical, real-life situations, such as:

• using different applications and tools to design, create and evaluate IT solutions and products
• creating a data manipulation solution
• creating an Augmented Reality prototype.

This will help you to develop independence and confidence in using skills that would be relevant to the IT sector. The qualification will also help you to develop learning and skills that can be used in other life and work situations, such as:

• planning and designing IT solutions and products for a given purpose
• selecting the best tools and techniques to solve a problem
• solving problems by exploring different software application tools and techniques
• creating IT solutions and digital products
• use of planning techniques to complete tasks in an organised and timely way
• finding imaginative ways to solve IT problems.

This qualification will complement other learning that you’re completing for GCSEs or vocational qualifications at Key Stage 4 and help to prepare you for further study. More information about this is given below.

What will you study as part of the qualification?

You will study three mandatory units:

R050: IT in the digital world

This is assessed by taking an exam. In this unit you will learn about design and testing concepts for creating an IT solution or product, and the uses of IT in the digital world. Topics include:

• Design Tools
• Human Computer Interface (HCI) in everyday life
• Data and testing
• Cyber-security and legislation
• Digital Communications
• Internet of Everything (IoE).

R060: Data manipulation using spreadsheets

This is assessed by completing a set assignment. In this unit you will learn how to plan, design, create, test and evaluate a data manipulation spreadsheet solution to meet client’s requirements. You will be able to evaluate your solution based on the user requirements. Topics include:

• Planning and designing the spreadsheet solution
• Creating the spreadsheet solution
• Testing the spreadsheet solution
• Evaluating the spreadsheet solution.

R070: Using Augmented Reality to present information

This is assessed by completing a set assignment. In this unit you will learn how to design, create, test and review an Augmented Reality model prototype to meet a client’s requirements. Topics include:

• Augmented Reality (AR)
• Designing an Augmented Reality (AR) model prototype
• Creating an Augmented Reality (AR) model prototype
• Testing and reviewing.

Assessment

The course has two internally assessed components, and one that’s externally assessed, all units are mandatory:

• R050 IT in the digital world: Externally assessed 1.5 hour exam, 70 marks
• R060 Data manipulation using spreadsheets: Centre assessed task, 60 marks
• R070 Using Augmented Reality to present information: Centre assessed task, 60 marks

What knowledge and skills will you develop as part of this qualification and how might these be of use and value in further studies?

This qualification will enable you to learn about the different design tools that can be used, the principles of human computer interfaces and the use of data and testing when creating IT solutions or products. You will also understand the uses of Internet of Everything and the application of this in everyday life.

You will develop the skills to plan and design a spreadsheet solution to meet a client’s requirements. You will be able to use a range of tools and techniques to create the spreadsheet solution which will be tested, and you will learn to evaluate your spreadsheet solution.

Finally, you will develop the knowledge and skills relating to the purpose, use and types of Augmented Reality (AR) in different contexts and how it is used on different digital devices. You will develop the skills to design, create, test and review an AR model prototype.

This will provide you with the learning for a range of IT related further study, important transferable skills and some basic industry knowledge and skills.

The knowledge and skills developed will help you to progress onto a range of academic, technical and applied post-16 study including:

•  A Level Computer Science
• Level 3 Technical and Applied General Qualifications, such as the Cambridge Technical in Information Technology, Cambridge Technical in Digital Media
• T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development, Digital Support Services, Digital
  Business Services
• Digital Apprenticeships, such as IT, Digital and Technology, Data Analyst
• other Level 2 qualifications, such as the Cambridge Technical in Information Technology, Cambridge Technical in Digital Media.

Resources

OCR Cambridge National in IT qualification information

BBC Bitesize – ICT

Careers Links

An IT qualification helps develop  transferable skills that can be applied to a vast range of different career paths.