IT Academy
IT Academy
Our IT Academy is part of Kent Technology Learning Centre which is a partnership between Hugh Christie Technology College and Canterbury College. As a Cisco Academy we belong to the Cisco Networking Academy Programme through which we deliver online e-learning courses supported by hands-on network skills training on routers, switches and PCs. This forms the core of our BTEC course.
BTEC Networking
Hugh Christie IT Academy delivers a two year BTEC Networking course to our own Key Stage 5 students and to Northgate Managed Services IT Apprentices as part of their apprenticeship training.
This course is for those who want to learn about computer networks. It goes without saying that some knowledge of PCs is also included, but the course is principally about networks in their various forms (WANS, LANS, wireless etc) and the technologies used to ensure voice, video and data travel across them efficiently and safely. The course includes written assignments, Cisco online units and practical skills training using networking equipment.
BTEC Networking is equivalent to 2 A Levels so successful students will gain UCAS points which, along with those from other subjects, can take them to university. Alternatively the door is opened to careers in the IT industry as the course provides a combination of IT knowledge and practical skills to meet the ever changing technological demands of industry. The programme is specifically to develop students’ technical skills in systems support and networking, plus additional preparation for Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) qualifications.
BTEC Networking course details
Year 1 - Units 101, 102, 1, 2, 3, 5
Year 2 - Units 103, 104, 9, 10, 12, x
Unit 1 Communication and Employability Skills for IT F/601/7233
- Understand the personal attributes valued by employers
- Understand the principles of effective communication
- Be able to use IT to communicate effectively
- Be able to address personal development needs
Unit 2 Computer Systems M/601/7261
- Understand the components of computer systems
- Be able to recommend computer systems for a business purpose
- Be able to set up and maintain computer systems
Unit 3 Information Systems H/601/7256
- Understand how organisations use business information
- Understand the issues related to the use of information
- Know the features and functions of information systems
- Be able to use IT tools to produce management information
Unit 5 Managing Networks K/601/7663
- Know about networking management tools and technologies
- Understand network management functions
- Be able to carry out network management activities
Unit 9 Computer Networks R/601/7320
- Know types of network systems and protocols
- Understand the key components used in networking
- Know the services provided by network systems
- Be able to make networked systems secure
Unit 10 Communication Technologies F/601/7264
- Understand the communication principles of computer networks
- Know the main elements of data communication systems
- Be able to implement different forms of network communications
Unit 12 IT Technical Support J/601/7279
- Understand the tools and techniques used for technical support
- Understand how organisational policies and procedures influence technical support
- Be able to gather information to provide advice and guidance
- Be able to communicate advice and guidance
Unit 101 CCNA Networking for Home and Small Businesses (Discovery1) M/601/6840
- Understand the diverse types of network systems and devices in common use and how the different technologies operate and communicate
- Understand basic security and its impact on the user
- Be able to configure and troubleshoot cross-network communication
Unit 102 CCNA Working at a Small-to-Medium Business or ISP (Discovery 2) D/601/6820
- Be able to identify and understand routing protocols
- Configure a router to communicate with a Wide Area Network infrastructure
- Test and troubleshoot a network system
- Implement address management
Unit 103 CCNA Introducing Routing and Switching in the Enterprise (Discovery 3) Y/601/6900
- Be able to configure a switched infrastructure
- Be able to test and troubleshoot a routed and switched infrastructure
- Understand traffic filtering and implement the same
Unit 104 Designing and Supporting Computer Networks (Discovery 4) L/601/6909
- Be able to design a network infrastructure
- Be able to implement a prototype network
- Be able to maintain a prototype network
Unit x Optional unit – to be decided
Units 101 – 104 are Cisco CCNA Discovery units. Students have online accounts with the Cisco Networking Academy Programme through which they have an online curriculum and testing plus practical work using routers, switches and PCs. Many of the other units contain practical work and where appropriate draw heavily on the skills and knowledge delivered through the CCNA course.
BTEC Networking unit assessment
Students’ work on each unit is assessed, internally verified and subject to external standards verification checking in keeping with Edexcel’s policies. Thus each unit is graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction.
The four Cisco CCNA units are assessed differently; through online exams and practical skills tests. The online exams are done in class but under exam conditions. The pass mark for each online exam is 70%. and for this a student is awarded the unit at Pass standard. Merit and Distinction awards are achieved through the quality of the assessed practical work, in particular the practical skills tests.
Links
Cisco Networking Academy Programme http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/netacad/index.html
Edexcel BTEC Nationals http://www.edexcel.com/quals/nationals10/it/Pages/default.aspx
Kent Technology Learning Centre http://ktlc.org.uk
Northgate Managed Services http://www.northgate-is.com/
Contact
Mr Andy Payne – Director of Learning, IT Academy & Kent Technology Learning Centre
Tel: 01732 353544 ext 275
email andyp@hughchristie.kent.sch.uk