OCR Nationals are vocationally related qualifications which were officially launched by the OCR Board in September 2004. The qualifications are designed to meet the needs of those seeking vocational education in place of the traditional, theory-intensive, academic route. Although the target audience are teenagers (14-19), the qualifications are also suitable for adult learners, much like the GNVQ. The OCR Nationals are being phased out, and replaced by the Cambridge Nationals.
OCR Nationals are available at Levels 1, 2 and 3, and are perceived to be a viable alternative to the withdrawn GNVQs.
They are available in the following subject areas:
BusinessDesignHealth & Social careInformation TechnologyLeisure/Travel & TourismMediaPublic ServicesScienceSportThe OCR Level 2 Nationals in ICT have been developed to recognise learners' skills, knowledge and understanding of Information and Communication Technology functions, environments and operations.
The learners carry out a range of tasks that have been designed to recognise their achievements in a modern, practical way that is relevant to the workplace.
They do not certificate competence on the job but are work-related qualifications which will support progression to an NVQ once a candidate is in the workplace. Specification aims
These qualifications specifically aim to:
Develop learner's knowledge and understanding of the Information and Communication Technology sectorDevelop learner's skills, knowledge and understanding in contexts that are directly relevant to employment situations, thereby enhancing their employability within the Information and Communication Technology sectorDevelop learner's ability to work autonomously and effectively in an Information and Communication Technology contextEnable learners to develop knowledge and understanding in specialist areas of Information and Communication Technology, and demonstrate the skills needed to participate in the operation and development of ICT specific or ICT non-specific business organisationsEncourage progression by assisting in the development of skills, knowledge and understanding that learners will need to access further or higher education programmes or occupational training on a full-time or part-time basisEncourage progression by assisting in the development of skills, knowledge and understanding that learners will need to enter employment or enhance their current employment statusPromote interaction between employers, centres and learners by relating teaching and assessment to real organisations.All units are centre-assessed and externally moderated by OCR. There are no timetabled exams for this qualification; candidates may complete units at a time that suits the centre. The full award and units from this qualification are graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction.
The units are split into three sections A,B and C.
A=1 B=2-18 C=19-23
There are other ways to do it for example 2 fewer units from the C and one extra from B.
Mandatory
Unit 1 ICT skills for businessUnit 2 Webpage creationUnit 3 Digital imaging - plan and produce computer graphicsUnit 4 Design and produce multimedia productsUnit 5 Desktop publishingUnit 6 Spreadsheets - design and useUnit 7 Databases - design and useUnit 8 Technological innovation and e-commerceUnit 9 Customer supportUnit 10 Planning and supporting telecommunicationsUnit 11 Career planning for ITUnit 12 Work experience in ITUnit 13 IT systems and user needsUnit 14 Installation of applicationsUnit 15 System testing and maintenanceUnit 16 Repair and decommission of IT equipmentUnit 17 CAD and CAMUnit 18 Application of computer controlUnit 19 Application of data loggingUnit 20 Creating animation for the WWW using ICTUnit 21 Creating computer graphicsUnit 22 Creating sound using ICTUnit 23 Creating videoSource: OCR
Qualifications
