Administration & IT

AIMS OF THE COURSE

Administration is a growing sector which cuts across the economy and offers wide-ranging employment opportunities.  This course aims to develop learners’ administrative and IT skills which will enhance their skills for learning, their life skills and enable them to contribute effectively in the world of work.  Successful learners will understand the role of administration and develop IT skills appropriate in business, including organising and supporting events.

COURSE CONTENT

N5 course comprises two areas of study:

Administration 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.

Pupil studying the N4 course will cover similar topics to allow them to complete N4 units – Administrative Practices, IT Solutions for Administrators, Communication in Administration.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

This is a practical course which involves experiential learning and uses real-life contexts.  Learning and teaching of the 3 units of the course will be integrated to emphasise the links and relationships between them.  A range of teaching approaches will be used including resource-based learning, problem solving and research.  The course content will remain focused on current business practices and emerging technologies.

ASSESSMENT PATTERN

N5 Level

External exam (50 marks) covering use of IT functions in spreadsheet and database applications to produce and process information, problem-solving and administration theory.

Assignment (70 marks) completed in class and sent to the SQA for marking. This covers 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 and administration theory.

N4 Level

Students working at N4 level will be assessed through the completion of the appropriate SQA Units for this level namely Administrative Practices, IT Solutions for Administrators, Communication in Administration.  The N4 Added Value unit must also be completed to achieve a course award.

HOMEWORK REQUIREMENTS

Pupils will be expected to complete regular homework to enhance their classroom work for theory topics and prepare for assessment.  Homework could consist of completing course work, revision of classwork or research tasks.