Administration and IT builds on the knowledge from S1 and S2 and learners can progress through National 3, 4 and 5 and then on to Higher.

National 3

National 3 is a non certificate course and develops the skills that our young learners have achieved in S1 and S2.  It has three main areas of study:

IT Solutions for Administrators – provides a more realistic approach to administration in the workplace as our learners are introduced to basic documents and processes which may relate to any administrative function. 

Communication in the Workplace – an important aspect in any organisation our young learners will use current or emerging technologies to carry out simple administrative tasks and develop a basic ability to use the internet to find information related to everyday administrative functions.

Administration in Action – This unit provides a real life scenario and using the skills developed in S1 to S3 our young administrators will prepare all administrative tasks for a successful event.

After National 3 our young learners can go on to study a certification course at National 4 or National 5

National 4

National 4 Administration and IT assists with the generic development of subject-specific skills – remembering, understanding and applying using subject-specific skills covered in S1 to S3 to enable our learners process and communicate information to organise and support a small-scale event.  

To achieve a National 4 our young learners must complete four mandatory units including the Added Value Unit.  Although this is a certificated course it is not graded.

Administrative Practices (National 4)

This Unit is an introduction to Administration in the workplace. Learners will look at legislation affecting employees, key features of good customer care and the skills, qualities and attributes required of administrators. The Unit will also enable them to apply this basic understanding in carrying out a range of straightforward administrative tasks required for organising and supporting small-scale events.

IT Solutions for Administrators (National 4)

This Unit is to develop learners’ basic skills in IT and organising and processing simple information in familiar administration-related contexts. Learners will use the following IT applications: word processing, spreadsheets and databases, to create and edit simple business documents.

Communication in Administration (National 4)

The purpose of this Unit is to enable learners to use IT for gathering and sharing simple information with others in familiar administration-related contexts.  They will develop a basic understanding of what constitutes as a reliable source of information and develop an ability to use appropriate methods for gathering information. They will develop skills to communicate simple information in ways which show a basic awareness of its context, audience and purpose.

Added Value Unit: Administration and IT Assignment (National 4)

The purpose of this Unit is to draw on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed in the other three Units. Learners will undertake practical administration- and IT-based tasks to organise and support a small-scale event or events.

Conditions of Award

Pupils following a National 4 course must complete and pass the above Units as well as the Added Value Unit to gain an overall pass at National 4 Level. There is no written exam at this level and the National 4 Courses are not graded.

Administration and IT – National 5 (Units Only)

IT Solutions for Administrators (SCQF: level 5)

This Unit is to help learners develop their skills in IT and organising and managing information in administration-related contexts. They will develop problem solving skills and be able to interpret a given brief using:

·        a spreadsheet application

·        the advanced functions of a relational database

·        use advanced functions of word processing

Communication in Administration (SCQF: level 5)

This Unit is to assist learners to use IT for gathering and sharing information with others in administration-related contexts. They will be able to identify and understand what constitutes a reliable source of information and use the most appropriate methods for gathering information. Learners will develop skills to communicate information using electronic methods, to a professional standard by:

·        using technology to extract information, and be able to evaluate sources of information 

·        using advanced functions of technology to prepare and communicate information by interpreting a given brief, to convey a professional image

Administrative Practices (SCQF: level 5)

This Unit is to give learners a broad introduction to administration in the workplace and to enable them to carry out a range of administrative tasks in the context of organising and supporting events.  Learners will develop their skills and knowledge to be able to:

·        provide an account of administration in the workplace

·        interpret a given brief and carry out appropriate administrative tasks in the context of organising and supporting events

Conditions of Award

Pupils following a National 5 Units Only are awarded a Unit pass in relation to the Assessment standard thresholds as follows:

IT Solutions for Administrators (SCQF: level 5)

There are 3 outcomes and 10 Assessments.  Eight out of 10 Assessment Standards must be achieved to successfully complete this Unit

Communication in Administration (SCQF: level 5) 

There are 2 outcomes and 6 Assessments.  Five out of 6 Assessment Standards must be achieved to successfully complete this Unit.

 Administrative Practices (SCQF: level 5)

 There are 2 outcomes and 7 Assessments.  Six out of 7 Assessment Standards must be achieved to successfully complete this Unit.

Administration and IT National 5

The course comprises two areas of study:

Theory 

Candidates are introduced to the responsibilities of organisations, the skills/qualities and tasks (duties) of the administrative support function, and the impact of these in the workplace.

IT applications 

Candidates develop skills in IT, problem-solving, organising, and managing information. They select IT applications to create and edit business documents, gather and share information, and develop skills to communicate information.

Course Structure

Learners will develop:

·        skills in using spreadsheets, databases, word-processing, desktop publishing and presentations

·        skills in using technology for electronic communication and investigation

·        skills in organising and supporting events

·        problem-solving skills in administrative contexts

·        theory of the tasks (duties) and knowledge associated with the administrative support function in an organisation

Conditions of Award

The Assignment is worth 70 marks and gives candidates the opportunity to demonstrate: 

·        skills in using IT functions in word-processing, desktop publishing, and presentations to produce and process information

·        skills in using technology for investigation

·        skills in using technology for electronic communication

·        skills in problem-solving

·        administration theory

The Practical Examination is worth 50 marks and gives candidates the opportunity to demonstrate: 

·        using IT functions in spreadsheet and database applications to produce and process information

·        problem-solving

·        administration theory

Pupils following the National 5 course must complete both the Assignment and Practical Examination, in order to gain an overall graded award.