Tea time briefings are short online sessions that help us to offer solutions to common issues. We provide free online sessions just after school where you can sit with a cup of coffee and watch and listen to help inform your delivery.
We have just released details of two more Tea Time briefings. These free, online events have proved very popular so far. They give you the opportunity to sit down with a cup of coffee and take in some useful information to aid your delivery of the new GCSE. The next two sessions are entitled...
GCSE ICT 10 - Making Movies. A beginners guide to creating small projects using Windows Movie Maker, to support your creation of a "Movie" as part of the Unit 2 controlled assessment.
GCSE ICT 10 - What about the Admin? Your guide to the administrative processes vital to the smooth delivery of the new GCSE ICT 2010. Covering topics such as entries, single resit rule, terminal assessment rule and controlled assessment.
This events have just been confirmed and further details and instructions on how to book will appear on the "What's On" section of our ICT Homepage in the next few hours.
Friday 26 November 2010
Monday 8 November 2010
Another BTEC Update!
BTEC IT Users (ITQ)
The following training events are taking place this month for centres delivering the BTEC IT Users (ITQ).
25/11/2010 - Get Ready to Teach BTEC IT Users (ITQ) Level 2 - Online Event - Ref 10ONQ01/01
30/11/2010 - Get Ready to Teach BTEC IT Users (ITQ) Level 2 - Online Event - Ref 10ONQ01/02
To book a place on these events please contact the team on 0844 576 0027.
BTEC Lead Internal Verifiers (LIV)
The process of accreditation for LIVs is well under way but I thought I would take this opportunity to remind you of how the process works. This is of particular interest to centres new to BTECs.
Guide to BTEC LIV Accreditation
BTEC Parents Guide
Parents play a major role in guiding young students’ choices when they leave school. This guide has been produced to provide parents with the information they need on BTEC qualifications. This BTEC Parents Guide may help when discussing the vocational pathway with the parents of your learners.
The following training events are taking place this month for centres delivering the BTEC IT Users (ITQ).
25/11/2010 - Get Ready to Teach BTEC IT Users (ITQ) Level 2 - Online Event - Ref 10ONQ01/01
30/11/2010 - Get Ready to Teach BTEC IT Users (ITQ) Level 2 - Online Event - Ref 10ONQ01/02
To book a place on these events please contact the team on 0844 576 0027.
BTEC Lead Internal Verifiers (LIV)
The process of accreditation for LIVs is well under way but I thought I would take this opportunity to remind you of how the process works. This is of particular interest to centres new to BTECs.
Guide to BTEC LIV Accreditation
BTEC Parents Guide
Parents play a major role in guiding young students’ choices when they leave school. This guide has been produced to provide parents with the information they need on BTEC qualifications. This BTEC Parents Guide may help when discussing the vocational pathway with the parents of your learners.
Friday 22 October 2010
BTEC Update
Level 2 BTEC First in IT Published Resources
The First in IT Student Book publishes next week and covers 16 units, including the new Unit 1 & 2. You can order an evaluation copy and access the sample chapters on the BTEC Level 2 resource pages. You can also access sample content from the Teaching Resource Pack before it's publication in December.
Level 2 & 3 BTEC IT (QCF) LIV Accreditation
The first Accreditation Window is open with the online induction now available. The Preparation and Practice activity will be available on Monday [October 25th] and the formal assessed exercise will be available between November 15th and December 3rd.
To get started, please ensure that you have the appropriate access to Edexcel Online and register on OSCA2 against the sectors and programmes for which you are responsible.
If you are new to BTEC and feel that you might prefer to attend a face-to-face Lead IV induction session, then please get in touch and I will see if anything is being organised in your region.
You can read more about the timelines on the ICT Community Pages.
The First in IT Student Book publishes next week and covers 16 units, including the new Unit 1 & 2. You can order an evaluation copy and access the sample chapters on the BTEC Level 2 resource pages. You can also access sample content from the Teaching Resource Pack before it's publication in December.
Level 2 & 3 BTEC IT (QCF) LIV Accreditation
The first Accreditation Window is open with the online induction now available. The Preparation and Practice activity will be available on Monday [October 25th] and the formal assessed exercise will be available between November 15th and December 3rd.
To get started, please ensure that you have the appropriate access to Edexcel Online and register on OSCA2 against the sectors and programmes for which you are responsible.
If you are new to BTEC and feel that you might prefer to attend a face-to-face Lead IV induction session, then please get in touch and I will see if anything is being organised in your region.
You can read more about the timelines on the ICT Community Pages.
Thursday 2 September 2010
Back to School!
If you are reading this then your summer holidays are over and it's back to work.
If so I hope you enjoyed the break and I look forward to working with you this year.
I'd like to kick off the academic year with some excellent news for schools delivering DiDA.
The DiDA 2010 SPBs are now available to download from the DiDA website.
Thanks to all your queries about the release date being in October and a lot of badgering from me, we have been able to move the publication forward. You can start delivering the new SPBs with your new cohort immediately.
As usual you can get me on ICTSubjectAdvisor@EdexcelExperts.co.uk if you have any thoughts or questions.
Gareth
If so I hope you enjoyed the break and I look forward to working with you this year.
I'd like to kick off the academic year with some excellent news for schools delivering DiDA.
The DiDA 2010 SPBs are now available to download from the DiDA website.
Thanks to all your queries about the release date being in October and a lot of badgering from me, we have been able to move the publication forward. You can start delivering the new SPBs with your new cohort immediately.
As usual you can get me on ICTSubjectAdvisor@EdexcelExperts.co.uk if you have any thoughts or questions.
Gareth
Monday 12 July 2010
Edexcel Functional ICT, 5 day window accredited!
I am pleased to announce that our Functional Skills ICT qualification has been accredited at all levels from September 2010. One very welcome aspect is the inclusion of our 5 day assessment windows available at four oppertunities throughout the academic year. This affords you the flexibility to allow your learners to sit the assessment anytime between Monday morning and Friday afternoon. The assessment windows for Functional ICT will be available in; November, January, March and June.
You can read more about Functional ICT and view the accredited specification and Sample Assessment Materials on our Functional ICT pages
You can read more about Functional ICT and view the accredited specification and Sample Assessment Materials on our Functional ICT pages
Tuesday 18 May 2010
ICT Subject Advisor BTEC Update
Hi just to let you know that Edexcel has announced that the new BTEC Level 3 Nationals in IT have been accredited onto the Qualification Credit Framework (QCF). The following statement can be read on the Edexcel Website.
"Accreditation of the new BTEC Level 3 Nationals in Information Technology (QCF)
We are delighted to announce that our new BTEC Level 3 Nationals in Information Technology have been accredited onto the Qualification Credit Framework (QCF). The QCF is the new vocational qualification framework, which is responsive to the demands of employers and learners. The improved BTEC IT qualifications:
Please note that we intend to make an announcement about the new BTEC Level 2 Firsts in IT (QCF) soon.
A series of training events have been arranged to help support centres offering this course.
Date Location Event Code
25th June Birmingham 9NNQ02/03
30th June Bristol 9NNQ02/04
5th July London 9NNQ02/05
7th July Manchester 9NNQ02/01
If you have any questions regarding this information you can contact me on ICTSubjectAdvisor@EdexcelExperts.co.uk or call the BTEC team on 0844 576 0026.
Regards
Gareth
We are delighted to announce that our new BTEC Level 3 Nationals in Information Technology have been accredited onto the Qualification Credit Framework (QCF). The QCF is the new vocational qualification framework, which is responsive to the demands of employers and learners. The improved BTEC IT qualifications:
- are enhanced to help learners develop deep, specialist, practical skills and understanding in IT.
- are available as an AS equivalent and as 1, 2 or 3 A Level equivalent qualifications.
- attract UCAS points improving the progression opportunities for your learners.
The following qualifications have been accredited onto the QCF:
- 500/9148/7 BTEC Level 3 Certificate in IT
- 500/9147/5 BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in IT
- 500/9150/5 BTEC Level 3 Diploma in IT
- 500/9149/9 BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT
These qualifications have been accredited until 31st December, 2012 and have a final certification date of the 31st December, 2015. The full specification will be available on our website before the end of May 2010.
If you have any queries about this announcement then please contact our customer service centre on 0844 576 0026 or email our ICT Subject Advisor on ICTSubjectAdvisor@edexcelexperts.co.uk."
21st June London 9NNQ02/02
You can book onto one of these events by visiting the Edexcel Training site and typing the event code or by contacting the training team on 0844 576 0027.
If you have any questions regarding this information you can contact me on ICTSubjectAdvisor@EdexcelExperts.co.uk or call the BTEC team on 0844 576 0026.
Regards
Gareth
Wednesday 28 April 2010
A Level Data Files Available
Edexcel GCE Applied ICT
6953 and 6957 Exam datafiles are now available for download from our secure website.
The files are lcated in the section titled "Exam Data Files - January 2010" on the GCE Applied ICT website.
You will need an Edexcel Online password to access these files. This can be obtained by talking to your Exams Officer or contacting Edexcel on 0844 576 0024
6953 and 6957 Exam datafiles are now available for download from our secure website.
The files are lcated in the section titled "Exam Data Files - January 2010" on the GCE Applied ICT website.
You will need an Edexcel Online password to access these files. This can be obtained by talking to your Exams Officer or contacting Edexcel on 0844 576 0024
A Key Stage 4 Alternative
Anyone currently looking for an alternative qualification to offer to their students at KS4, please take note.
BTEC ITQ is available at Entry 3, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. The course consists of of a number of bite-sized units. All are highly practical and emphasise ‘doing’ rather than ‘writing’ about IT. Learners can mix and match units at different levels and learners accumulate credit at their own pace.
At Level 2 students can achieve equivalant to a half, single or double GCSE and teachers can tailor the course to suit their students.
If you are unhappy with your current course or unsure what the future holds for your KS4 provision, take a look at BTEC ITQ.
You can read about BTEC ITQ at Entry 3 and Level 1 on our Foundation Learning website.
You can read more about BTEC ITQ at Level 1 and 2 on our new ITQ pages.
You also have the added bonus of delivering a BTEC and all the recognition that comes with such an established brand.
If you have any questions about ITQ or any of the BTEC IT courses please email me on ICTSubjectAdvisor@EdexcelExperts.co.uk
BTEC ITQ is available at Entry 3, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. The course consists of of a number of bite-sized units. All are highly practical and emphasise ‘doing’ rather than ‘writing’ about IT. Learners can mix and match units at different levels and learners accumulate credit at their own pace.
At Level 2 students can achieve equivalant to a half, single or double GCSE and teachers can tailor the course to suit their students.
If you are unhappy with your current course or unsure what the future holds for your KS4 provision, take a look at BTEC ITQ.
You can read about BTEC ITQ at Entry 3 and Level 1 on our Foundation Learning website.
You can read more about BTEC ITQ at Level 1 and 2 on our new ITQ pages.
You also have the added bonus of delivering a BTEC and all the recognition that comes with such an established brand.
If you have any questions about ITQ or any of the BTEC IT courses please email me on ICTSubjectAdvisor@EdexcelExperts.co.uk
Thursday 1 April 2010
Easter Time
I hope everyone out there enjoys the Easter break.
Remember if you would like the chance to win £50 of Amazon Vouchers while at the same time helping to improve the Subject Advisor service please complete our 5 minute survey!
Regards
Gareth
Remember if you would like the chance to win £50 of Amazon Vouchers while at the same time helping to improve the Subject Advisor service please complete our 5 minute survey!
Regards
Gareth
Some Key Dates
The following dates are important if you are delivering any of Edexcel's IT soecifications.
I hope this helps but if you need any further info just let me know.
GCSE
I hope this helps but if you need any further info just let me know.
GCSE
- 15th May - final date for coursework samples, record sheets and OPTEMS
- 23rd August - online results for centre staff use only
- 24th August - candidates obtain results from centres
- 26th August - hardcopy results published
- 7th April - 6953, 6957 and 6959 pre-release documents and sample data available
- 12th April - final date for Enquiries About Results for January 2010 series
- 27th April - 6953, 6957 and 6959 exam data files available
- 10th May - 6953, 6957 and 6959 Exam windows open
- 15th May - final date for coursework samples, record sheets and OPTEMS
- 18th August - online results for centre staff use only
- 19th August - hardcopy results published
- 15th May - D101, D201, D102 and D2022 Deadline submission of centre marks
- 15th June - Submission of centre marks for remainder of units
- 23rd August - online results for centre staff use only
- 24th August - candidates obtain results from centres
- 26th August - hardcopy results published
- 10th -14th May - Final assessment window for Functional ICT within the pilot
Monday 22 February 2010
BTEC Training
The response to our BTEC 2010 training events has been very high with many of the events fully booked. Because of this we have scheduled the following additional events...
Date Location Event Code
2nd March PM Birmingham 9ONM02/02
9th March Online Event 9NNM03/06
You can book onto one of these events by visiting the Edexcel Training site and typing in the event code. We are in the process of arranging another event to be held in London at the end of March. Once the date and event code are confirmed I will let you know.
The response to our BTEC 2010 training events has been very high with many of the events fully booked. Because of this we have scheduled the following additional events...
Date Location Event Code
2nd March PM Birmingham 9ONM02/02
9th March Online Event 9NNM03/06
You can book onto one of these events by visiting the Edexcel Training site and typing in the event code. We are in the process of arranging another event to be held in London at the end of March. Once the date and event code are confirmed I will let you know.
Friday 12 February 2010
Cool Stuff!
I have recently been on the prowl for some new and innovative websites and have found the following gems currently being used in schools. Gone are the days of endless powerpoint presentations produced every time a computer lab is free. Move over Microsoft because the following online presentation software has taken over.
VoiceThread enables you to create presentations from photos and documents and add a soundtrack. What’s amazing is that viewers are able to leave their own audio comments on each slide.
Glogster creates presentations in the form of a poster that can contain not only text and graphics, but sound and video too.
SlideShare is like an online version of PowerPoint where you can upload your PowerPoint presentation. Unlike PowerPoint presentations, SlideShare ones can be embedded in your blog or web page.
Why not try these next time you make a presentation?
VoiceThread enables you to create presentations from photos and documents and add a soundtrack. What’s amazing is that viewers are able to leave their own audio comments on each slide.
Glogster creates presentations in the form of a poster that can contain not only text and graphics, but sound and video too.
SlideShare is like an online version of PowerPoint where you can upload your PowerPoint presentation. Unlike PowerPoint presentations, SlideShare ones can be embedded in your blog or web page.
Why not try these next time you make a presentation?
Monday 11 January 2010
BTEC 2010 announcement
Good news on the Edexcel BTEC website updating centres on the changes to BTEC from 2010. It's good to see there will be limited impact to centres offering BTEC Firsts and Nationals along with something new and interesting for schools to offer their GCSE students.
The new BTEC ITQ looks like an excellent oppertunity for schools who want to give their GCSE kids something interesting and up to date but were previously unhappy with the courses available at the moment.
You can read more about the new quals on the NDAQ website.
The new BTEC ITQ looks like an excellent oppertunity for schools who want to give their GCSE kids something interesting and up to date but were previously unhappy with the courses available at the moment.
You can read more about the new quals on the NDAQ website.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
