ICTLevel 1/2

NATIONALSCambridge

NATIONALSCambridge

The OCR Cambridge Nationals are vocationally related qualifications that take an engaging, practical and inspiring approach to learning and assessment.

They’re industry relevant, geared to key sector requirements and very popular with schools and colleges because they suit such a broad range of learning styles and abilities.

The new generation of Cambridge Nationals has been developed to ensure that they build upon the legacy and reputation of the existing qualifications, which are taught in over 3,000 centres.

Created to bring together the Wolf Report recommendations

and industry needs

The Cambridge Nationals in ICT have been founded upon the recommendations of the Wolf Report and created in partnership with teachers, students, education specialists and industry-leading employers. This collaborative approach has resulted in a qualification that offers students a solid foundation for their future studies and careers.

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Cambridge Nationals and Cambridge Technicals – how they differ

Cambridge Nationals in ICT are targeted at 14-16 year olds in a school environment. They’re available as an Award, Certificate and Diploma, with the Certificate being the same size as a GCSE, and they use both internal and external assessment. The Certificate and Diploma are included on the DfE Performance Tables for 2014 and the Certificate on the recently published list for 2015.

Cambridge Technicals are targeted at students aged 16+ in either a school or FE environment. They allow for greater flexibility with the choice of units that make up the qualification and are wholly internally assessed. In addition, the Level 3 qualifications have UCAS points, supporting progression to higher education. To find out more about Cambridge Technicals visit cambridgetechnical.org.uk

The next generation of vocational qualifications has arrived

From personal computers to smartphones, from apps to websites, all of our lives, every day, are enhanced through the use of ICT. The new Cambridge Nationals in ICT reflect this and provide students with a solid foundation for understanding and applying this subject in their future working lives.

• Introduced some external assessment

• Retained visiting moderation and introduced postal and repository options

• Combined Levels 1 and 2

• Streamlined the number of units

• Introduced a Distinction* grade at Level 2

• Changed the way grades are determined, so good performance in some units will compensate for weaker performance in others, so that the qualification recognises each student’s strengths

• Designed the qualifications with your curriculum in mind: Award 60 guided learning hours (glh), Certificate 120 glh and Diploma 240 glh.

In line with the recommendations from the Wolf Report and feedback from customers, we have:

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• You can enjoy the freedom and excitement of teaching ICT

qualifications that have been developed to help you inspire

students of all abilities

• We’ve built specifications with you in mind, using a clear

and easy-to-understand format, making them straightforward

to deliver

• Our clear and sensible assessment approach means that

assessment material and requirements are clearly presented and

sensibly structured for you and your students

• Pathways for choice – we have the broadest range of vocational

qualifications, and Cambridge Nationals provide an ideal

foundation for students to progress to more advanced studies

and ICT-related careers

• Working in partnership to support you – together with teachers,

we’ve developed a range of practical help and support to

save you time. We provide everything you need to teach our

specifications with confidence and to ensure that your students

get as much as possible from the programme of learning

• Cambridge Nationals are supported with new innovative support

products and training – to help you get started, prepare to teach

and share best practice

A few good reasons to work with OCR

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The next generation of vocational qualifications has arrived

OCR Cambridge Nationals in ICT

ICT skills are essential for success in employment and higher education, and are among the fundamental transferable skills required by employers. Cambridge Nationals deliver these skills across the whole range of learning styles and abilities, effectively engaging and inspiring all students to achieve great things.

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Units Assessment Method GLH Award 60 GLH

Certificate 120 GLH

Diploma 240 GLH

Mandatory

R001: Understanding computer systems Written paper – 1 hour – 60 marks

30 M M M

R002: Using ICT to create business solutions Centre assessed task, OCR moderated

30 M M M

Business strand

R003: Handling data using spreadsheets Centre assessed task,OCR moderated

30 N/A O S

R004: Handling data using databases Centre assessed task,OCR moderated

30 N/A O S

Creative Strand

R005: Creating an interactive product using multimedia components Centre assessed task,OCR moderated

30 N/A O O

R006: Creating digital images Centre assessed task,OCR moderated

30 N/A O O

R007: Creating dynamic products using sound and vision Centre assessed task,OCR moderated

30 N/A O O

Technical strand

R008: Introduction to computer programming Centre assessed task,OCR moderated

30 N/A O O

R009: Exploring computer hardware and networks Centre assessed task,OCR moderated

30 N/A O O

R010: Developing control systems Centre assessed task,OCR moderated

30 N/A O O

Student-initiated project

R011: Understanding technology - a project approach Centre assessed task,OCR moderated

30 N/A O O

Key: M = mandatory unit O = optional unit S = software – must choose one of the S units

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Assessment and moderationWe’ve introduced external assessment. Unit R001 contains a written

paper which is set and marked by OCR. The remaining units will be

moderated by OCR and we will provide model assignments for units

R002 to R010.

Simple and sensible certificationUnit and qualification results are awarded on a 7 grade scale with

Pass, Merit and Distinction at both levels 1 and 2, and with a new

grading of Distinction* at Level 2 to inspire students to achieve

more. Students performance on the units will determine their

grade and level.

The seven characteristics for attainment tablesSeven characteristics will be necessary for vocational qualifications that are included in future attainment tables. The seven characteristics are:

• Appropriate size: The suite includes qualifications of 120 glh and 240 glh, meeting the requirement for size

• Detailed grading: Cambridge Nationals are graded Pass, Merit and Distinction for Level 1, and Pass, Merit, Distinction

and Distinction* for Level 2

• External assessment of at least 20%: The Cambridge National Certificate (120 glh) includes 25% of external assessment

• Synoptic assessment: The breadth of the content within Cambridge Nationals ensures that students achieve a broad level

of knowledge and experience which can then be applied in different contexts

• Progression: Students can progress either to Cambridge Technicals Level 2 and Level 3 or via the traditional A and A/S Level route

• Proven track record: With over 3,000 centres and over 1.5 million registrations to date, OCR has a proven track record in providing

vocational qualifications

• Appropriate content: The content for each qualification was developed in partnership with students, centres, educational

specialists and industry-specific experts.

The unit will include systems used at home, school and in a business

setting. Students will also consider the implications of working with

data to create content within a commercial environment.

The content includes:

• An understanding of how ICT can be used to meet

business needs

• How to work with information and data to meet specific

business needs

• How ICT can be used to support business working practices

• An understanding of the legal, ethical, safety and security issues

that affect how computers should be used.

On completion of this unit, students will have gained additional

knowledge and understanding, enabling them to use computers

more effectively in a variety of different contexts. Their regard for

their own personal data security and for the security of the data of

others will be increased and they will be more informed users of

computers, making them more effective participators in business

and social life.

Students will use a wide range of applications that are commonly

used in the workplace and in further and higher education.

They will develop an understanding of how to select the most

appropriate software and to use tools to meet specific business

requirements while developing skills to enhance documents of a

variety of file types.

They will also learn techniques to search for, select and store

information in a variety of contexts and how to select the tools and

techniques to communicate information and solve problems.

The content will give students the skills to:

• Use techniques to search for, store and

share information

• Select and use software to handle data

• Select and use software to communicate information

for a business purpose

• Use software tools to format documents.

Core units

Unit R001 – Understanding computer systems

Unit R002 – Using ICT to create business solutions

As the first mandatory unit and a foundation for others, this unit will give students a solid base to develop knowledge and understanding of computer systems and the implications of working with data to enable them to use computers effectively.

In the second mandatory unit, students will refine their existing knowledge of computers to reflect the working practices of the commercial world. This includes using a wide range of software efficiently.

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In this unit, students will process and present data into meaningful

information that can be used to support the decision-making

process in real-life scenarios, including budgeting, cost modelling,

reporting, trend analysis and forecasting.

The content will provide students with the skills to:

• Create/design and populate spreadsheets to meet

user requirements

• Select and use spreadsheet functions to meet

user requirements

• Use spreadsheet models to present information to

support decision-making.

On completion of this unit, students will be able to take

unstructured data, plan how to use it in a spreadsheet, create

and populate a spreadsheet, use relevant functions and tools to

manipulate the data, and produce outputs to present the data

graphically to support decision-making.

Unit R003 – Handling data using spreadsheets

Unit R004 – Handling data using databases

Effective data handling can make or break a business plan. Enhancing existing knowledge through the creation, manipulation and presentation of data into meaningful information is a key transferable skill, as is using data in problem-solving.

Understanding how data can support problem-solving skills is a fundamental business skill that students can use throughout their future studies and careers.

This unit will enable students to gain the necessary additional skills

and knowledge to modify an existing database by adding fields

and then to further enhance a database by creating new table

structures to produce a relational database structure. They will

also learn how to test and interrogate a database.

The content will provide students with the skills to:

• Modify databases to meet user requirements

• Produce outputs from databases to meet user requirements

• Create user interfaces for databases to meet user requirements

• Analyse databases suitable for a business purpose.

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Business strand

Students will be able to develop and demonstrate their creative

flair by combining multimedia components to create a vibrant,

energetic or stimulating webpage or interactive product.

The content will provide students with the skills to:

• Design interactive products

• Create interactive products containing multimedia components

• Complete usability testing.

On completion of this unit, students will be able to show how the

interactive product both meets the users needs and extends their

own capability to understand applications.

Students can focus on developing their expertise in music, video

or animation. They may create products such as a music recording

and/or mix, video news clip or animation for a webpage.

The content will provide students with the skills to:

• Prepare for the production of dynamic products

• Create dynamic products

• Test and evaluate computer programs.

This unit will give students the knowledge and skills to apply in

workplaces such as the advertising industry, music industry and

online marketing.

This unit will enable students to acquire the underpinning

knowledge and skills to enable them to create, edit, enhance and

save different types of digital image.

The content will provide students with the skills to:

• Specify a digital image solution for a client’s need

• Create digital images

• Store, retrieve and present digital images.

Creative strand

Unit R005 – Creating an interactive product using multimedia components

Unit R007 – Creating dynamic products using sound and vision

Unit R006 – Creating digital images

Interactive products are used widely in everyday life: visiting a website, ordering an online product, using mobile phone applications, viewing a presentation or playing computer games.

21st century technology such as gaming technologies, mobile phone apps, media marketing technologies and web-based technology make great use of dynamic specialist technologies that differentiate their products for the end user.

The graphic design industry is big business. We live, learn, work and play in a very visual world. Digital images influence our actions and thoughts; with or without words, successful digital images convey their message effectively so that the viewer receives and understands it – and can then act upon it.

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The content will provide students with the skills to:

• Devise algorithms to solve problems

• Develop computer programs

• Test and evaluate computer programs.

On completion of this unit, students will be able to appreciate the

range of programming and scripting languages that are used

in their applications and will be able to develop and test

working programs.

Technical strand

Unit R008 – Introduction to computer programming

At the heart of every successful app or software is the programming. In the technical units, students will gain additional skills to develop their knowledge and understanding of the use of programming and scripting to enable computer systems to solve problems.

Everyone gets frustrated when their computer goes wrong. Students will gain an appreciation of computer hardware and the range of platforms currently available, including gaming and mobile devices.

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They will understand the characteristics and features of computer

networks and how to design a network, and be able to identify

and provide solutions to a range of common hardware and

network problems.

This unit will give students the confidence and knowledge to:

• Select computer system devices and platforms

• Devise network solutions

• Identify and solve hardware and network problems.

On completion of this unit, students will have acquired skills and

knowledge that will be beneficial in working with IT systems within

different employment sectors or within the home environment.

This unit will enable students to increase their knowledge and

understanding of control systems and to develop valuable,

transferable logical skills.

The content will provide students with the skills to:

• Design control systems

• Implement control systems

• Test control systems.

On completion of this unit, students will be able to use a logical

approach to design, make, test and refine a working control system

such as a robot or model car.

Unit R009 – Exploring computer hardware and networks

Unit R010 – Developing control systems

Control systems form part of everyday life – from games consoles, street lamps, domestic appliances, transport systems, alarm systems, manufacturing systems to theme park rides.

Unit R011 – Understanding technology – a project approach

This student-initiated project brings together all the learning, and will enable students to develop their planning, research, presentation and analytical skills by undertaking an individual project on an ICT-related theme.

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This project is an opportunity for students to either study a

completely new area of ICT that is motivated by their interest or

to explore the 21st century emerging technologies. Students will

extend the learning they have already achieved by studying one of

the optional units from the creative or technical strand.

The content will provide students with experience of:

• Initiating projects

• The knowledge of how to conduct research for projects

• The knowledge to carry out projects

• The knowledge of how to review projects

On completion of this unit, students will have applied the skills to

work through project planning and to test a hypothesis or product

development.

Next steps for your students – Future progression to other qualifications

Cambridge Nationals in ICT lead to a wide range of general and vocational qualifications for your students.

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Diplomas/Principal Learning

Engineering

Levels 2 & 3

GCSEEngineering • ICT •

Computing • Manufacturing • Art & Design • Media

Studies • Design & Technology

Level 1 / Level 2

Cambridge Technicals in IT

Levels 2 & 3

Apprenticeship Framework

Levels 2 & 3

A Level

Electronics • ICT • Applied ICT • Computing

Level 3

QCF

Creative Media •

IT Practitioner

Levels 2 & 3

Entry Level

ICT

Cambridge Nationals

in ICT

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OCR Professional Development Programme and Learning Resources

Here at OCR we are constantly looking for ways in which we can improve the support we offer to teachers. Most recently we have been considering the increasing challenges that schools face in releasing teachers

for INSET, and how OCR can make its professional development programme more accessible and convenient for all by offering a number of courses online.

Thousands of users have already visited our new online training site to view and download the free material that is now available. If you haven’t already, register today and take a look at the variety of

support we offer.

Our new improved programme includes:

Self-managed learning – the training you want, where and when you want itIf you want to better understand the specification or keep abreast of information about previous

examinations then these are for you. Available on demand 24 hours, 7 days a week with no travel or training costs, these self-contained units allow you to manage your own learning at a pace that suits

you. New content is added daily, and the site currently has free material available in over 90 subjects for teachers to download, as well as several training videos and online presentations.

Live broadcasts – information and training straight to your classroomFree broadcast events streamed live over the internet focussing on improving your delivery skills and

understanding of our qualifications. These interactive sessions via single presenter webinars, studio discussions and multi-site broadcasts give you the chance to hear advice and guidance from our subject

specialists and senior assessors who will be taking your questions live, or pre-submitted, and providing you with an immediate response.

Premier professional development – inspiring and advancing your teachingDon’t miss your opportunity to attend our range of face-to-face premier professional events giving you

the opportunity to keep up to date with the latest developments in your subject area, visit subject related venues and obtain new and interesting approaches to teaching certain topic areas.

Providing professional development for teachers at a reduced cost for centres, this is your opportunity to gain new insights and ideas from leaders in their field and to interact with a large number of subject

specialist teachers.

Face-to-face – A portfolio of more traditional INSET eventsTraining sessions to help you understand and get to know the new specification.

What to do next?

Check out our self-managed learning at www.ocronlinetraining.org.uk

For further information and to book your place on our premier professional development, face-to-face and live broadcast events visit www.ocreventbooker.org.uk

Sign up for updates at ocr.org.uk/updates and be the first to find out about our exciting Professional Development Programme.

Need more help?

You can contact our team at professionaldevelopment@ocr.org.uk

Learning resources are an important part of any qualification and the Cambridge Nationals are no exception. We have developed a suite of support and learning resources that provide what teachers tell us they want.

We’ve worked in partnership with teachers and education specialists to develop ideas and ensure that there is a range of tasks that suit differing levels and abilities of students.

By working in this collaborative way, we have ensured that our range of resources support classroom activities, from lesson planning and teaching to monitoring student progression and success.

These include:

• UnitSupport – for Units R001 - R011 which includes introductory presentations which look at the skills and knowledge that students will gain from the unit and introduce the unit’s content. Delivery Guides (for Units R001 and R002) containing a range of lesson ideas with associated activities that you can use with your students and Lesson elements including task sheets with accompanying teacher instructions offering you a creative way of encouraging your students to engage with the topic.

• ProgressTracker– An Excel-based tracking document to help you monitor your learners’ progress throughout the qualification, both individually and as a cohort.

• ResourcesLink – An e-resource that provides you with links to a range of teaching and learning websites and materials, including videos, data sets and other online content, to support you with the delivery of this subject.

• QualificationCalculator– An Excel-based tool to help you ensure that your students achieve the required number of units for their chosen qualification and meet the mandatory requirements.

Download the resources today from www.ocr.org.uk/cambridgenationals

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Administration overview As with everything with Cambridge Nationals, we try to make your life easier. Follow these simple steps to implement the qualification in your centre.

7 steps to achievement

Get approved If your centre is already approved for GCSEs or A Levels with OCR, your centre will be automatically approved for

Cambridge Nationals.

If you don’t already enter for GCSEs or A Levels with us, details on how to apply for centre approval for general

qualifications can be found at: www.ocr.org.uk/approval/general

Make sure you sign up to teach Cambridge Nationals to ensure that you receive all the information you need to start

teaching these qualifications. Sign up at: www.cambridgenationals.org.uk/signup

Decide which moderation method is right for you There are three different moderation methods to choose from:

Option A Moderation via the OCR Repository – where you upload electronic copies of the work included in the

sample to the OCR Repository and your Moderator accesses the work from there.

Option B Moderation by post – where you post the sample of work to the Moderator.

Option C Moderation by visit – where the Moderator will visit you to look at the work included in the moderation

sample.

Please be aware that the deadlines for marks being returned to OCR for all candidates entered for visiting moderation

are much earlier than for postal of Repository methods.

Make estimated entries To enable us to make sure that we have a Moderator for your centre, we need your Exams Officer to supply estimated

entries for all Cambridge Nationals units. These are submitted through Interchange. Make sure that they use the

correct entry option to identify the moderation method chosen.

Enter your candidates Make final unit and certification entries for your candidates via Interchange or A2C. For unit entries, make sure that

you use the correct entry option to identify the moderation method chosen.

If you have candidates who will have completed enough units to claim a qualification, you should make a certification

entry for those candidates. Certification entries are free.

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Submit your marks Submit marks to OCR by the published submission date for your chosen moderation method. Marks can be returned

using the paper mark sheets (MS1s) we send you, or via A2C or Interchange.

Prepare your moderation sample Your Moderator will require a sample after you’ve submitted your marks. OCR will let you know, via email, which

candidates’ work will be needed. The work included in the sample should be posted to the Moderator, uploaded to

the OCR Repository or prepared for the Moderator’s visit, depending on the moderation method chosen.

Receive results We will issue results automatically on the published day. The results are sent via A2C and are also available on

Interchange. You will also receive details of any moderation adjustments applied to your marks and a report on your

centre’s marking from your Moderator.

Further information on the administration of Cambridge Nationals can be found in our Administration Guide www.ocr.org.uk/admin-guides

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Preparing for first teaching

Adopting a new specification can appear daunting. There’s quite a lot of information to weigh up: the demands of the course, the quality of support, and the needs and expectations of teachers and candidates. Here’s some advice to help you make the best decision.

7 Steps to First Teaching

MAKE THE MOST OF THE OCR WEBSITE

The unit specifications will be available online. While the overall programme of study may be familiar, it’s important to check each unit specification to make sure that you’re happy with the learning outcomes, knowledge, understanding and skills.

GET SOCIAL

Visit our social media site (www.social.ocr.org.uk). By registering you will have FREE access to a dedicated platform where teachers can engage with each other – and OCR – to share best practice, offer guidance and access a range of support materials produced by other teachers such as lesson plans, presentations, videos and links to other helpful sites.

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TAKE A TOUR OF THE SAMPLE ASSESSMENTS

They give a clear idea about the type of tasks to be undertaken. OCR will provide model assignments for centre assessed units (R002 – R010). They can be used directly or adapted to suit your needs.

ENJOY SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE

It’s wise to review our Report to Centres for generic guidance and explore the summary of key issues from previous assessment series. These will be available on the OCR website once the qualifications have been through their first cycle of assessment.

MAKE GOOD MARKING DECISIONS

The specification contains information on performance indicators, which indicate the level of attainment associated with grades, marking criteria glossary of terms and guidance on assessment for you to use in addition to the marking criteria to support your marking decisions.

GET GREAT TRAINING

Check www.ocronlinetraining.org.uk to see if there is a convenient course available. OCR’s Professional Development courses are an excellent way to get practical advice on the best ways to deliver Cambridge Nationals.

EXPLORE EXTERNAL WEBSITES

It’s often worthwhile carrying out an internet search to see if there is any free or paid-for resource material available. But please always check that whatever material you incorporate into your teaching meets the qualification’s assessment requirements.

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Contact us

For staff training purposes and as part of our quality assurance programme your call may be recorded or monitored. © OCR 2012 Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England. Registered office 1 Hills Road, Cambridge CB1 2EU. Registered company number 3484466. OCR is an exempt charity.

2843973441

Telephone 02476 851509Email cambridgenationals@ocr.org.uk

Staff at the OCR Customer Contact Centre are available to take your call between 8am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

cambridgenationals.org.uk