Finding, Selecting and Exchanging Information Using ICT — Open Awards Vocational Foundations for Learning

The Open Awards Entry Level Award in Skills for Further Learning and Employment (Entry 1) (RQF) is a foundational qualification designed to help you build essential skills for moving into further education or employment. This award focuses on developing basic communication, numeracy, and personal development skills that are crucial for everyday life and work. You will learn how to follow simple instructions, complete basic tasks, and work with others in a supportive environment.

This qualification is part of the Foundations for Learning suite, which aims to prepare students who may have had limited success in formal education or who need extra support to build confidence. The Entry 1 level is the starting point, covering very basic skills such as recognising numbers, understanding simple texts, and expressing personal preferences. By completing this award, you will gain a recognised qualification that demonstrates your readiness to progress to Entry 2 or other vocational courses.

The award is vocationally related, meaning it focuses on practical skills that are directly applicable to real-world situations. You will engage in activities like role-playing everyday scenarios, using money in simple transactions, and following health and safety instructions. This hands-on approach helps you see the relevance of what you are learning and builds a strong foundation for future study or employment.

• →Communication: Understanding and using simple words and phrases to express needs, ask questions, and follow basic instructions.
• →Numeracy: Recognising numbers up to 10, counting objects, and understanding simple concepts like more/less and big/small.
• →Personal Development: Building confidence, working independently on simple tasks, and cooperating with others in group activities.
• →Problem Solving: Identifying simple problems (e.g., missing item) and finding basic solutions with support.
• →Health and Safety: Following simple safety rules, such as washing hands before eating or wearing an apron in cooking activities.

• Award credit when the learner can identify at least two ICT sources of information (e.g., a website, an email, a digital document) and describe their basic purpose.
• Credit should be given for demonstrating the ability to use a simple search term (e.g., in a search engine or on a specific website) to locate requested information.
• Evidence must show the learner entering information into an ICT application (e.g., typing a short message or filling a simple form) and saving it to a designated location.
• Assessors should look for confirmation that the learner can open and view a received message or information (e.g., an email, a text file, or a simple webpage) and acknowledge its receipt appropriately.

• 💡Practice using a simple, provided search engine to find a specific piece of information, focusing on using keywords rather than full sentences.
• 💡Always double-check that you have saved your work in the correct folder before closing the application.
• 💡When receiving information, take a moment to read the entire message or content before responding or moving on.
• 💡During assessment, narrate your actions to the assessor to demonstrate understanding, even if you make a minor slip in execution.
• 💡Tip 1: Practice following instructions step-by-step. In assessments, you will often be asked to complete a task based on verbal or written instructions. Listen carefully and ask for repetition if needed – this shows good communication skills.
• 💡Tip 2: Use real-life objects to practise numeracy. For example, count coins, compare the sizes of different containers, or sort items by colour or shape. This hands-on practice helps you understand concepts more deeply.
• 💡Tip 3: Show your working out. Even if the answer is simple, writing down or explaining how you got there (e.g., 'I counted one, two, three') can earn you marks for problem-solving and communication.

• Confusing saving a file with printing or sending it, leading to lost work.
• Typing full web addresses incorrectly or mistaking a search box for the address bar.
• Forgetting to name or label saved information, making it hard to retrieve later.
• Not recognising common icons for opening, saving, and receiving information (e.g., envelope icon for email).
• Misconception: 'This qualification is too easy and doesn't count.' Correction: While Entry 1 is basic, it is a nationally recognised qualification that provides essential skills and a stepping stone to higher levels. It is valued by employers and colleges as evidence of foundational ability.
• Misconception: 'I don't need to learn communication because I can already talk.' Correction: Communication in this context includes listening, following instructions, and using appropriate language in different settings (e.g., formal vs informal). These skills are critical for workplace success.
• Misconception: 'Numeracy is just about counting.' Correction: Numeracy also involves understanding quantities, comparing sizes, and using numbers in practical contexts like money and time. These skills are essential for independent living.

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