National 4 Administration & IT

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course provides a very practical chance for learners to develop both generic and subject specific skills in administration-related contexts. The generic skills the course seeks to develop are understanding and applying as well as aspects of literacy and numeracy. Subject specific skills include IT skills, enabling pupils to organise information, managing and communication skills and being able to carry out administrative tasks and to organise and support events. It is a useful subject in preparing pupils for further learning and the workplace.

Administrative Practices

The purpose of this unit is to give learners a broad introduction to administration in the   workplace. Learners will develop and understanding of key legislation affecting both organisations and employees, the benefits to organisation of good customer care and skills qualities and attributes required of administrators. The unit will also enable them to apply this understanding in carrying out a range of administrative tasks required for organising events.

IT Solutions for Administrators

The purpose of this Unit is to develop learners’ skills in IT, problem solving and organising and managing information in largely familiar administration-related contexts. Learners will select the following IT applications – word processing, spreadsheets, databases – and will use them to create and edit business documents. The unit will allow emerging technologies to be  incorporated so as to ensure that its content remains current and relevant.

Communication in Administration

The purpose of this Unit is to enable learners to use IT for gathering and sharing information with others. Learners will develop an understanding of what constitutes a reliable source of information and identify the most appropriate methods for gathering information.  They will also become able to communicate information in ways appropriate to its context, audience and purpose.

Assessment

There is are unit assessments at the end of each unit and an Added Value Unit which is  completed around March/ April. Pupils need to pass all of these successfully in order to achieve the National 4 qualification.

WHAT WILL MY HOME COMMITMENT BE FOR THIS COURSE?

Due to the practical nature of this course development and consolidation of IT skills will take place in school. However, theory homework and revision will take place at home at regular intervals and in preparation for assessments.

IS ADMINISTRATION & IT FOR ME?

You will enjoy this subject if: 

· You enjoy the practical nature of computer work.

· You demonstrate close attention to detail and take pride in your work.

· You would like to gain an insight into many areas of the workplace where administrative support is required.

· You would like to learn how to use Microsoft Office packages, predominantly used by industry.

· You enjoy technology related challenges, using complex functions in spreadsheet and database software.

· You want to develop useful and transferable skills for learning, life and work.