Open College Network West Midlands Level 3 Extended Diploma in ICT Systems

and Principles

Q u a l i f i c a t i o n G u i d e

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Open College Network West Midlands is a national Awarding Organisation, regulated by Ofqual and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), to develop and award nationally recognised qualifications. We work in partnership with employers, training providers, colleges, universities, schools and voluntary and community organisations to offer vocational credit-based qualifications, Access to Higher Education Diplomas and quality assured Customised Accreditation to help learners gain employment or to progress into further learning and Higher Education.

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www.opencollnet.org.uk

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Contents

1. The Qualification

2. About the qualification

3. Who the qualification is for

4. Achieving the qualification

5. The units

6. Assessment

7. Offering the qualification

Open College Network West Midlands Level 3 Extended Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles

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1. The Qualification

Open College Network West Midlands Level 3 Extended Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles – 601/6891/2

2. About the qualification

This qualification will enable learners to learn, develop and practice the skills required for employment or career progression in the ICT sector.

This qualification has been designed to accredit the knowledge and understanding of practitioners in the IT industry.

The qualification is most suitable for those who already possess basic knowledge and understanding of ICT and who wish to extend their knowledge and skills.

This qualification can also be used by learners enrolled on the Advanced Apprenticeship for IT, Software, Web & Telecoms Professionals (England).

The qualification was developed in association with e-skills UK, who are now known as The Tech Partnership the sector skills council for business and information technology, and other awarding organisations as well as providers and industry.

Objectives of the qualification

This qualification can be used flexibly to meet learner needs. Depending on the context of the learning and the needs of each individual learner, the qualification can:

prepare individuals to progress to a qualification in the same subject area but at a higherlevel or requiring more specific knowledge, skills and understanding;

prepare learners for employment;

support a role in the workplace;

encourage engagement in learning.

The qualification is designed to enable the learners to:

gain specialist IT and Telecom skills;

increase knowledge of specialist IT and Telecom processes.

It is a requirement that assessment of this qualification is conducted in English.

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The Open College Network West Midlands Level 3 Extended Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles qualification is accredited by Ofqual.

Guided Learning Hours (GLH)

Guided Learning Hours are defined as the number of hours of supervised or directed study time required for a unit or a qualification. Some learners will be able to achieve units and qualifications in a shorter time than indicated. Others, for example those with additional support requirements, may need longer.

Guided learning hours for this qualification:

Level 3 Extended Diploma

Minimum 620 Maximum 620

What this qualification could lead to

The qualification could lead to employment as a business analyst, computer games designer or technical support person, computer hardware engineer or service technician, internet professional, telecommunications technician, IT product developer, IT technical sales specialist or IT trainer.

3. Who the qualification is for

The qualification is designed for learners who are working, or want to work, in the IT and telecommunications industry in a wide range of roles.

Entry requirements and minimum age

The minimum age for access to this qualification is 16 years.

There are no formal entry requirements for learners undertaking this qualification; however centres must ensure that learners have the potential and opportunity to gain evidence for the qualification in the work place.

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Learners with particular requirements

Assessment within the Open College Network West Midland Level 3 Extended Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles is designed to be accessible and inclusive. The assessment methodology is appropriate and rigorous for individuals or groups of learners.

If you have learners with particular requirements you should refer to the Reasonable Adjustment and Special Considerations Policy, available from Open College Network West Midlands. This gives clear guidance on the reasonable adjustments and arrangements that can be made to take account of disability or learning difficulty without compromising the achievement of the assessment criteria.

4. Achieving the qualification

Rules of combination

Centres are responsible for ensuring that courses are designed so that learners are able to achieve the qualification for which they are aiming. Courses must allow for a sufficient number of credits to be achieved, and must meet the specific rules of combination that apply to each qualification.

To be awarded the Open College Network West Midlands Open College Network West Midlands Level 3 Extended Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles learners must achieve a minimum of 72 credits. At least 43 credits must be gained at level 3 or above.

Unit achievement

All of the assessment criteria in a unit must be met before the unit is deemed to be achieved. The unit achievement is not graded: units are either achieved or not achieved.

Recording achievement

You must record each learner’s performance in each unit on an appropriate form or forms. The form/s should record the learner’s performance against the unit assessment criteria evidenced by the task.

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5. The units

Level 3 Units

Title Level Credit GLH Unit code Unit reference

number

Access Network Techniques and

Applications

3 10 60 CN4/3/NQ/075 L/602/4640

Advanced Data Representation and Manipulation for IT

3 7 60 CN4/3/NQ/076 F/601/3246

Communication and Employability Skills for IT 3 10 60 CN4/3/NQ/077 F/601/7233

Communication Technologies 3 10 60 CN4/3/NQ/078 F/601/7264

Communications Equipment Installation

Techniques

3 9 60 CN4/3/NQ/079 A/502/3411

Communications for Engineering Technicians 3 10 60 CN4/3/NQ/080 M/600/0251

Communications Workshop Practice 3 10 60 CN4/3/NQ/081 L/602/4637

Computer Networks 3 10 60 CN4/3/NQ/082 R/601/7320

Computer Systems 3 10 60 CN4/3/NQ/083 M/601/7261

Core Network Techniques 3 9 60 CN4/3/NQ/084 T/502/3410

Customer Support for the ICT Professional 3 12 60 CN4/3/NQ/070 D/507/8238

E-Commerce 3 10 60 CN4/3/NQ/085 A/601/7313

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Electrical and Electronic Principles 3 10 60 XA1/3/NQ/001 J/600/0255

Fault Diagnosis and Maintenance

of Communications Equipment

3 9 60 CN4/3/NQ/086 J/502/3041

Health and Safety in the Engineering Workplace 3 10 60 XA1/3/NQ/002 T/600/0249

Impact of the Use of IT on Business Systems 3 10 60 CN4/3/NQ/087 K/601/7260

Information Systems 3 10 60 CN4/3/NQ/088 H/601/7256

Install and Configure Networked Hardware

and Software

3 9 90 CN4/3/NQ/071 Y/507/8271

Install, Configure and Upgrade ICT Software 3 7 30 CN4/3/NQ/072 D/507/8272

Installing and Upgrading Software 3 10 60 CN4/3/NQ/089 H/601/7290

IT Technical Support 3 10 60 CN4/3/NQ/090 J/601/7279

Maintaining Computer Systems 3 10 60 CN4/3/NQ/091 J/601/7329

Manage BOWMAN Equipment 3 19 120 CN4/3/NQ/092 K/502/0133

Manage BOWMAN Signals Training 3 3 20 CN4/3/NQ/093 T/502/0135

Managing Networks 3 10 60 CN4/3/NQ/094 K/601/7663

Mathematics for IT Practitioners 3 10 60 CN4/3/NQ/095 L/601/7655

Networked Systems Security 3 10 60 CN4/3/NQ/096 J/601/7332

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Networking Principles 3 10 75 CN4/3/NQ/113 J/601/3250

Object Oriented Programming 3 10 60 CN4/3/NQ/097 J/601/7282

Operate BOWMAN Equipment 3 9 60 CN4/3/NQ/098 M/502/0134

Organisational Systems Security 3 10 60 CN4/3/NQ/099 T/601/7312

Preparation to Deliver ICT Support Services 3 13 60 CN4/3/NQ/073 J/507/8282

Principles and Applications of

Electronic Devices and Circuits

3 10 60 XA1/3/NQ/003 K/600/0300

Principles of BOWMAN Digitization 3 1 10 CN4/3/NQ/100 A/502/0136

Principles of ICT System and Data Security 3 9 75 CN4/3/NQ/101 R/601/3509

Project Planning With IT 3 10 60 CN4/3/NQ/102 Y/601/7321

Software Design and Development 3 10 60 CN4/3/NQ/103 L/601/6585

Software Design Fundamentals 3 10 80 CN4/3/NQ/104 L/601/3251

Software Testing 3 9 50 CN4/3/NQ/105 L/601/3511

Supervise BOWMAN Equipment 3 14 120 CN4/3/NQ/106 F/502/0137

Systems Analysis and Design 3 10 60 CN4/3/NQ/108 F/601/7278

Systems Architecture 3 10 80 CN4/3/NQ/109 T/601/3504

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Level 2 Units

Telecommunications Principles 3 10 80 CN4/3/NQ/111 D/601/3254

Telecommunications Systems 3 10 60 CN4/3/NQ/110 Y/602/4639

Telephony Voice Systems Operation 3 9 60 CN4/3/NQ/112 T/501/9938

Using Internet Technologies 3 6 60 CN4/3/NQ/074 K/507/8288

Web Development 3 10 80 CP2/3/NQ/010 K/601/3256

Title Level Credit GLH Unit code Unit reference

number

An Introduction to Communication

Technologies

2 9 60 CN4/2/NQ/038 Y/600/4035

An Introduction to Telephony Systems 2 9 60 CN4/2/NQ/039 D/600/4036

Communicating in the IT Industry 2 5 30 CN4/2/NQ/040 K/601/3192

Computer Systems 2 10 60 CN4/2/NQ/041 H/601/3255

Data Representation and Manipulation for IT 2 7 60 CN4/2/NQ/042 D/601/3206

Doing Business Online 2 10 60 CN4/2/NQ/043 Y/601/5083

Install and Configure ICT Equipment and Operating Systems

2 9 70 CN4/2/NQ/044 J/501/3979

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IT Fault Diagnosis and Remedy 2 10 60 CN4/2/NQ/045 K/601/3287

IT Support 2 10 60 CN4/2/NQ/046 F/601/3277

Maintain IT Equipment and Systems 2 9 70 CN4/2/NQ/037 A/507/8277

Mathematics for IT 2 10 60 CN4/2/NQ/047 Y/601/5794

Mobile Communications Technology 2 10 60 CN4/2/NQ/048 H/601/3398

Networking Principles 2 6 45 CN4/2/NQ/049 T/601/3289

Presenting Information Using IT 2 10 60 CN4/2/NQ/050 D/601/5828

Principles of ICT System and Data Security 2 6 45 CN4/2/NQ/051 L/601/3508

Project Planning Using IT 2 10 60 CN4/2/NQ/052 A/601/3259

Setting up an IT Network 2 10 60 CN4/2/NQ/053 M/601/3274

Software Testing 2 6 30 CN4/2/NQ/054 J/601/3510

Supporting Organisations with IT 2 10 60 CN4/2/NQ/059 A/601/3391

Systems Architecture 2 6 50 CN4/2/NQ/055 M/601/3503

Telecommunications Principles 2 7 60 CN4/2/NQ/056 J/601/3295

Telecommunications Technology 2 10 60 CN4/2/NQ/057 K/601/3290

Web Fundamentals 2 7 60 CP2/2/NQ/008 R/601/3512

Word Processing Software 2 4 30 CQ1/2/NQ/001 R/502/4628

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QCF level descriptors The level of the units within this qualification has been determined with reference to the level descriptors.

Level 3

Level Summary Knowledge and Understanding

Application and Action

Autonomy and Accountability

3 Achievement at Level 3 reflects the ability to identify and use relevant understanding, methods and skills to complete tasks and address problems that, while well defined, have a measure of complexity. It includes taking responsibility for initiating and completing tasks and procedures as well as exercising autonomy and judgment within limited parameters. It also reflects awareness of different perspectives or approaches within an area of study or work.

Use factual, procedural and theoretical understanding to complete tasks and address problems that, while well defined, may be complex and non- routine.

Interpret and evaluate relevant information and ideas.

Be aware of the nature of the area of study or work.

Have awareness of different perspectives or approaches within the area of study or work.

Address problems that, while well defined, may be complex and non- routine.

Identify, select and use appropriate skills, methods and procedures.

Use appropriate investigation to inform actions.

Review how effective methods and actions have been.

Take responsibility for initiating and completing tasks and procedures, including, where relevant, responsibility for supervising or guiding others.

Exercise autonomy and judgment within limited parameters.

Working in the IT industry 2 5 30 CN4/2/NQ/058 J/601/3202

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Level 2

Level Summary Knowledge and Understanding

Application and Action

Autonomy and Accountability

2 Achievement at Level 2 reflects the ability to select and use relevant knowledge, ideas, skills and procedures to complete well- defined tasks and address straightforward problems. It includes taking responsibility for completing tasks and procedures and exercising autonomy and judgment subject to overall direction or guidance.

Use understanding of facts, procedures and ideas to complete well- defined tasks and address straightforward problems.

Interpret relevant information and ideas.

Be aware of the types of information that are relevant to the area of study or work.

Complete well- defined, generally routine tasks and address straightforward problems.

Select and use relevant skills and procedures.

Identify, gather and use relevant information to inform actions.

Identify how effective actions have been.

Take responsibility for completing tasks and procedures.

Exercise autonomy and judgment subject to overall direction or guidance.

Extracted from ‘Regulatory arrangements for the Qualifications and Credit Framework’, Appendix E, Ofqual, 2008

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6. Assessment

Centres will need to apply The Tech Partnership assessment strategy in order to assess this qualification. The assessment strategy can be downloaded from their website at www.thetechpartnership.com. The qualification requires achievement of the specified units with no further requirements for additional/summative assessment. Achievement is therefore determined by successful completion of unit assessment. The assessment process is as follows:

Assessments are internally set and approved at the Centre by assessors, against therequirements detailed in the assessment criteria of the unit.

The learners are assessed internally at the Centre or workplace, using the assessments set.

The resulting portfolios of assessed evidence are internally quality assured by an InternalQuality Assurer (IQA) at the Centre.

The portfolios of assessed evidence are quality assured either by an Open College NetworkWest Midlands Quality Adviser (QA) or, for Centres with Direct Claims Status, an InternalQuality Assurer (IQA) approved by Open College Network West Midlands.

Assessment methods

When delivering Open College Network West Midlands units and qualifications, Centres may choose from a range of assessment methods. It is important that the most effective and appropriate methods are selected. We therefore strongly advise that all those involved in assessment and internal quality assurance of these qualifications refer to the Open College Network West Midlands Centre Handbook and our Assessment Methods publication. These provide guidance on the range of assessment methods available and the types of evidence appropriate for each. These publications are available on our website, www.opencollnet.org.uk.

It is important when devising assessments to differentiate between the assessment method (what the learner is asked to do) and the evidence (what the learner produces).

When designing any assessment method, tutors or assessors will need to consider the presentation of the assessment task to the learner to make it fair and accessible. Tutors or assessors may also need to consider arrangements for learners with particular learning difficulties and will need to be aware of Open College Network West Midlands’ policy on reasonable adjustments.

All proposed assessment tasks must be checked and confirmed as appropriate, fair, valid and reliable by an appropriately qualified and experienced Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) before being issued to learners.

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7. Offering the qualification

Centres wishing to deliver this qualification will need to demonstrate the ability to deliver them including adherence to quality assurance and assessment regulations.

All procedures for the use of this qualification or units of this qualification, including approval, registration of learners, verification and certification will be completed through Open College Network West Midlands, who will have an identified officer to support your Centre. If you have any queries or difficulties at any time you should contact the Open College Network West Midlands office.

Approval to offer the qualification

If you are an Open College Network West Midlands Recognised Centre and you wish to add this qualification to your curriculum offer please also complete and submit an Open College Network West Midlands New Course Notification Form. This is available to download from our website. The form should be forwarded to Open College Network West Midlands for approval.

If you are not an Open College Network West Midlands Recognised Centre and you wish to offer the qualification, please consider applying for Centre Recognition with us. To start the application process email enquiries@opencollnet.org.uk or telephone 01902 624 239.

For more information visit ‘Becoming a Centre’ on our website.

Standardisation

Standardisation is a process that promotes consistency in the understanding and application of standards.

Standardisation:

establishes statements on the standard of evidence required to meet the assessmentcriteria for the units in Open College Network West Midlands qualifications;

makes recommendations on assessment practice;

produces advice and guidance for the assessment of units;

identifies good practice in assessment.

It is a requirement of the Centre Recognition Process that each Centre offering units from Open College Network West Midlands qualifications must contribute assessment materials and learners’ evidence for standardisation if requested.

Open College Network West Midlands will notify Centres of the required sample for standardisation purposes. Assessment materials, learners’ evidence and tutor feedback will be sent to Open College Network West Midlands by Centres.

Outcomes from standardisation will be available to Centres through Open College Network West Midlands.

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Support for Centres

Open College Network West Midlands provides all of our Centres with on-going support and advice on the use of Open College Network West Midlands units and qualifications, including the requirements for assessment.

If Centres approved to offer Open College Network West Midlands units and qualifications have obtained a UKPRN (UK Provider Reference Number) from the UKRLP (UK Register of Learning Providers), this will be used as the Centre Reference Number. If a Centre has not obtained a UKPRN they will be issued with a unique Open College Network West Midlands Centre Number.

Information about obtaining a Unique Learner Number (ULN) on behalf of the learners is included in the Open College Network West Midlands Centre Handbook.

Centre responsibilities

Each Centre should identify a Centre Contact who will be responsible for Open College Network West Midlands provision within the Centre.

The Centre Contact must ensure all procedures relating to the delivery of the qualification operate effectively in the Centre.

The Centre Contact is the person responsible for confirming and ensuring that the Centre meets all the Open College Network West Midlands requirements for Centre Recognition.

The Centre Contact is responsible for ensuring all relevant Open College Network West Midlands documentation is distributed as required within the Centre and that the security requirements for external assessment are adhered to, where applicable.

The information provided in this qualification guide is accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Open College Network West Midlands will occasionally update qualification information, so please refer to the ‘Open College Network West Midlands Qualifications’ page of our website to view any updates, and the latest versions of our qualification guides.

Open College Network West Midlands Level 3 Extended Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles

V3 11/12/2017

Qualification Numbers

Level 3 Extended Diploma: 601/6891/2

Open College Network West Midlands Aldersley House

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Tel: (01902) 624230 Fax: (01902) 624231

Email: wolverhampton@opencollnet.org.uk Web: www.opencollnet.org.uk

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