LEVEL 3 CAMBRIDGE TECHNICAL EXTENDED CERTIFICATE IN IT

Applications Open: 14th November 2025

Applications Close: 13th March 2026

Entry Requirements: - Five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English, and the individual subject entry requirements.

How to Apply: Please apply via the Kent Choices website.

How many subjects can you choose: - You MUST choose 3 subjects (these can be mixture of A-level or BTEC's). Please DO NOT choose anymore than 5 subjects.

Please note that if you are intending to study a course at Invicta Grammar School as part of your course choices, you can only study one Invicta course (maximum) alongside two Valley Park courses.

If you wish to make any changes, you can do so via your application page or send us a message.

Your application will be acknowledged and conditional offer letters will be sent out after the closing date.

This Information Technology course offers you an in-depth look at IT in the modern world. The course provides an insight into its role in specialist careers as well as its wider role in many career pathways. The course is designed for those of you at Level 3 who wish to continue your education through applied learning by developing knowledge and understanding of principles of IT and global information systems. In Year One, you will complete two examined components, named Fundamentals of IT and Global Information Systems. These units provide an insight into the IT sector as you have the opportunity to investigate the pace of technological change, IT infrastructure, the flow of information on a global scale, including important legal and security considerations. In Year Two, you will complete one examined component, named Cyber Security which reflects an important development in the sector around information security. The unit requires you to consider how data should be protected as well as the response the IT sector should have to emerging threats such as cyber terrorism. In addition to this, you will complete two internally assessed units which allow the development of time management, research and analytical skills as well as emphasising the need for good written and verbal communication skills. The qualification will provide you with the fundamental skills, knowledge and understanding of IT. It could be taken alongside other vocational or academic qualifications, as part of a combination to support progression to Higher Education on IT or other programmes.

The course is divided into two units in the first year which are externally assessed named Fundamentals of IT and Global Information Systems. In the second year, the course is assessed through one externally assessed unit named Cyber Security as well as two internally assessed coursework units named Product Development and Internet of Everything. Achievement at each unit is graded at Unclassified, Pass, Merit or Distinction. An overall grade is given, based on achievement across all units, at Unclassified, Pass, Merit or Distinction* at the end of each year.

GCSE Computer Science: Grade 4

Level 2 IT: Merit

Mathematics: Grade 4