Video 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 essential digital skills for the modern workplace. This award covers a 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, real-world tasks that assess your ability to use common software tools to solve problems and communicate information. You will learn how to create professional documents, manage data, and present information clearly. The course emphasises accuracy, efficiency, and good practice, such as file management and data protection. By the end, you should be confident in using IT to support your work in any subject or job role.

This award is part of the wider ITQ framework, which is recognised by employers and educational institutions across the UK. It provides a stepping stone to higher-level qualifications, such as the Level 2 Certificate for IT Users, and helps develop transferable skills like problem-solving, attention to detail, and digital literacy. Whether you plan to work in an office, retail, or continue with academic studies, these skills are increasingly essential.

• →File management: organising files and folders logically, using appropriate naming conventions, and understanding file extensions (e.g., .docx, .xlsx).
• →Data protection: knowing how to keep information secure, including using strong passwords, backing up files, and understanding the principles of the Data Protection Act.
• →Software proficiency: being able to use word processors, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software to create, edit, and format content accurately.
• →Internet safety: recognising risks such as phishing, malware, and inappropriate content, and knowing how to browse safely and evaluate online sources.
• →Effective communication: using email and other digital tools appropriately, including netiquette, attaching files, and managing contacts.

• Award credit for successfully connecting and configuring video capture hardware.
• Evidence of importing raw video files into the editing software.
• Marks awarded for demonstrating at least two distinct editing operations (e.g., cut, trim, add title).
• Assessor checks for correct use of the timeline to arrange clips in a logical order.
• Credit given for exporting a playable video file (e.g., .mp4) without corruption.
• Reward learners who present their video smoothly, with correct audio levels and clear playback.

• 💡Read the assignment brief carefully to ensure all required elements (e.g., title, credits, specific transition) are included.
• 💡Before starting the assessed task, familiarise yourself with the video editing software through practice exercises.
• 💡Always test your final video on the presentation equipment beforehand to avoid technical glitches.
• 💡Keep a log of the editing steps you take; this can serve as evidence of your process for the assessor.
• 💡Read each task carefully and highlight key words like 'create', 'format', 'calculate', or 'present'. This ensures you do exactly what is asked and don't miss any steps.
• 💡Use keyboard shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, Ctrl+S) to save time during the exam. Practise them beforehand so they become automatic.
• 💡Check your work against the marking criteria. For example, if a task asks for a 'header with your name', make sure it appears on every page. Small details like this can cost marks.

• Confusing the project file with the final rendered video, leading to submission of an unplayable file.
• Neglecting to check camera settings, resulting in dark or blurry footage.
• Applying too many flashy transitions, which detracts from the video content.
• Not saving work incrementally, causing loss of editing progress through software crashes.
• Misconception: 'Spell check will catch all my mistakes.' Correction: Spell check does not catch homophones (e.g., 'their' vs 'there') or context errors. Always proofread your work manually.
• Misconception: 'I can just copy and paste information from the internet without referencing it.' Correction: Plagiarism is a serious offence. You must always credit sources, even for images, and use your own words to show understanding.
• Misconception: 'Saving once is enough.' Correction: You should save your work regularly (every few minutes) and keep backup copies in different locations (e.g., cloud and USB) to prevent data loss.

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