Key Skills Course at Key Stage 4

Information for students.

I.T. is one of the most important developments of our age and plays an increasingly important part in all our lives.

At Waltheof you have been taught to use I.T. as a tool across the whole range of subjects and you have picked up a lot of skills and knowledge - a lot of which you are probably not aware. Some of you have a PC at home and may also have access to the internet - which means you are learning more and more about I.T. and how it is used.

The National Curriculum requires all schools to teach about using I.T. during years 10 and 11. What we have decided to do at Waltheof is to build upon the skills and knowledge you have already to enable you to get a recognised I.T. qualification.

The Qualification.

We have decided that the best way for most students to get such a qualification is through the new "Key Skills" course. The Key Skills qualification is available at levels 1,2 and 3. Level 1 is equivalent to grades D to G at GCSE, level 2 is equivalent to grades A*to C at GCSE and level 3 is equivalent to an AS level pass. For example, if you achieve a level 1 pass at Key Skills this would count as the equivalent to a GCSE pass and would appear as such in both your own and the school's exam statistics. In addition, Key Skills passes at level 2 and above are counted towards your UCAS points for university entrance.

You will be aiming for at least a level 1 qualification in ICT Key Skills.

What is involved?

The Key Skills assessment is based on two things: test and portfolio.
You will have an online test for levels 1 and 2.
The portfolio will consist of at least 2 pieces of practical work involving the use of the main applications programmes such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases and graphics.
In order to pass at any level, you must pass the test at that level AND produce a portfolio of work which meets the criteria for that level. There are no grades within the levels: you either pass or you don't

How will you be prepared for the assessment?

You will have one taught I.T. lesson per week all the way through years 10 and 11. These lessons will be practical in nature and any theory involved will be taught through a practical activity. You will have a series of assignments designed to raise your skill level and others which will allow you to demonstrate the skills you have. All of these assignments will be set in a context, which should make them more interesting for you.

Additional Information.

Additional information can be obtained from the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) web site.