Internet Safety for IT users — WJEC Vocational Digital Skills & IT

The WJEC Level 1 Award for IT Users (ITQ) is a vocationally-related qualification designed to equip students with essential digital skills for the modern workplace. This course covers a broad range of IT applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, and using the internet safely and effectively. It is ideal for students who want to build a solid foundation in IT, whether for further study or entry-level employment.

The qualification is structured around practical tasks that mirror real-world scenarios, such as creating business documents, managing data, and communicating online. Students are assessed through a portfolio of evidence, demonstrating their ability to use software tools competently and efficiently. The course also emphasises digital literacy, including understanding online safety, copyright, and data protection, which are critical in today's digital age.

Mastering these skills not only prepares students for the WJEC assessment but also provides transferable skills valuable across all subjects and future careers. By the end of the course, students should be confident in using common IT applications to solve problems, present information, and collaborate with others.

• →File management: Organising files and folders logically, using appropriate naming conventions, and understanding file extensions (e.g., .docx, .xlsx, .pptx).
• →Word processing: Formatting text (fonts, sizes, alignment), inserting tables and images, using headers/footers, and applying styles for consistency.
• →Spreadsheets: Entering data, using basic formulas (SUM, AVERAGE, IF), creating charts, and formatting cells (number formats, borders, conditional formatting).
• →Databases: Understanding tables, records, fields, and primary keys; performing simple queries using filters and sorting; creating basic reports.
• →Online safety: Recognising phishing emails, creating strong passwords, understanding privacy settings, and knowing how to report inappropriate content.

• Award credit for correctly identifying at least three distinct internet threats with real-world examples
• Expect clear explanation of two or more protective measures (e.g., privacy settings, secure passwords)
• Look for evidence of creating a strong password and explaining its effectiveness
• Recognize accurate reference to at least one relevant law (e.g., GDPR, Computer Misuse Act)

• 💡Use specific examples when discussing risks, such as a recent phishing scam or data breach
• 💡For safeguarding, link each method to a concrete outcome (e.g., two-factor authentication blocks unauthorized logins)
• 💡Always name relevant legislation—like the Data Protection Act—to strengthen legal responses
• 💡When explaining data security, structure answers around confidentiality, integrity, and availability
• 💡Tip 1: Read each task carefully and identify the specific software features required. For example, if the task says 'create a mail merge', make sure you use the mail merge wizard correctly, not just type addresses manually.
• 💡Tip 2: Save your work frequently and use the 'Save As' function to keep different versions. This helps if you make a mistake and need to revert, and it shows the examiner your working process.
• 💡Tip 3: Check your work against the assessment criteria. Ensure you have included all required elements, such as headers, footers, formulas, or queries. Use the 'Print Preview' to see how your document will look when printed.

• Assuming a padlock icon alone guarantees a website is safe, without checking the URL
• Believing antivirus software eliminates all online risks, ignoring human factors like phishing
• Treating all online information as public by default, neglecting privacy controls
• Confusing legal use of copyrighted material with simply acknowledging the source
• Misconception: 'Saving a file once is enough.' Correction: Always save your work regularly and keep backup copies. Use 'Save As' to create versions or store files in different locations (e.g., cloud and local drive).
• Misconception: 'Formulas in spreadsheets are too hard.' Correction: Start with simple functions like SUM and AVERAGE. Use the formula bar and cell references (e.g., =A1+B1). Practice with small datasets to build confidence.
• Misconception: 'Databases are just like spreadsheets.' Correction: Databases are designed for efficient data storage and retrieval, with relationships between tables. Spreadsheets are better for calculations and analysis. Understand the differences in purpose and structure.

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