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IT Extended Certificate Block D

North School, The

The North School, Essella Road, ASHFORD, Kent, TN24 8AL

National Award (BTEC)
Level 3
Information and Communication Technology

Available start dates

Available start dates

Tuesday, 01 September 2026
The North School
2 Year(s)
Full time
Daytime/working hours
Block D

Application Instructions

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.

Course Summary

The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification Applied General National in Information Technology (Extended Certificate) allows students to study the fundamental knowledge of Information Technology covering the role and implications of using Information Technology systems and cyber-security threats and how to manage attacks.

Students will also develop important skills for creating websites to meet a specific purpose and to manage data through the development of a relational database solution.

There are two examined units and two internally assessed units where students will engage in practical tasks to develop their Information Technology skills and knowledge.

The qualification is designed to be taken alongside A Levels as part of a study programme and can link to learning in A Level Mathematics and A Level Business Studies. It is intended for students that wish to progress into higher education as a pathway to employment.



Course Details

Course Content:

Students studying this course will complete the following units:

1 Information Technology Systems

2 Cyber security and Incident Management

3 Website Development

4 Relational Database Development


How will it be delivered and assessed?

Assessment Information:

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



Entry requirements

Students will require a minimum of five 9-4 grades at GCSE, including English at grade 4 or above

Your next steps...

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




For more courses like this, check our courses page.