Presentation software — WJEC Vocational Digital Skills & IT

The WJEC Level 1 Award for IT Users (ITQ) is a vocationally-related qualification designed to equip students with practical IT skills for the modern workplace. This award covers essential digital competencies, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, and safe internet use. It is ideal for students who want to build a solid foundation in IT without diving into complex programming or advanced theory. The qualification is assessed through a portfolio of evidence, meaning you demonstrate your skills by completing real-world tasks rather than sitting a formal exam.

This topic matters because digital literacy is now a fundamental requirement in almost every career. By mastering the basics of common software applications, you will be better prepared for further study, apprenticeships, or entry-level jobs. The WJEC Level 1 Award also helps you develop transferable skills such as problem-solving, attention to detail, and time management. It fits into the wider subject of Digital Skills & IT by providing a stepping stone to higher-level qualifications like the Level 2 Certificate for IT Users or GCSE Computer Science.

Throughout this course, you will learn how to create professional documents, manage data effectively, and present information clearly. You will also understand how to stay safe online and use IT responsibly. The portfolio-based assessment means you can work at your own pace, with feedback from your teacher to help you improve. By the end of the award, you will have a tangible collection of work that proves your IT capabilities to employers and educators alike.

• →File management: Understanding how to save, organise, and retrieve files using appropriate folder structures and naming conventions.
• →Word processing: Using software like Microsoft Word to create, edit, and format documents, including inserting images, tables, and headers/footers.
• →Spreadsheets: Using Excel to enter data, perform basic calculations (SUM, AVERAGE), and create simple charts to represent information visually.
• →Presentation software: Creating slideshows in PowerPoint that include text, images, and transitions, with a clear structure and consistent design.
• →E-safety: Knowing how to protect personal information, recognise phishing attempts, and use strong passwords to stay secure online.

• Award credit for accurate text entry with minimal spelling and grammatical errors.
• Evidence of consistent use of slide layouts and design themes across all slides.
• Inclusion of at least one image or graphical element, appropriately positioned and sized.
• Demonstration of at least one slide transition or animation applied correctly.
• Printout of slides or handouts formatted according to task requirements (e.g., slides per page).
• Correct use of slide numbering, headers, or footers if specified in the task.
• Preparation of speaker notes for at least one slide to aid presentation delivery.

• 💡Always preview your presentation before submission to confirm all elements display correctly and consistently.
• 💡Use the slide master to set consistent formatting across all slides, saving time and ensuring a unified look.
• 💡Keep slide content concise; use bullet points with short phrases rather than lengthy paragraphs.
• 💡Practice the final presentation with timings to ensure it fits within any given duration limits.
• 💡Back up your presentation file regularly to prevent data loss and ensure you have a recent version to submit.
• 💡Pay close attention to the command words in each task, such as 'create', 'format', 'insert', or 'calculate'. These tell you exactly what you need to do. For example, if a task says 'format the heading as bold and centre-aligned', make sure you do both actions.
• 💡Check your portfolio evidence thoroughly before submitting. Look for spelling mistakes, inconsistent formatting, and missing data. A small error like a misaligned table can lose you marks. Use the spellcheck tool and preview your work as it would appear when printed or presented.
• 💡Make sure your screenshots (if required) clearly show the relevant parts of your work. Crop out unnecessary toolbars or windows, and use arrows or callouts to highlight key features. This helps the examiner see exactly what you have done.

• Overcrowding slides with excessive text, making them difficult to read and unprofessional.
• Using inconsistent font styles, sizes, or colours throughout the presentation.
• Forgetting to check the logical order and flow of slides, leading to a disjointed narrative.
• Neglecting to proofread, resulting in noticeable spelling and grammar mistakes.
• Applying distracting animations or transitions that detract from the content.
• Saving the presentation file in an incorrect format or failing to submit the required file type.
• Misconception: 'I don't need to save my work often because the autosave feature will do it for me.' Correction: Autosave may not always work, especially if the software crashes or you lose internet connection. Always save manually every few minutes and keep backup copies.
• Misconception: 'Using lots of different fonts and colours makes my document look more professional.' Correction: In reality, using too many fonts or colours can make your work look messy and unprofessional. Stick to one or two fonts and a consistent colour scheme for a clean, polished appearance.
• Misconception: 'I can copy and paste information from the internet without referencing it because it's for a school project.' Correction: Plagiarism is taken seriously in all qualifications. Always credit your sources, even for images, and use your own words to show understanding.

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