Remote learning resources for Cambridge Nationals, Information Technologies and Creative iMedia

Hints and tips - 3 minute read

Vinay Thawait – Subject Advisor, Computer Science, IT and iMedia

If you are looking for ideas to keep your students engaged and motivated while schools are closed, I’ve shared some useful resources that I would use as a teacher to help my students to study independently.

Ofqual has recently published awarding grades for vocational and technical qualifications (VTQs) this summer. This includes some of our most popular qualifications, our Cambridge Nationals and Cambridge Technicals.

So what resources are available?

Information Technologies

• Exemplar candidate work for Unit R012 taken from June 2018 exam series.
• Candidate sample work and mark scheme exemplification for Unit R013 taken from June 2018 exam series.
• Skills grid - this guide aims to help teachers and students identify the breadth and depth of skills needed for the two execution phases of unit R013.
• YouTube video on Unit R013 - Unboxing your assignment. The Principal Moderator for R013 gives advice to teachers on how to prepare candidates for the moderated unit.
• Coronavirus students support - COVID-19 is a fast-moving issue, so to help we’ve published answers to your FAQs.
• Facebook group – join and connect with other teachers from across the country for remote lesson ideas or resources to use as you feel appropriate.
• G Suite for Education - Google has set up a support page info and tools to help teachers #TeachFromHome that includes:
  • Teaching with video calls
  • Teaching without video call
  • Making lessons accessible
  • Keeping students engaged
  • Keeping in touch with other teachers.

Creative iMedia

• Support for moderated units (R082-R092) - prepare your learners for success using a range of videos, including student guide to referencing
• Download referencing poster
• Delivery Guide Unit R081 – pre-production skills
• Teaching activities for all units
• Question papers with mark schemes for R081 – 2014 to 2019
• Facebook group (not owned by OCR but managed by teachers) liaise with other teachers from across the country for remote lessons ideas and resources to use as you feel appropriate
• G Suite for Education – also offers information for iMedia.

In summary

We will, of course, be providing more guidance in the future to support you.

Keeping up to date can feel daunting – but by taking steps early you can be confident that you will be on top of your planning and preparation for now and September 2020.

Stay connected

Have we missed any resources you think might be useful for teachers and students? Let us know in the comments below along with any questions you may have.

Email us at vocational.qualifications@ocr.org.uk, call us on 01223 553998 or tweet @OCR_ICT and @OCR_Vocational.

You can also sign up to receive email updates about resources and support.

About the author

Vinay Thawait - Subject Advisor - Computer Science, IT and iMedia

Vinay joined OCR in July 2014 to support the GQ reform and development of the AS and A Level Computer Science qualifications. Involved in the development of the reformed GCSE (9-1) Computer Science (J276 and J277) and Entry Level Computer Science (R354). Before joining OCR, Vinay spent 20 years in IT and Computer Science teaching and leadership roles, working for several schools as well as local authorities. He was the National Bid Lead for the Building School for the Future initiative (BSF) within Capita IT, and also the Head of Operations for an audio visual educational software development company. Vinay has a degree, three post-graduate masters and NPQH from the Warwick, Coventry and Nottingham Universities.