Administration and IT - Higher
SCQF Framework
SCQF Level: 6
SCQF Credit Points: 24
Skills Framework
Delivering Centre
Vale of Leven Academy
Purpose and Aims
The course helps candidates to develop advanced administrative skills and digital literacy, enabling them to contribute to the effective functioning of organisations in supervisory administrative positions.
They develop the ability to use a range of advanced software application functions covering word processing, spreadsheets, databases and emerging technologies.
Candidates develop understanding of:
- the importance of administration theory in the workplace
- advanced digital literacy skills and how to use them to process, manage and communicate information
- organisational and management skills in the context of organising and supporting the workplace
Recommended Entry
It would be beneficial if candidates have achieved the National 5 Administration and IT course or equivalent qualifications and/or experience prior to starting this course.
Progression
This Course or its Units may provide progression to:
- other qualifications in administration and IT or related areas
- further study, employment and/or training
Career Options
Further Information
Course Content
The course consists of two areas of study:
Administrative theory and practice
Candidates develop their understanding of the factors contributing to an efficient administrative function. These include time and task management, effective teams, complying with workplace legislation, the impact of digital technologies, and customer care.
IT applications
Candidates develop skills in organising and managing information using digital technology in administrative contexts. They use software application functions to analyse, process and manage information, in order to create and edit complex business documents. Candidates develop an understanding of barriers to communication and ways of overcoming them to ensure communication is effective. They also develop skills, knowledge and understanding of how to maintain the security and confidentiality of information.
Course Assessment Structure
Question paper 50 marks
The question paper gives candidates the opportunity to:
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of administrative theory from all aspects of the course
- draw valid conclusions based on evidence provided
The question paper has a total mark allocation of 50 marks. This is 42% of the overall marks for the course assessment. It has two sections.
Section 1 is worth 10 marks and contains of a set of questions based on a piece of stimulus material. The questions generally relate to the stimulus, although some questions may be based on topics surrounding the stimulus material. They assess problem solving, the application of knowledge and understanding, and may range in value from 1–6 marks.
Section 2 is worth 40 marks and contains questions that assess the application of knowledge and understanding. Questions may range in value from 1–6 marks.
Candidates have 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete the question paper.
Assignment 70 marks
The assignment gives candidates the opportunity to demonstrate:
- using advanced functions in word processing, spreadsheets, databases and presentation software to produce, process and manage information, and solve problems in unfamiliar contexts
- electronic research skills to source complex information
- effective communication skills, taking account of context, purpose and audience
The assignment has a total mark allocation of 70 marks. This is 58% of the overall marks for the course assessment. 20 marks each are allocated to spreadsheets, databases and word processing with the remaining 10 being allocated to communications.
The assignment is set on an annual basis. It is a closed book assessment and is conducted under a high degree of supervision and control and is marked externally by the SQA. The assignment must be carried out in one 2 hour block.