Skillsfirst Awards. Functional Skills Handbook Information, Communication and Technology Level 1 & 2 FSI01 FSI02

Transcription

1 Skillsfirst Awards Functional Skills Handbook Information, Communication and Technology Level 1 & 2 FSI01 FSI02 Suite 215 Fort Dunlop Fort Parkway Birmingham B24 9FD

2 Qualification Codes: The learner is required to complete a single mandatory unit: Qualification Title Skillsfirst Functional Skills Qualification in Information Communication Technology at Level 1 Skillsfirst Functional Skills Qualification in Information Communication Technology at Level 2 Ofqual Code 501/1438/4 501/1314/8

3 Contents 1.0 About Skillsfirst Introduction to the Qualification Accreditation and Industry Support for these Qualifications Achievement of the Qualifications Qualification Delivery Qualification Support Materials Funding for these Qualifications Qualification Structures Centre and Qualification Approval Qualification Details General Details for Information and Communication Technology Standards for the ICT Level 1 with Assessment Weightings Standards for the ICT Level 2 with Assessment Weightings Pass mark Resources required for the ICT assessment Preparing for the ICT examination Downloading Data Files Internet Access Printing Learner Registration Procedures Conduct of the exams Learner Certification Procedures Re-sits Access to Functional Skills ICT Centre Malpractice Guidance Appeals Procedure Profiles & Requirements Trainers Learners Age Restrictions Physical Resources Assessment General Summary of the ICT Level 1 and Level 2 Functional Skills Qualifications Quality Assurance of the Assessment Process Appendix 1: Learner Registration & Certification

4 1.0 About SkillsfirstSkillsfirst Skillsfirst Awards is an awarding organisation specialising in the provision of vocational qualifications across a range of occupational areas. Skillsfirst Awards recognises the need for industry to have fully trained and qualified staff reliably qualified to recognised industry standards.. This document is copyright but can be copied by any of our recognised centres for the purpose of assessing learners and may also be copied by learners for their own use. 3

5 2.0 Introduction to the Qualification What is this qualification? Functional skills are central to the government s reform of and adult education, and the measure that the government is taking to equip the UK with the skills it needs for the 21 st century. Functional skills will help develop important skills like communication, team working, presentation, and problem solving. They are a key to success. They open doors to learning, to life and to work. They are a platform on which to build employability skills and the gateway to future well-being and prosperity. We all need them they make a difference to our lives. Without them we are less likely to succeed. Functional skills are common to all our lives. They help make sense of daily life, from working out which deal is best value, to writing an application letter or getting the best out of a computer software package. They are about using English, mathematics and ICT in everyday situations. They are essential for: getting the most from education and training personal development of all young people and adults developing employability skills tackling England s skills gap They are transferable skills that are valued by employers and by further and higher education institutions, and that provide a base from which individuals can develop other employability skills. They are available as freestanding qualifications that can be taken by both young people and adults at Entry levels 1, 2 and 3, as well as level 1 and level 2. From September 2010, Functional Skills in English, mathematics and information communication technology (ICT) will replace the equivalent Key Skills qualifications. But for those who are being registered on an Apprenticeship frameworks on or after 1 st September 2010 they can still register on the equivalent Key Skills qualification(s) until the end of March Functional Skills qualifications and assessment have been designed to be inclusive and to minimise any later need to make reasonable adjustments or exemptions. Functional Skills qualifications and assessment materials anticipate the needs of all learners (see Appendix 2 for further detail). Who is this qualification for? Individuals who are in one of four qualification routes for yearolds: GCSEs, Apprenticeships, Diplomas, and Foundation Learning The lower level Functional Skills qualifications are also suitable for people wishing to progress towards their higher level Functional Skills qualification. 4

6 What do these qualification cover? Competence in in Functional Skills ICT it is broadly about being able to: identify the ICT requirements, use ICT systems to carry out tasks manage information storage, demonstrate how to minimise the risk of computer viruses, use search techniques to locate relevant information, select appropriate information for the task in hand, enter, develop and refine information using appropriate software, use data handling software, use communications software, combine and present information that are fit for purpose and the audience, evaluate the use and the selection of the ICT tools and facilities used. 5

7 2.01 Accreditation and Industry Support for these Qualifications This qualification: Is accredited by OFQUAL. Will be a requirement of Apprenticeship Frameworks Will be recognised by employers who require employees to have the competences contained within the Functional Skills 2.02 Achievement of the Qualifications The qualifications in this Handbook are gained when the component(s) shown in the structure are achieved. (This is a Pass or Fail qualification it is not graded.) The centre will then be able to apply for the learner s certificate(s) Qualification Delivery The time taken to complete the Functional Skills qualifications will vary significantly between learners depending on their previous experiences, interests and their exposure to work related activities. Programmes of learning should take factors such as this into account. Embedding the Functional Skills into other programmes of study, i.e. knowledge and or practical based qualifications, is seen as being extremely beneficial. Taking all this in to account the delivery will vary considerably between those who are in full time education and training to those who are only part time. During the delivery, it is important to maximise the association with real life situations as the assessments will be based on real life scenarios Qualification Support Materials The following material is available for this qualification: Skillsfirst Functional Skills Check Sheets for ICT at levels 1 and 2 are available on the Skillsfirst website under Functional Skills. After conducting the initial assessment, these tracking documents would be completed to show what the learner can do and what they also have to be able to do. They have been designed to assist the delivery staff as well as learners to identify areas in the standards that they are competent in and those in which they need further practice. It is also used to show how the learner is progressing when they are working with other tutors and/or supervisors. Skillsfirst have also provided this Qualification Handbook for centre staff which: sets out the requirements for Centres and contains all necessary documentation and also contains helpful teaching and delivery advice. The Qualification Handbook should also be read in conjunction with the Centre Handbook (both documents can be accessed from the Skillsfirst website I am an accredited Skillsfirst Centre)...Other information is available from: The Functional Skills Support Programme is available to all schools and post-16 education and training centres. Post-16 support covers colleges, sixth-form colleges and independent 6

8 training organisations, as well as the secure estate and adult and community settings. For more information about the programme and for contact information, visit The National STEM Centre web site is an Aladdin s cave of materials, videos, case studies for use with learners (from age 5 to mature students) to teach about the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). The site has been structured so that anyone can filter down to the subject in which they have an interest, and for the particular age group etc., visit Axis Education has created books for secondary and adult learners to provide basic mathematics in real life applications. This resource material can be photocopied to assist learners to improve their skills. Visit: for further information Guroo Ltd produces learning materials around a series of real life problem solving tasks and challenges. Visit for further details A privately owned website run by a practitioner has many Functional Skills based resources Funding for these Qualifications The following body will be able to assist you with your funding queries. Skills Funding Agency. Cheylesmore House Quinton Road Coventry CV1 2WT Also, search the Learning Aims Database (LAD), for the qualification code given on the front page of this Handbook ; this will give an indication of the funding status. 7

9 3.0 Qualification Structures These qualifications can be obtained by the learner completing the single mandatory unit. Skillsfirst Functional Skills qualification in ICT at level 1 Mandatory Unit: The learner is required to complete a single mandatory unit: Skillsfirst Unit Code Unit Title Guided Learning Hours SKI3269 Functional Skills ICT Level 1 45 Skillsfirst Functional Skills qualification in ICT at level 2 Mandatory Unit: The learner is required to complete a single mandatory unit: Skillsfirst Unit Code Unit Title Guided Learning Hours SKI3270 Functional Skills ICT Level 2 45 Note: If it is thought that special considerations apply, refer to the Skillsfirst Reasonable adjustments and special considerations in Functional Skills policy ( contained in the appendix to Skillsfirst Reasonable Adjustments and special considerations policy) available on the Skillsfirst website 8

10 4.0 Centre and Qualification Approval Centres wishing to run the qualification will need to comply with this Qualification Handbook and Skillsfirst s centre approval criteria To effectively deliver these qualifications, centres must ensure that the appropriate administrative systems and, physical and human resources are put in place. If you are an existing Skillsfirst centre and want to add Functional Skills to your approved qualifications: - Visit our website - Log in using your unique username and password at the top of the home page, if you do not have one, please customerservices@skillsfirst.co.uk - Select the qualification approval form, complete and submit - There is no charge for qualification approval If you are not an existing Skillsfirst centre and wish to register your interest in becoming an accredited centre: - Visit our website - Select I want to become an accredited Skillsfirst centre - Select start your application, complete the centre recognition application form and submit - There is no charge for centre recognition If you require any support, please contact the Skillsfirst customer services team who will be delighted to support you on or customerservices@skillsfirst.co.uk 9

11 5.0 Qualification Details The Skillsfirst Functional Skills qualification in Information and Communication Technology at Level 1 and Level 2 are single unit qualifications with assessment which focuses on the three interrelated skill areas identified in the skills standards. These are: Using ICT Finding and selecting information Developing, presenting and communicating information 5.01 General Details for Information and Communication Technology The full standards are reproduced below: Note: It is important to note the weightings in the right hand column as this reflects the marks provided in the assignments. 10

12 5.02 Standards for the ICT Level 1 with Assessment Weightings Skill standards Using ICT systems Identify the ICT requirements of a straightforward task Interact with and use ICT systems to meet requirements of a straightforward task Coverage and range (indicative) Use ICT to plan and organise work Select and use software applications to meet needs and solve straightforward problems Select and use interface features effectively to meet needs Adjust system settings as appropriate to individual needs Assessment weighting 20 30% Manage information storage Work with files, folders and other media to access, organise, store, label and retrieve information Follow and demonstrate understanding of the need for safety and security procedures Demonstrate how to create, use and maintain secure passwords Demonstrate how to minimize the risk of computer viruses Finding and selecting information Use search techniques to locate and select relevant information Select information from a variety of ICT sources for a straightforward task Search engines, queries Recognise and take account of currency, relevance, bias and copyright when selecting and using information 10 20% 11

13 Skill standards Developing presenting and communicating information Enter, develop and refine information using appropriate software to meet the requirements of straightforward tasks Use appropriate software to meet requirements of straightforward data-handling tasks Coverage and range (indicative) Apply editing, formatting and layout techniques to meet needs, including text, tables, graphics, records, numbers, charts, graphs or other digital content Process numerical data Display numerical data in a graphical format Use field names and data types to organise information Enter, search, sort and edit records Assessment weighting 50 70% Use communications software to meet requirements of a straightforward task Read, send and receive electronic messages with attachments Demonstrate understanding of the need to stay safe and to respect others when using ICT-based communication Combine information within a publication for a familiar audience and purpose For print and for viewing on-screen Evaluate own use of ICT tools Check for accuracy and meaning At each stage of a task and at the task s completion 12

14 Note: It is important to note the weightings in the right hand column as this reflects the marks provided in the assignments. 13

15 5.03 Standards for the ICT Level 2 with Assessment Weightings Skill standards Using ICT systems Plan solutions to complex tasks by analysing the necessary stages Coverage and range (indicative) Use ICT to plan and analyse complex or multi-step tasks and activities and to make decisions about suitable approaches Assessment weighting Select, interact with and use ICT systems safely and securely for a complex task in non-routine and unfamiliar contexts Select and use software applications to meet needs and solve complex problems Select and use a range of interface features and system facilities effectively to meet needs Select and adjust system settings a appropriate to individual needs Respond to ICT problems and take appropriate action Understand the danger of computer viruses and how to minimize risk 20 30% Manage information storage to enable efficient retrieval Manage files, folders and other media storage to enable efficient information retrieval Finding and selecting information Use appropriate search techniques to locate and select relevant information Select information from a variety of sources to meet requirements of a complex task Search engines, queries and AND / NOT / OR, >, <, >=, <=, contains, begins wit, use of wild cards Recognise and take account of copyright and other constraints on the use of information Evaluate fitness for purpose of information %

16 Skill standards Developing presenting and communicating information Enter, develop and refine information using appropriate software to meet the requirements of a complex task Coverage and range (indicative) Apply a range of editing, formatting and layout techniques to meet needs, including text, tables, graphics, records, numerical data, charts, graphs or other digital content Assessment weighting Use appropriate software to meet requirements of a complex data-handling task Process and analyse numerical data Display numerical data in appropriate graphical format Use appropriate field names and data types to organise information Analyse and draw conclusions from a data set by searching, sorting and editing records 50 70% Use communications software to meet requirements of a complex task Combine and present information in ways that are fit for purpose and audience Evaluate the selection, use and effectiveness of ICT tools and facilities used to present information Organise electronic messages, attachments and contacts Use collaborative tools appropriately Understand the need to stay safe and to respect others when using ICT-based communication Organise and integrate information of different types to achieve a purpose, using accepted layouts and conventions as appropriate Work accurately and check accuracy, using software facilities where appropriate At each stage of a task and at the task s completion 15

17 Note: It is important to note the weightings in the right hand column as this reflects the marks provided in the assignments Pass mark At levels 1 and 2, the pass score is normally set at around 60% of available marks. The 60% of available marks must be achieved over the paper as a whole, therefore knowledge, understanding and process skills are sampled across the range of indicative content. There is no requirement to achieve 60% of available marks within a particular skill standard outcome in order to achieve a pass overall Resources required for the ICT assessment. There are two parts to the ICT assessment. The resources required for Section A and Section B are: Section A: a computer, software, access to the internet a blank memory stick of at least 2MB or other suitable portable storage device Section B: a computer, software, a blank memory stick of at least 2MB or other suitable portable storage device access to data files supplied by Skillsfirst Note: During Section B NO access to the internet is permitted 5.06 Preparing for the ICT examination Centres will receive copies of ICT examination papers between 7 and 10 working days prior to the scheduled examination window. Following Skillsfirst Instructions for Conducting Functional Skills Examinations, papers must be held securely and may not be opened until the start of the examination. Learners will need to be supplied with memory sticks or the equivalent portable memory device for the duration of the examination. These should be clearly marked for identification purposes and should be securely stored for a period of no less than 6 months, in the event that they may be required to be sent to Skillsfirst as part of any subsequent appeal process Downloading Data Files There will be separate, named data files allocated to each examination window. The data files for each window will be printed on the front of each examination paper. The names of the data files will be displayed in a clear window on the front of the examination packet. Data files can be downloaded from the Skillsfirst website and will be available for download 7 to 10 working days before the examination window. 16

18 5.08 Internet Access The examination for Functional Skills ICT will consist of two sections Section A and Section B. Section A Learners will require Internet and access for 30 minutes only. Learners will not require access to the data files for Section A. Learners are required to save all work for Section A onto a memory pen. At the end of Section A, invigilators will collect in all Section A papers and memory pens. Learners are allowed a 10 minute break under supervision. They must log out of their computers to prevent further access to the Internet. Learners may leave their workstation to move around the room. They must not converse with other learners. Section B Learners are NOT allowed access to the Internet during Section B. The data files ARE required to be made available to learners during Section B Printing Printing may be carried out after the end of the examination, under supervised conditions. Learner s names must be clearly shown on all work before it is sent to the printer. IMPORTANT NOTE: Printed work submitted without learner s name will not be marked Learner Registration Procedures In order to enter learners for any of the Functional Skills examinations, Centre staff are required to register learners with Skillsfirst in accordance with the registration instructions as contained within REG (Registration/certification Electronic Gateway) Guidance notes for Centres which are available on the Skillsfirst website. Functional Skills exams are delivered in set windows for details of these windows consult with the Skillsfirst Exams Calendar located in the Functional Skills qualification pages of the the Skillsfirst website. Centres will need to enter learners by the booking deadline see the exams calendar for details. Learners need to be registered at least 24 hours before wishing to take the exam(s) Conduct of the exams The Head of Centre is responsible to Skillsfirst for making sure that exams are conducted according to the procedures and instructions provided here, and any additional instructions that apply to specific exams. The procedures are not intended to be onerous, but to ensure that the exam is undertaken in a fair way for each learner with no undue advantage or disadvantage. If a situation arises which is not covered by these procedures, the advice of Skillsfirst should be sought. These procedures are contained within: Skillsfirst Instructions for Conducting Functional Skills Examinations 17

19 and refer to the conduct of exams for all appropriate Skillsfirst qualifications whether paper based or onscreen. Where an exam is conducted onscreen, the Head of Centre is responsible for ensuring that Skillsfirst requirements for downloading software and exam materials are met, and that all technical requirements are met. Some technical requirements have to be met in advance of the exam. All correspondence relating to the exams should be sent directly to Skillsfirst. Awards You are warned that any breach of these procedures can constitute malpractice and may be investigated accordingly. These procedures cover: preparation for the Exam at the Beginning of the Exam starting the Exam during the Exam at the End of the Exam after the Exam Learner certification procedures Functional Skills are free standing qualifications so each subject will be certificated separately, even if part of a Diploma award. Standard certification procedures apply. Where performance is sufficient to meet the Level requirements, a pass certificate is awarded. Certificates are titled by skill and Level achieved, for example: Functional Skills qualification in Information and Communication Technology at Level 1 The Functional Skills equivalences and confirmed points allocation for the achievement and attainment tables for Functional Skills qualifications are as follows: Level 1 = 12.5 points (equivalent to Skills for Life (adult literacy and numeracy at Level1; Key Skills at Level 1; GCSE at grades D G and NVQ Level 1). Level 2 = 23 points (equivalent to Skills for Life (adult literacy and numeracy at Level 2; Key Skills at Level 2; GCSE at grades A* - C and NVQ Level 2) The points for Levels 1 and 2 are in addition to points allocated for other qualifications such as GCSEs and Diplomas 5.13 Re-sits There are no limits on the number of times a learner may re-sit the assessment, no learner will sit the same exam version more than once. However, it is strongly recommended that a learner receives proper tuition and preparation before any re-sit. There will be a charge for each re-sit 18

20 5.14 Access to Functional Skills ICT In line with the guidance provided by the QCDA inclusion sheets for Functional Skills, learners can have access to all forms of equipment, software and assistance that constitute their normal way of working. However, these must not affect the reliability or validity of assessment outcomes or give the learner an assessment advantage over other learners undertaking the same or similar assessments. For full details see Skillsfirst publication: Skillsfirst Reasonable adjustments and special considerations in Functional Skills policy ( contained in the appendix to Skillsfirst Reasonable Adjustments and special considerations policy) available on the Skillsfirst website Centre Malpractice Guidance Malpractice guidance is outlined in the Skillsfirst Malpractice policy available on the Skillsfirst website 5.16 Appeals Procedure The Appeals procedure is outlined in the Enquiries and Appeals in Functional Skills qualifications policy available in the document Skillsfirst Instructions for Conducting Functional Skills Examinations available on the Skillsfirst website 19

21 6.0 Profiles & Requirements The Skillsfirst Centre Handbook must be followed along with this section Trainers Trainers must: have 2 years experience in teaching/training Or are working towards an appropriate teaching/training qualification (e.g. Cert Ed or Learning & Development trainer units) Or hold an appropriate teaching/training qualification (e.g. Cert Ed or Learning & Development trainer units) have knowledge and experience in the subject being taught to be able to judge the learner s performance against the Functional Skills Standards and to be able to justify their teaching practices as a minimum hold the same level of the qualification being taught but preferably hold a higher level Learners There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification. Centres should ensure that learners have the potential to achieve the qualification undertaken Age Restrictions There are no age limits for the learner. 20

22 6.04 Physical Resources In order to undertake on the ICT assessments the minimum computing requirements are: Hardware The minimum hardware requirements are: 1.7GHz CPU or higher 256 MB of memory (512 MB recommended) Graphics card and monitor capable of displaying 1024x768 resolution or higher 100 MB of free hard disk space 32Mb of video memory Two button Optical scroll mouse 16-bit soundcard Headphones with adjustable volume Graphics card and monitor capable of displaying 1024x768 resolution or higher. Screens fast refresh rate flicker free Printer able to cope with the printing demands of the learners (all printing to be completed within 2 hours of end of exam). Software The minimum software requirements/prerequisites are: Windows 2000 (Service Pack 4 or later), Windows XP (Service Pack 2 or later) or Windows Vista Microsoft.NET Framework 2.0 Adobe Flash Player Version 10 Internet Explorer Version 7 Word processing software Spreadsheet software Data base software Presentation software Communications software Bandwidth The minimum bandwidth requirement is: Bandwidth to the server of 512Kbps or higher 21

23 7.0 Assessment 7.01 General Skillsfirst offers a highly flexible assessment model for Functional Skills. The table on the next page provides an at a glance view of the salient points of the qualifications. Assessments will be available on-demand (24 hours a day) initially within regular four week exam windows with no more than two weeks of down-time between windows to allow for marking and quality procedures. For full details of the scheduling of the assessments visit the Skillsfirst website for up to date details The windows will allow flexible scheduling for learners and employers, with results normally returned within three weeks after an exam window is closed. Subject to Ofqual approval of full-time on-demand provision, Skillsfirst intends to work towards providing on-demand exams 365 days a year. It is important to recognise that the style of the assessments for Functional Skills ICT requires that candidates use problem solving techniques to arrive at their own solutions to particular problems. They must also show all workings out to gain the maximum possible marks. It is essential therefore, that candidates are properly prepared for this type of examination and that they make full use of the time available in the examination to complete their responses. Sample assessment material for ICT is available to download from the Skillsfirst Website. 22

24 7.02 Summary of the Skillsfirst ICT Level 1 and Level 2 Functional Skills Qualifications Subject Level Total Number of Tasks Total Length of Papers Type of Paper Open/Closed Mix Divided into Sections? Total Number of Marks Comments ICT Externally Set and Marked >80% Open Yes Paper A - 30minutes on-line using the internet. Paper B - 1 hour 30 minutes off line. ICT Externally Set and Marked >80% Open Yes Paper A - 30minutes on-line using the internet. Paper B - 1 hour 30 minutes off line.

25 7.03 Quality Assurance of the Assessment Process One of the tasks that the Chief Examiners and their teams will be undertaking when marking scripts is to identify any anomalies in papers submitted. This will include collusion between learners and unacceptable guidance provided by centres. The English Chief Examiner is responsible for carrying out checks on the FS ICT qualification.

26 Appendix 1: Learner Registration & Certification Learners must be registered with Skillsfirst on a code which relates the qualification -this must be completed prior to assessment. Both learner registration and certification can be completed on line in REG (Registrations Electronic Gateway) within Skillsfirst website To Register the Learner on the chosen qualification: Qualification Title Skillsfirst Code Skillsfirst Functional Skills in Information Communication in Technology at Level 1 FSI01 Skillsfirst Functional Skills in Information Communication in Technology at Level 2 FSI Skillsfirst Awards Limited All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Skillsfirst Awards Limited Requests should be made in writing and addressed to: Skillsfirst Awards Suite 215 Fort Dunlop Fort Parkway Birmingham B24 9FD