Computing Block E

Applications Open: - 7th November 2025

Applications Close: - 31st March 2026. If you require any further information after our closing date please do contact nicola.owenhughes@swale.at

Entry Requirements: - Grade 4 and above in 5 GCSEs Including English and Maths for Level 3 programmes, higher grades are required for some subjects

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Details of our Pathways and Option Blocks can be seen in the Gallery or viewed here

If you have any questions regarding the Sixth Form, our courses, facilities or our application process, please do contact us, either by telephone (01233 614613) or email (tns-sixthform-team@swale.at). We will be happy to arrange either a telephone call or meeting to answer these. We are happy to forward subject specific questions to subject leaders who may be better placed to answer your queries. We look forward to hearing from you and to meeting you.

The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification Applied General National in Computing (Extended Certificate) gives students opportunities to develop the core knowledge, skills and understanding that underpin computer programming and to develop computational thinking and programming skills that will enable them to solve problems.

Students will explore the critical components that safeguard information systems and data and will acquire knowledge and skills to comprehend and apply security and encryption principles and practices to computer networks in various situations.

Students will also have the opportunity to examine the underlying principles of human-computer interaction (HCI) and develop a HCI solution to meet the requirements of a given brief. Students will draw synoptically on their programming learning and computational thinking skills to manage the development of a software solution to a problem.

Course Content:

Students studying this course will complete four mandatory units:

1 Programming Fundamentals

2 Computer Network Security and Encryption

3 Human-Computer Interaction

4 Practical Programming

Assessment Information:

Two externally marked exams and two units of coursework marked internally.

Students will require a minimum of five 9-4 grades at GCSE, including English at grade 4 or above. A qualification in Computer Science would be desirable.

Future Opportunities:

As well as employment opportunities in a range of sectors including Computing, IT, Engineering, Architecture & Business, there is potential progression to higher education courses - Higher National Diplomas, Foundation Degrees and Honours Degrees.