Word Processing 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 qualification covers a range of IT applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, and using the internet safely. It is ideal for students who want to build a solid foundation in IT, whether for further study or entry-level employment.

The course focuses on practical, hands-on tasks that mirror real-world scenarios. For example, you might create a business report in word processing, analyse sales data in a spreadsheet, or design a multimedia presentation. Assessment is through portfolio-based evidence, meaning you demonstrate your skills by completing tasks rather than sitting a traditional exam. This makes it accessible for students who prefer continuous assessment over high-stakes testing.

Mastering these skills is crucial because digital literacy is now a core requirement in almost every job. The qualification also helps develop problem-solving, attention to detail, and time management. By the end of the course, you will be confident in using common software packages and understand how to apply them effectively in a professional context.

• →File management: organising, saving, and retrieving files in appropriate formats and locations.
• →Data entry and formatting: inputting data accurately and applying formatting (e.g., fonts, borders, alignment) to improve readability.
• →Formulas and functions: using basic calculations (SUM, AVERAGE) in spreadsheets to automate data analysis.
• →Database queries: creating simple queries to filter and sort records based on specific criteria.
• →Presentation design: using slide layouts, themes, and transitions to create clear, engaging presentations.

• Award credit for demonstrating correct use of cut, copy, and paste to reorganise text
• Credit should be given for consistent application of heading styles throughout the document
• Look for appropriate alignment (left, centre, right, justify) applied to different sections
• Expect evidence of using line spacing and paragraph spacing to improve readability
• Assess ability to use spell check and manually proofread to eliminate errors

• 💡Always proofread your document after running the spell checker; it will not catch homophones like 'their' and 'there'
• 💡Use the 'Show/Hide' non-printing characters feature to identify extra spaces, tabs, or paragraph breaks causing layout issues
• 💡Save your work frequently and use meaningful filenames to avoid losing data
• 💡Practice creating tables and lists with proper indentation and alignment to demonstrate structuring skills
• 💡Read each task carefully before starting. Many students lose marks by missing key instructions, such as specific formatting requirements or the need to include a header/footer.
• 💡Use keyboard shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl+C for copy, Ctrl+V for paste) to work faster and demonstrate efficiency. This shows the examiner you are comfortable with the software.
• 💡Check your work against the assessment criteria before submitting. Ensure every requirement is met, and your files are named correctly and saved in the right format (e.g., .docx, .xlsx).

• Confusing 'Save' and 'Save As', resulting in overwritten or misplaced files
• Applying formatting inconsistently by manually changing font properties instead of using styles
• Ignoring spell check suggestions without reviewing context, leading to incorrect word choices
• Using spaces or tabs instead of alignment tools, causing uneven presentation
• Neglecting to adjust page margins, leading to content being cut off or poorly positioned
• Misconception: 'Copying and pasting is always acceptable.' Correction: While copying data is allowed, you must understand the source and avoid plagiarism. Always credit sources and ensure you have permission to use images or text.
• Misconception: 'Spellcheck catches all errors.' Correction: Spellcheck does not catch homophones (e.g., 'their' vs 'there') or context-specific errors. Always proofread manually.
• 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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