Using Word Processing Software — WJEC Vocational Digital Skills & IT

The WJEC Level 1 Award for IT Users (ITQ) is a vocationally-related qualification that assesses practical digital skills across word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, and safe internet use. It focuses on real-world application, requiring students to complete tasks that demonstrate competence in using IT tools effectively and safely.

The WJEC Level 1 Award for IT Users (ITQ) is designed to equip students with essential digital skills for the modern workplace. It covers a range of software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, and safe internet use. The qualification is assessed through practical tasks, meaning students must demonstrate their ability to use IT tools to complete real-world activities, such as creating a business letter, analysing data, or producing a slide show.

This qualification is vocationally relevant, preparing students for further study or employment. It emphasises accuracy, efficiency, and safety when using IT. Students learn to plan, create, and review digital documents, ensuring they meet purpose and audience requirements. The skills gained are transferable across many industries, making this award a valuable addition to any CV.

The ITQ is structured to be accessible, with clear learning outcomes and assessment criteria. It is often taught alongside other subjects, allowing students to apply their digital skills in context. Success in this qualification demonstrates a solid foundation in IT, which is increasingly important in all career paths.

• →File management: saving, naming, and organising files correctly.
• →Word processing: formatting text, inserting images, and using spell check.
• →Spreadsheets: entering data, using formulas (SUM, AVERAGE), and creating charts.
• →Presentations: creating slides, adding transitions, and delivering effectively.
• →E-safety: understanding risks online and how to stay safe.

• Award credit for demonstrating accurate and efficient text entry, including correct spelling and punctuation.
• Award credit for correctly using editing functions to insert, delete, and modify text without disrupting document flow.
• Award credit for successfully integrating images, tables, or charts with appropriate sizing and positioning.
• Award credit for applying consistent and appropriate formatting (fonts, styles, alignment) to enhance readability.
• Award credit for correctly inserting headers, footers, and page breaks to structure the document.
• Award credit for preparing documents with appropriate settings for print (margins, orientation) and digital (file format, accessibility).

• 💡Practice touch typing to improve speed and accuracy.
• 💡Always proofread your work and use spell check as a backup, not a primary tool.
• 💡Learn keyboard shortcuts for common editing tasks (e.g., Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, Ctrl+X).
• 💡When inserting images, use text wrapping and alignment tools to maintain a professional look.
• 💡Use styles (e.g., Heading 1, Normal) to ensure consistent formatting and easy navigation.
• 💡Before printing, use Print Preview to check layout; for digital output, save as PDF to preserve formatting.
• 💡Read each task carefully and highlight the key requirements, such as file name, format, and specific features to include.
• 💡Practice using keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl+S to save, Ctrl+C/V to copy/paste) to save time during the exam.
• 💡Always check your work against the task criteria before submitting; ensure you have completed every part.

• Typing errors due to lack of proofreading or over-reliance on spell check.
• Incorrectly using cut/copy/paste, leading to duplicated or lost text.
• Inserting images that distort layout or are not properly anchored.
• Inconsistent formatting, such as mixing fonts or spacing styles.
• Forgetting to update headers/footers or page numbers after editing.
• Not adjusting document settings for the intended output, resulting in poor print quality or digital readability.
• Misconception: 'I don't need to save my work because the teacher will see it on screen.' Correction: Always save your work to the specified location; unsaved work can be lost and will not be marked.
• Misconception: 'Using a formula is cheating; I should calculate manually.' Correction: Using formulas is a key skill and shows competence; it is expected in spreadsheet tasks.
• Misconception: 'Spell check is enough for proofreading.' Correction: Spell check does not catch all errors (e.g., 'there' vs 'their'); you must read your work carefully.

1. 1Week 1: Focus on word processing and file management. Practice creating and formatting documents, saving in different formats, and organising files into folders.
2. 2Week 2: Move to spreadsheets and presentations. Learn basic formulas, create charts, and design a simple presentation. Review e-safety principles.
3. 3Week 3: Attempt past papers or practice tasks under timed conditions. Identify weak areas and revise them.
4. 4Week 4: Consolidate by creating a portfolio of your best work. Review examiner feedback and refine your skills.

• 📋Practical task: You will be given a scenario (e.g., 'Create a poster for a school event') and asked to produce a document using specific software. Advice: Follow the instructions exactly, including formatting and content requirements.
• 📋Multiple-choice questions: These test knowledge of IT concepts, such as e-safety or file management. Advice: Read each question carefully and eliminate wrong answers.
• 📋Short-answer questions: You may be asked to explain a process, e.g., 'How do you insert a header in Word?' Advice: Give step-by-step instructions using correct terminology.
• 📋Data analysis: You might be given a spreadsheet and asked to calculate totals or averages. Advice: Show your formulas and ensure your answers are accurate.

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