Cambridge Nationals in Creative iMedia are media sector-focused, including, web development, graphics and multimedia products and have IT at their heart. They provide knowledge in a number of key areas in this field from pre-production skills to web development and have a motivating, hands-on approach to both teaching and learning. Cambridge Nationals deliver skills across the whole range of learning styles and abilities, effectively engaging and inspiring all students to achieve great things.

The students complete four units:-
R081 Pre-Production Skills (Exam), R082 Digital Graphics, R085 Multipage Website and R087 Interactive Multimedia Product

Students follow the 'BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in IT' which is designed to provide a highly specialist work-related qualification for a range of vocational sectors. It provides the learner with knowledge, understanding and skills that they need to prepare for employment. It offers an engaging programme for those who are clear about the area of employment that they wish to enter.

The course attracts UCAS points that equate to similar-sized general qualifications and is broadly equivalent to one GCE A Level. The Extended Certificate consists of four units: -

Unit 1 Information Systems, (External examination), Unit 2 Database (External Assessment), Unit 3 Social Media in Business (coursework) and Unit 6 Website development (Coursework).

 A level Computing

This qualification gives students an advanced knowledge in computing, including an understanding of computer systems, the principles of programming and problem-solving. 

Students can develop:-

• Capacity to think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
  An understanding of the organisation of computer systems
  The ability to apply skills, knowledge and understanding of computing, including programming, in a range of contexts to solve problems
  The capacity to see relationships between different aspects of the subject
  An understanding of the consequences of using computer, an awareness of emerging technologies and an appreciation of their potential impact on society.
  
  The programming languages studied in Year 12 will be Javascript, Assembly Language, SQL and HTML 5. The Year 13 Project can be created in Python, C languages, Java, Visual Basic, PHP or Delphi

This carefully planned course gives students a real, in-depth understanding of how computer technology works. It offers an insight into what goes on 'behind the scenes' including computer programming. 

• Students can develop their understanding of current and emerging technologies and how they work
  They look at the use of algorithms in computer programs
  Acquire and apply creative and technical skills, knowledge and understanding of IT in a range of contexts
  Develop computer programs to solve problems
  Evaluate the effectiveness of computer programs/solutions and the impact of computer technology in society.
  
  This course prepares the students for A level Computing/Computer Science, which we also deliver at Dysons.

Students at KS3 complete a variety of mini projects covering a number of topics handpicked from the Computer Science and IT curriculum as well as some cross curricular skills being taught. We also cover e-safety and specific legalities linked to the world of technology and IT.

YR7:
Using Computers Safely; effectively and responsibly; Scratch; Understanding Computers, Office Skills and Database

YR8:
Hardware; Python programming; Office Skills, Web creation; Communications and Networks

R9:
Computer Crime and Cyber Security, Python the next steps, Graphics, Animation, Data and Data Representation

The work is accessible via the schools VLE. Students will be able to access, download and upload their work, which is marked online.  

This course prepares them to meet deadlines, act upon targets and become more independent learners. Students have an excellent foundation for the next step at KS4 and will have skills that can be applied cross-curricular.

"A high quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world."
Excellent progression for GCSE Computer Science and KS4 IT.Department for Education, 2013