Computing BTEC

Sixth Form Open Evening- Wednesday 5th November 5-7pm

Applications Open - Now!

Applications Close - End of Term 4 2026. Please contact Mrs Silvester if you would like to apply after this date (lucy.silvester@swale.at)

Entry Requirements: - Generally 5 grade 5s or above in GCSE, including English and Maths but some subjects do vary.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

This is a vocational qualification that will prepare students for a huge range of careers. Students will develop a common core of IT knowledge and study areas such as the relationship between hardware and software that form IT systems. They will develop their computational-thinking skills as well as apply those skills to solve problems by analysing, developing and evaluating algorithms and computer code, and propose and apply solutions to ensure that computer systems are fit for purpose. Students will also study IT system security threats and the methods used to protect against them. Students will undertake activities to protect IT systems from security threats, including data encryption.

A range of topics will be covered within this qualification, such as information technology systems, It system security, an in-depth understanding of programming constructs and a thorough understanding of how data is handled in a computer program.

On the BTEC course assessment takes place in a variety of ways. Students will be assessed externally by means of a written exam that will last for 2 hours where students assessed on their ability to apply their computational-thinking skills to solve problems. This will be in the form of a 1 hour 45 minute written paper. Students will also be required to complete detailed written reports that provide evidence of understanding current IT security threats, information security and the legal requirements affecting the security of IT systems as well as iImplement strategies to protect an IT system from security threats.

In addition to the general requirements to access a BTEC course students would benefit from previous Computer Science experience.

This course prepares students for employment in many areas of Computing, as well as qualifying them to study for an HNC/D or Degree like: Computing (Foundation Degree), Computing (BSc), Business Computing (BSc), Forensic Computing (BSc), Internet Computing (BSc). Students may consider becoming a software developer, data security engineer or creative IT careers such as web development and games design.