Functional skills:
ICT key stage 4

 

Tools

 
Pointer iconView tour
 
 

Functional skills in the revised programme of study for ICT

The ICT programme of study for key stage 4 embeds the level 2 functional skills standards for ICT.

Functional skills are the core elements of English, mathematics and ICT that allow individuals to operate confidently and effectively in life and at work. Individuals of whatever age who possess these skills will be able to participate and progress in education, training and employment, as well as develop and secure the broader range of aptitudes, attitudes and behaviours that will enable them to make a positive contribution in the communities in which they live and work.

Functional skills in ICT develop the ability to use ICT to find, select and communicate information. Within the programme of study the key processes and range and content sections of the programme of study reflect the functional ICT standards at level 2 (see table below). The curriculum opportunities section of the programme of study requires that students make appropriate choices about when and where to use technology and provides and opportunity for students to exhibit their functional skills by applying their learning to real world applications and within a range of subject contexts.

Links between the key stage 4 ICT programme of study and the functional skills

Level 2 functional skill standard: use ICT systems Key stage 4 programme of study
  • Select, interact with and use ICT systems independently for a complex task to meet a variety of needs
  • Select and use, with increasing integration and efficiency, the appropriate ICT tools for a given problem (key processes)
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the ICT system they have used
  • Independently explore, develop and interpret increasingly complex ICT-based information to solve problems (key processes)
  • Follow and understand the need for safety and security practices
  • Use ICT safely and effectively (key processes)
Level 2 functional skill standard: find and select information Key stage 4 programme of study
  • Select and use a variety of sources of information independently for a complex task
  • Analyse systematically the requirements of a range of problems (key processes)
  • Select appropriate information from a wide range of sources, showing discrimination in their choices and questioning the plausibility and value of information (key processes)
  • Access, search for, select and use ICT-based information and evaluate its fitness for purpose
  • (As above)
Level 2 functional skill standard: develop, present and communicate information Key stage 4 programme of study
  • Enter, develop and format information independently to suit its meaning and purpose
  • Solving problems creatively by using ICT to explore ideas and try alternatives (key concepts)
  • Bring together information to suit content and purpose
  • Evaluate the selection and use of ICT tools and facilities used to present information
  • Create solutions that show they have considered how the information should be interpreted and presented in forms that suit audience, purpose and content (key processes)
  • Select and use ICT to communicate and exchange information safely, responsibly and effectively including storage of messages and contacts lists
  • Communicate and share information safely, responsibly and securely (key processes)