Andrew Hill: Key Skills

What is the Portfolio like and what will I have to do?

In order to pass the portfolio part of your Key Skill you have to build up evidence that proves that you have acquired and developed your Key ICT skills. What are these key skills that you need to build evidence up for? Well the things that you have to do varies according to the level that you are doing. In Level 1 you have to cover the things in 2 sections known as IT1.1 and IT1.2. In level 2 you have to provide evidence covering 3 sections, IT2.1, IT2.2, IT2.3. Read the table below that shows you what these sections are asking for. You will see that the differences between the two levels are limited. What differences there are are highlighted in red

Level 1	Level 2
	IT2.1 Search for and select information for two different purposes Evidence must show you can identify the information you need and suitable sources; carry out effective searches; and select information that is relevant to your purpose.
IT1.1 Find, explore and develop information for two different purposes Evidence must show you can find and select relevant information; enter and bring in information, using formats that help development; and explore and develop information to meet your purpose.	IT2.2 Explore and develop information, and derive new information, for two different purposes Evidence must show you can enter and bring together information using formats that help development; explore information as needed for your purpose; and develop information and derive new information as appropriate.
IT1.2 Present information for two different purposes. Your work must include at least one example of text, one example of images and one example of numbers. Evidence must show you can use appropriate layouts for presenting information in a consistent way; develop the presentation so it is accurate, clear and meets your purpose; and save information so it can be found easily.	IT2.3 Present combined information for two different purposes. Your work must include at least one example of text, one example of images and one example of numbers. Evidence must show you can select and use appropriate layouts for presenting combined information in a consistent way; develop the presentation to suit your purpose and the types of information; and ensure your work is accurate, clear and saved appropriately.

How will I collect this evidence?

To help you collect this evidence and meet all of the criteria to the correct standard you will be doing assignments during your course. These assignments will ask you to research and produce information on a set subject. You will be given a checklist to help you measure your own progress so that you don't get behind.

In addition to the evidence you create in your ICT lessons , you can also use any evidence of your ICT skills that you created in other subject areas. For example you might have been using spreadsheets and creating graphs and interpreting the information in a maths lesson. You need to collect this additional evidence together and let your tutor have a look at it.

Will I have enough Skills to do it?

You will have only a few weeks to complete your assignments which will mean that you have to keep moving at a good pace to complete them. To help you complete the assignments there will be specific skill sessions in the lesson that teach you (or remind you) of the key things that you need to know in order to use the piece of software that you are using at the time effectively. So don't worry about it, you will always have help and guidance if you need it