Post 16 Curriculum
Computing
Computing at Post 16: Educating Tomorrow’s Tech Professionals
From artificial intelligence and cyber security to software development and data analytics, computing is shaping the future of our world. At UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, our Post 16 Computing pathway combines technical learning with industry experience, enabling students to develop the knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours sought by leading employers and universities. Through specialist facilities, employer-led projects and a curriculum designed around the rapidly evolving digital sector, students explore areas such as software development, cyber security, application development, networking and data analytics. Equipped with industry-relevant skills and real-world experience, students are well prepared to progress to competitive university courses, higher and degree apprenticeships, and careers at the forefront of the digital and technology industries.
Computing Pathway
Depending on individual students’ aspirations we offer three different pathways within our Computing specialism, these pathways combine technical learning with academic qualifications to enable our students to go on to the destinations they desire.
| Pure A Level | 3 or 4 A Levels including Computer Science A Level | Work experience and employer engagement related to Computing |
|---|---|---|
| Combined Technical | V Level in Digital Systems and Data | Up to 3 A Levels |
| T Level | T Level in Digital Software Development Equivalent to 3 A Levels and includes a 45 day work placement | |
Course Details
V Level in Digital Systems and Data
Exam Board: OCR
Digital Systems and Data is a Level 3 qualification designed for students who are interested in how digital technologies, systems and data are used to solve problems and support decision-making in organisations. The course develops an understanding of how digital systems function, how data is collected and analysed, and how technology can be used responsibly and effectively to meet user needs. Students build valuable analytical, problem-solving and digital skills while exploring real-world scenarios, making it an excellent foundation for Higher Education, apprenticeships and careers in computing, data, digital technology and related industries.
Topics covered include:
- Preparing, analysing, interpreting and presenting data to support decision-making
- Applying security protocols and identifying cyber security risks and concerns
- Digital systems and technologies
- Data and information management
- Digital solution design
- Responsible, secure and inclusive digital practice
Throughout the course, students develop transferable skills including data analysis, digital problem-solving, communication, critical thinking and decision-making, preparing them for further study and employment in a rapidly evolving digital sector.
Assessment: Assessment is through a combination of examinations and applied project-based assessments, allowing students to demonstrate both their technical knowledge and their ability to apply digital skills in realistic contexts.
Computer Science A Level
Exam Board: OCR
A Level Computer Science is ideal for students who enjoy problem solving, logical thinking and understanding how technology works. Combining theory with practical programming, the course develops the knowledge and skills needed to design, build and evaluate software systems while exploring how computers, networks and data underpin the modern world. Students will learn how algorithms are used to solve complex problems, develop their programming abilities, and gain an understanding of key areas such as cybersecurity, databases and computer systems. The course encourages creativity, independence and technical precision, making it excellent preparation for university and careers in computer science, software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science and games development.
Course components:
- Computer Systems: Explore how computers work, including data representation, software, networks, databases and cybersecurity.
- Algorithms and Programming: Develop your computational thinking and problem-solving skills through the design, analysis and implementation of algorithms, while building your programming skills using a high-level programming language.
- Programming Project: Design, develop and test a software solution to a real-world problem, demonstrating your ability to apply programming skills independently from planning through to evaluation.
Assessment: Assessment is through written examinations and an independent programming project, allowing students to demonstrate both their theoretical understanding and practical programming skills.
Working with Industry
At Post 16, students benefit from engagement with industry, working with leading digital employers and tech professionals through employer-led projects, workplace visits, mentoring programmes and careers events. Students also have opportunities to secure work experience placements, gaining valuable insight into professional computing environments while developing the technical skills, industry knowledge and professional networks needed for university, apprenticeships and future careers in software development, cyber security, data analytics and the wider digital sector.
Destinations & Progression
Our Computing students leave UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park ready to take their next steps with confidence, progressing to leading universities, higher apprenticeships and careers across the digital and technology sectors. Former students have gone on to study Computer Science, Cyber Security, Computer Networks, Software Engineering, Computer Science & Electronics, Computer Science & Robotics and Game Design at institutions including the University of York, the University of Bristol, Sheffield Hallam University and Staffordshire University, while others have secured competitive apprenticeship opportunities within the technology and defence sectors.
Whether you aspire to become a software developer, cyber security specialist, data analyst, network engineer or technology consultant, we’ll support you every step of the way, helping you develop the knowledge, technical skills and industry experience needed to achieve your ambition