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In addition
to learning some good practical skills that you can use in your other
studies, you will also find it useful in
- Any
further educational studies you take ( A Levels, University)
- Later
on in life and at work, and
- It will
improve how you use your computer at home if you are lucky enough
to have one.
- In Addition
to this, if you are successful in passing the Key Skills course you
will be awarded a Qualification that is recognised by universities
and employers as a mark of key skills that they want their students/employees
to bring to their work.
There are
a number of Skill levels in a Key Skill. These are:
- Level
1 - Usually taken at Year 10/11 students and widely taken in schools
in preference to GCSE ICT
- Level
2 - Usually taken at Year 10/11 students and widely taken in schools
in preference to GCSE ICT (This qualification is worth 10 points on
a UCAS application)
- Level
3 -Usually taken at A level as a stepping stone to the skills
that are needed at University
- Level
4 -Usually taken at University as a key skill to help students
achieve good grades in their main degree subject
- Level
5 - Usually taken by graudates taking computer studies as degrees
What do the Levels Mean?
In your
ICT Course you will be either taking a Level 1 or a level 2 Qualifiaction,
depending upon your previous knowledge and skills.
Level
1
If you are unfamiliar with Computers and you need a lot of work on updating
your basic computer skills then this is the place to start.
At level 1 candidates are required to handle simple numerical, textual
and graphical information in the context of short, straightforward activities,
using basic techniques. There is no requirement at level 1 to combine
information, or for candidates to use spreadsheets when manipulating
numerical information – there are many software applications that
manipulate numbers. Candidates should know how to use technology safely,
care for equipment, and avoid losing data. They should also know whom
to turn to if things go wrong.
Level 2
If you already have some knowledge of computers, or you are prepared
to 'push the envelope' then this is the level you should be aiming to
achieve. Most people should be capable of this level, and it's not much
different from Level 1 really.
At level 2 candidates are required to carry out effective searches and
derive new information. They must also present combined information,
such as text with images or numbers, in a consistent way. Activities
require a greater range of techniques, and more steps, than at level
1. Candidates can be expected to be able to enter formulae when using
appropriate software (eg spreadsheet, stock control, accounting) to
generate simple calculations such as totals. They need to know of the
benefits and disadvantages of using IT, the observance of copyright
laws, and health and safety risks. They should be able to spot errors
and their causes and be aware of ways of reducing the risk of viruses
What
Level should I aim for?
Aim for
as high as you can. Remember a Level 2 award gets you 10 points on your
application form to University, and it is also considered to be the
equivalent of a good GCSE pass by employers and Universities so it is
nice to have on your CV. But don't be disappointed if you go for Level
1 as this is an excellent qualification and stepping stone to other
levels. You won't get either award however without being prepared to
do some work. During the early stages of the course you will be taking
a short test of your skills and this together with a discussion that
your tutor with have with you will help set the appropriate level.
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