Computing AAQ

WHAT DO I NEED TO STUDY THIS COURSE?

There are no formal entry requirements, but you are most likely to succeed if you have:

• A GCSE in Computer Science and/or …
• A BTEC Level 2 qualification in a related subject and/or …
• Maths and English achieved through GCSE.

IS THIS COURSE FOR ME?

This course is ideal for you if you:

• Enjoy solving problems, coding, and using technology creatively.
• Want to understand how computer systems, software, and networks work.
• Like a balance of practical project work and theoretical learning.
• Are thinking about a career in software development, cyber security, data analysis, or IT systems.
• Prefer continuous assessment through coursework and assignments rather than only final exams.

It’s designed for students who want a career-focused qualification that can lead directly into work, apprenticeships, or higher education in Computing or Computer Science.

WHERE WILL THIS COURSE TAKE ME?

The BTEC National in Computing opens doors to:

  • University or higher education in subjects such as Computing, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, Data Science, or IT Systems Management
  • Apprenticeships in digital and technology roles
  • Employment in IT support, programming, network administration, or web development.

This qualification carries UCAS points, meaning it can be used to apply to universities just like A Levels

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

On this course, you’ll develop the practical and technical skills that underpin modern computing — from learning how to program and solve problems using Python, to understanding how to protect networks and data through cyber security and encryption. You’ll also explore how people interact with technology by designing user-friendly interfaces, and bring everything together by managing and developing your own software solutions for real-world scenarios

YEAR 1

Unit 1: Programming Fundamentals
• Learn the core principles of programming using Python 3.
• Topics include logic and number systems, data types, algorithms, searching and sorting techniques, and writing and debugging code.
• You’ll design and write programs to solve problems and understand how to produce readable, maintainable, and reliable code

Unit 3: Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
• Explore how people interact with technology through UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface) design.
• Learn to design effective and accessible digital interfaces for different platforms and users.
• Use tools like Figma, InVision, or Python to create interactive prototypes and evaluate real-world HCI systems

YEAR 2

Unit 2: Computer Network Security and Encryption
• Understand network hardware and software, cyber threats, and methods of securing networks.
• Learn about encryption techniques, malware protection, network monitoring, and data integrity in digital systems

Unit 4: Practical Programming
• Apply your programming skills to develop full software solutions.
• Manage projects, write efficient code, and document your progress professionally.
• You’ll use an integrated development environment (IDE) and implement data structures, algorithms, and persistent storage

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

Unit 1: Programming Fundamentals
• 1 External exam (2 hours 30 minutes)
• This exam tests your understanding of programming theory and practical coding knowledge.

Unit 2: Computer Network Security and Encryption
• 1 External exam (2 hours 15 minutes)
• This exam focuses on cyber security concepts, encryption, and network protection methods.

Unit 3: Human-Computer Interaction
• Internal – Pearson Set Assignment (PSAB)
• A long-term project in which students create and evaluate an HCI solution.

Unit 4: Practical Programming
• Internal – Pearson Set Assignment (PSAB)
• A long-term software development project where students design, code, test, and document a programming solution to a problem.

FURTHER INFORMATION:
See Mrs Astley