Our curriculum intent is to have an ambitious and inclusive curriculum, that empowers our students to become life-long learners and successful global citizens.

The BTEC Information Technology Level 3, Alternative Academic Qualification [AAQ], covers a broad range of IT topics designed to prepare students for the digital world. In line with the latest Pearson specification (2025), students now study four mandatory units, including externally assessed units on Information Technology Systems and Cyber Security and Incident Management. Internally assessed units include Website Development and Relational Database Development. Through a well-sequenced and ambitious curriculum, we embed theoretical knowledge and practical skills that challenge and engage all learners.

Our curriculum is designed to build a strong subject-specific vocabulary, allowing students to think and communicate like IT professionals. Disciplinary literacy is taught explicitly to support students in understanding technical language, structuring extended responses, and evaluating digital systems in real-world contexts.

Students explore real-world applications of IT that are vital in today’s workplace. These include designing secure systems to prevent cyberattacks, building interactive websites, and analysing how organisations use IT infrastructure and cloud-based solutions. The inclusion of Cyber Security and Incident Management reflects current industry priorities and addresses the growing demand for knowledge of digital threats and protections.

This course replaces the older specification, which focused more heavily on social media in business and did not include cyber security as a core component. The updated version better reflects the needs of employers and universities by embedding cyber resilience, systems thinking, and data management into the curriculum. It equips students with more relevant and transferable digital skills for the modern workplace.

To raise aspirations and support informed career choices, we offer subject-specific careers education. Many of our students progress to university courses such as Information Systems, Business and IT, Cybersecurity, or Computer Science. Others pursue higher apprenticeships or careers in roles like software development, IT support, or network management.

Our Curriculum Maps clearly outline the progression of knowledge and skills across Years 12 and 13. The curriculum is adapted to support and stretch learners of all abilities while remaining ambitious for all. Students are assessed through a balanced mix of externally marked exams and internally assessed practical projects, in line with the Pearson BTEC Level 3 specification (2025).

For more detailed information click this link to the specification on the icon below: