ITQ

Programme
Guide


i.rehman2@bradfordcollege.ac.uk
2

Contents Page

Welcome And Congratulations! ................................................................................ 4
Why Are You Here ...................................................................................................... 5
What Is It All About? .................................................................................................... 6
How To Use This Guide .............................................................................................. 6


PART 1 ITQ QUALIFICATION DETAILS
ITQ Qualification ......................................................................................................... 8
Who Is It For? .............................................................................................................. 8
Want To Find Out More? ............................................................................................. 9
ITQ Units Described .................................................................................................. 10
Assessment ............................................................................................................... 11
IT Qualifications Learning Methods And Materials ................................................. 12
Skills Assessment ..................................................................................................... 13

PART 2 HOW THE CENTRE WORKS
Undertaking Your Chosen Qualification .................................................................... 15
Flexible Learning Attendance To Suit You ............................................................. 15
Length Of The Programme ........................................................................................ 15
Flexible Weekly Attendance ...................................................................................... 15
Structured Times We Need You To Attend ............................................................... 15
Progressing with ITQ ................................................................................................... ?
Attendance ................................................................................................................ 16
What To Do Next ....................................................................................................... 18

3

PART 3 IMPORTANT AND USEFUL INFORMATION
Important Information For Our Learners .................................................................... 20
Complaints Or Suggestions ....................................................................................... 21
Appeals Procedure .................................................................................................... 22
Appeals Process Diagram ......................................................................................... 23
Centre Rules and Regulations .................................................................................. 24
While Using The Facilities ......................................................................................... 25
Health And Safety ..................................................................................................... 26
Specifics To The Environment .................................................................................. 26
Fire And Evacuation Procedures ............................................................................... 27
Accident Reporting .................................................................................................... 28
Sharing Of Information .............................................................................................. 28
Data Protection ......................................................................................................... 28
Equal Opportunities Statement ................................................................................. 28
Self Declaration Of Eligibility For Level 2 Entitlement (L2E) ...................................... 29





4


Welcome And Congratulations!

Welcome to Introducing ITQ over the next two hour period you will find out all
about ITQ and, with the guidance of your Tutor, will be directed towards a
qualification suitable to yourself and your lifestyle.

Congratulations in taking the first step to finding out about how you can learn
about Information technology in our flexible and friendly learning environment.
Remember that the Tutor presenting the Induction is on hand to help you with
any additional information, and to answer any questions you have about the
qualification on offer.

Please ensure that you can hear and see the presenter clearly, and if you have any
special requirements for this Induction, please do not hesitate to let your Tutor know
about it we are here to help!

Please take some time to listen to the Centre Evacuation and First Aid procedures
and arrangements before you commence your Induction in case of a fire, accident,
or evacuation during this session.

5

Why Are You Here?

People join our Centre to become learners for a variety of reasons. We have people
who:























Take some time to think about why you are here and what you want to get out of the
programme. Record the reason you have decided to come along and find out about
the programme in the space provided.












I have decided to come and find out about the programme because:
92% of all learners asked would
recommend their programme to a
friend or relative
Know lots about
computers but
want a formal
qualification
Want to be able
to help children
with homework
Know some
things about
computers and
want to know
more
Want to learn
how to keep in
touch with
friends and
family
Like to learn
something new
all the time
Have never tried
a qualification
like this
Need to know
more because
they feel felt
behind
Need to know
more because
their
employment
requires it
6

What Is It All About?

The Learning Centre is a place to study Information Technology in a new, flexible
way to make it more accessible to learners. We want to make it as easy as possible
for you to be able to take part in one of our qualifications.

For this reason we:

Open 64 hours each week (excluding public holidays and Christmas).
Offer learning sessions in two-hour blocks.
Try to make sure that you can attend when you want to.
Have a team of dedicated and professional Tutors.
Try to offer many different ways to learn so there will always be one to suit
you!



How To Use This Guide

This Guide is divided into 3 parts:

Part 1
QCF Qualification Details

Part 2
How the Centre Works

Part 3
Important and Useful Information



This guide is yours to keep and take away and the Centre staff are here to
help you with any questions or queries you may have.

7






Part 1 ITQ
Qualification Details

8

ITQ Qualification

This qualification is aimed at people who want to learn how to use a computer, and is
designed to make sure that learners are able to use the bits of the computer they are
interested in, as well as giving them the common sense bit of how a computer
works in general. So, during your time as a learner in the Centre, you will get to
know how the different programs on a computer work, how files are arranged, and
study the areas you are interested in at the same time. Whether you are currently
employed and use IT in your workplace or not, you will have the opportunity to
improve your existing skills or develop new ones.


Who Is It For?

The ITQ is suitable for a wide range of people. It includes the basics of computing
knowledge as well as more advanced skills in using programs on the computer and
understanding how they work. IT is suitable if you:

Have little experience of using a computer and would like to use one
confidently.
Have a reasonable amount of computer experience but you are not expert at
using the Microsoft Office suite.
Have a reasonable amount of experience with the Microsoft Office suite but
you would like to have a qualification to show this.

Tell us below about your IT experience: If you are already using IT tell us about
the type of documents you create and what you use to create them in. If you have
no IT experience, then tell us how you want to use IT in your life. This information
will help us to ensure your select the right ITQ units.

Your IT experience:
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Want To Find Out More?

ITQ can be achieved in a number of ways.

This package available to select from include:

Word Processing
Spreadsheets
Database
Presentation Graphics
Artwork and Imaging
Internet & Email

You will select a number of the about units as part of your ITQ. This will be
explained in full at the ITQ Getting Started Workshop.


I found the training to be beneficial
to me it was a little disconcerting
to go back to school but the staff and
the atmosphere made learning again
a pleasure!
10

ITQ Units Described

Word Processing
This is an excellent starting point as it provides a solid foundation for learning new
skills later on. Learners will start with how to plan, prepare and create documents,
and move onto using tables and columns within a variety of documents. As they
progress through the programme, learners will also learn how to effectively enhance
text to ensure the visual impact of their work is appropriate for the audience. This
module also covers the use of mail merge for efficient mail shots and letters to many
recipients.
Useful for any form of written communication
Mandatory for all learners


Spreadsheets
This exciting module teaches you how to store, use and present numerical data in an
effective and efficient way. You will learn how to use formulae and functions, format
graphs and charts professionally and analyse information within a spreadsheet.
This is useful for keeping a track of monthly expenditure.


Database
Learn to keep information in a logical manner, and then access the information in a
way that you want! This module covers designing tables, queries and reports within a
database program, allowing learners to enter and retrieve a range of information and
create and modify database fields.


Presentation Graphics
If you are involved in the delivery of presentations and get the opportunity to create
your own than this unit will help you to create slide show presentations that combine
images, text, sound and animation. You will be able to combine information from
various sources, edit and format slides, create templates using a house style and
create handouts or speaker notes.


Artwork And Imaging Software
Learn how to produce creative and eye-catching publications that combine word
processing, image and layout design. You will be able to combine information from
various sources and use page layout skills to arrange and display information in a
professional and effective way. This will include creating and editing images to be
included within the publication artwork.


Internet & Email
It will help to build confidence in using the Internet and learning to communicate via
e-mail in a safe and effective manner. This module includes searching the Internet,
use of interactive sites, methods of exchanging information, sending e-mails to
individuals and groups of people, retrieving emails, and personalising messages.

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Assessment

Assessment takes place when you have completed your learning and you agree with
your assessor that you are ready to be assessed.

You are ready for assessment when you can work independently on an application
to create a range of documents.

There are no exams or tests. You will be assessed by Practical assignments
scenarios that you work through and create a range of documents.

12

IT Qualifications Learning Methods and Materials


You are in charge

The programme is designed to allow you to progress at your own pace. You will
work through the programme using professionally prepared workbooks with Tutors
on hand to assist you when needed. The workbooks for each subject area are
complemented by Tutor-led workshops.


We help when needed

Check your progress
We provide reviews at planned points in your learning programmer to make sure you
are heading in the right direction. These are brief one-to-one sessions which provide
an opportunity to talk with your Tutor about your progress and plan the next step.

Extra practice
There are opportunities to regularly practise the new skills you are learning by
working through additional exercises. This means you can practise any elements
you may not be so sure about, until you are completely comfortable with all aspects
of your programme.

Provide you with guidance on what you can do next
After you have achieved your qualification, we will provide advice and guidance on
further programmes available.

Technical support and advice
Misuse of Centre equipment has an impact on other learners. We provide you with
advice and guidance on how to use the equipment, and ask that you take the utmost
care when using it. Our Tutors are on hand to assist with any problems encountered
with the equipment and to prevent hardware breakages with items.

The Tutors are so helpful I really
look forward to my four hours a
week.
13

Skills Assessment

When you enrol as a learner with the College, we carry out a Skills Assessment.
This helps us to ensure that you are guided onto a suitable programme and will help
to identify if there are any areas where we can provide additional support.

If you do not already have a formal qualification in Maths, English or Key Skills in
Communication, you may have the opportunity to gain a Certificate in Adult Literacy
or Numeracy through the College. However this is optional.



Information about the National Certificate

The National Certificate is available at:
Level 1, which is a nationally recognised qualification that is broadly
equivalent to a GCSE pass (grades D-G)
Level 2 which is a nationally recognised qualification that is broadly equivalent
to a GCSE pass (grades A*-C)

In just a few hours, you could brush up your literacy or numeracy skills and gain a
national recognised qualification.

The benefits to obtaining this qualification are:
Increased self-confidence
Motivation to broaden your horizons
Fill a gap on your CV
Stepping stone to other broader qualifications



14






Part 2 How the
Centre Works


15

Undertaking Your Chosen Qualification

If you have decided that you will benefit from and enjoy the type of qualification
covered in Part 1 of this booklet, we are happy to be able to tell you that we can
make this possible in most cases.

Our Centre is open for as many hours as possible to ensure that there is always a
time you can make it, without having to rearrange your diary too much.

The opening hours for the Centre are:


Monday.................. 9.00 am - 9.00 pm
Tuesday................. 9.00 am - 9.00 pm
Wednesday........... 9.00 am - 9.00 pm
Thursday............... 9.00 am - 9.00 pm
Friday..................... 9.00 am - 5.00 pm
Saturday................ 9.00 am - 5.00 pm


Flexible Learning Attendance to Suit You

We have designed our learning materials so that they can be delivered in a flexible
way, and structured the attendance pattern to be as suitable and adaptable as
possible.


Length of the Programme

We ask that our learners attend for a minimum of four hours per week. The QCF
qualification takes up to 120 hours to completed, so at four hours a week, allowing
for holidays, you are allowed up to nine months to complete.


Weekly Attendance

Once you have decided to enrol on the qualification you need to consider when you
will be able to attend for your learning sessions. We have variety of sessions; each
learning sessions lasts for two hours. As we open at 9.00 am, the first session is
from 9.00 am until 11.00 am, and for every two hours thereafter.

All that we ask, with regard to your sessions, is that you book your classes as far as
possible in advance and attend for the agreed number of hours each week. There is
the facility to book four weeks attendance in advance.

16

Attendance

If you cant attend the Centre because of:

Holidays

We have a facility to note your holidays so that we know when you are not coming
into the Centre all that is required s a completed holiday form (available from
Administration), and to ensure that your bookings are made for your learning
sessions after you return from your break. We also try to suggest that you put in
some extra time before you go or when you return, to make sure you are still on
track to finish around the time of your target end date.

Centre Holidays

The Centre is open all year round with the exception of statutory break periods
(please see your Tutor for details of when this is). Occasionally the Centre may
close for staff training, and the administrators will communicate these times to you
on the learner notice board, or at the time of making learning session bookings.

Cancelling

If you need to cancel a session you have booked, all you have to do is to give us a
ring and let us know the day before the session is due.

Sometimes you will encounter something unexpected which will not allow you to let
us know in advance as long as you contact us before your session, we can make a
not on your record.

If you need to cancel a session, it is important that you try to make up the time over
the next weeks of your programme, to make sure that you are on target to finish your
programme by your target date.


Not notifying us of cancelling

If you do not attend your booked session, we will contact you to check that
everything is OK, either by telephone or by letter. This is because we want to make
sure our learners are happy on the programme, and that they are not missing
sessions because of something we are not doing right. Our priority is our learners,
and we will do everything possible to make sure that you are able to complete your
qualification with us.

If you do not notify use that you are not to attend the Centre, this is logged as a
skipped session we ask that you try and keep your skipped sessions to the
absolute minimum, as these affect your programme attendance plan which can
cause you problems. If you have skipped more than one session, we may write to
you asking you to contact us about your attendance. Again, this is to make sure that
you are not having any problems at the Centre or with the programme.

17

If you are, expecting problems with attending, please come and tell us about it
we will do whatever we can to help you.


If you are going to be late

Please let us know so that we can reserve your computer for you until you arrive. If
you are more than fifteen minutes late and we have not heard from you, we will allow
another learner to use your machine if they require it. This is known as the Fifteen
Minute Rule. It can also work in your favour as, if another learner has not notified us
of lateness and you would like to use their machine, we will allocate it to you after the
first fifteen minutes of the learning session have passed.

Additional Attendance

If you have completed your agreed hours in a week, and wish to attend the Centre
for some additional sessions, you may be able to use the Present But Not Booked
facility. This is available only to learners who have already made bookings for the
agreed weekly hours, and wish to make some time up to achieve their target end
date, or perhaps need to complete the qualification in a shorter space of time. The
Present But Not Booked system works as follows:

If you have completed or have booked your required two sessions in a week,
you can attend the Centre for extra sessions if there are unallocated
computers available during the session you require.
The Administrators will not book these sessions for you in advance they will
just allocate you one of the available computers.
It is not possible to use this facility if you have not made future learning
session bookings.

18

What To Do Next

If you think that you would like to join our learners in following an QCF qualification
and you like the way the Centre operates, please think about the questions below:

Are you able to attend the Centre for at least four hours each week over the
next year?
Are you committed to achieving the QCF?
Are you able to follow written instructions?
Are you able to work on your own?
Are you willing to attend the workshops required?
Are you happy to work towards a target date for completion?
Are you looking forward to starting?

If the answer to all the above questions is yes, and you think that this is the
programme for you, the next step is to complete your enrolment and learning
agreement paperwork. This is the agreement between yourself and the Centre that
states:

You will be enrolled with the College as a part-time learner.
You have agreed to follow a one-year programme at your chosen four hours
per week, and that you will attend every week for those hours, or let us known
when this is not possible.
You understand that you will be registered with the awarding body in order to
achieve the QCF qualification.

You Tutor will spend some time with you to answer any questions before you
complete your paperwork.

If you have decided that this is not the right way for you to study, the Tutor will
provide you with some programme information and contact details to find out
about other programmes on offer in other parts of the College.


19





Part 3
Important and
Useful Information

20

Important Information For Our Learners

Your Learner Identification Number

Once you have chosen the path you would like to undertake and your enrolment
paperwork has been processes, you are officially a Learner within our Centre.

To make your booking and keep your notes up to date, we have a learner database.
On this database, each of our learner has a unique learner identification number
please take a moment to record your learner identification number below:


My Learner Number is:_____________


Booking Your Learning Sessions

We explained during the Induction about the sessions you will need to attend to get
you started these will need to be booked today. Please take a moment to note
below which of the available workshops you would like to book to commence your
programme, and the dates and times, they occur.


QCF Getting Started Workshop:___________________________


You will be able to book these with the Centre Administrator during this session. The
Administrator will require your Learner Identification Number, and the details of the
dates you would like to attend the workshop(s).

21

Complaints Or Suggestions

If you feel at any time that you are not being treated fairly in the Learning Centre, or
that you have not received an excellent quality of service, it is important that you tell
us so that we can take action to prevent a further occurrence. If you have a
complaint, it will be treated with respect and in full confidence. All complaints should
be directed to the Centre Manager, who will do everything possible to make sure that
it is resolved to your satisfaction.

If you feel that there is something we could do more effectively, or can think of
something that would improve your experience in the Centre, please inform the
Manager we are here to make sure that you have the best possible learning
experience and will do whatever we can to make that happen.

Please take a moment to record the information below.


Centre Manager Name:______________________________


22

Appeals Procedure

This allows you to challenge the outcome of an Assessment decision.

Possible Reasons For Raising An Appeal

You disagree with the way in which the Assessment was conducted or you
disagree with the assessment decision.


Action Centre Appeal

1. Contact your Centre Manager when you wish to raise an appeal against your
Assessment decision, who will than contact the College Internal Verifier.
2. The Internal Verifier will carry out an investigation and inform all relevant
parties.
3. If the appeal is not resolved, it will then be submitted to the next stage of the
Colleges appeals procedure.
4. Further investigation is carried out and relevant parties informed of the
decision.
5. If the appeal is not resolved, it is then passed to the OCR external verifier.
6. Further investigation is carried out and relevant partied informed of the
decision.
7. If the appeal is not resolved, it is than submitted in writing to OCR.

23

Centre Rules and Regulations

We ask that our learners DO

Sign a register for each session you attend (just like today).
Attend punctually for sessions.
Let us know if you are going to be late for your session.
Attend regularly and for the agreed number of hours stated in your Learning
Agreement.
Behave responsibly while you are in the Centre.
Take care of the equipment in the Centre and use the computers responsibly.


We ask that you DO NOT

Under any circumstances remove any equipment, consumables, learning
materials, disks or evidence portfolios from the Centre we cannot afford to
replace them and would have to charge for our training if this occurred.
Bring any software or disks into the Centre unless you have permission from
centre staff. We have to be very careful about viruses and keeping the Centre
machines in working order.
Consume any food or drink at workstations.
Attend the Centre under the influence of, or in possession of alcohol, drugs or
solvents.
Use your own music headsets or mobile phones in the Centre as these are
prohibited and can affect your ability to hear a Centre safety announcement,
and can affect the Centre network.
Smoke anywhere in the Centre, including entrances/doorways/toilets.
Use the Internet to access information that could reasonably cause offence in
any way this includes all Internet pages containing adult content or offensive
images or language, and any pages that you are not directed to as part of
your programme work.

If you are not able to keep to these general rules, we regret that we may have
to ask you to leave the programme.

24

While Using The Facilities

Take regular breaks

We recommend that you take a short break from your workstation at least once an
hour. This could be something as short as walking to the Administration area to
make some more bookings for learning sessions. This will help to make sure that
you do not suffer any ill effects from using the computer for a long period of time.

If you decide to attend for a four-hour slot (two consecutive sessions), please
remember to take a short break from the desk and computer at each hourly interval.


Visual Display Unit (VDU)

When using the visual display units, you can minimise eyestrain by preventing glare
on the screen. To accomplish this, adjust the angle of the screen, change the
viewing distance and adjust the brightness of the screen. To prevent eyestrain you
should not use a VDU for more than one hour at a time without a break. Please
remember to make sure that, if you wear glasses or contact lenses, you have an up-
to-date prescription, and please wear these during your learning sessions.

25

Health And Safety

General Statement

It is the policy of the College to seek to provide the safest and healthiest working
conditions possible for its employees/learners; to recognise its responsibilities and
obligations towards others when carrying out its undertakings and to enlist the active
support of all its employees/learners in achieving the aims of the policy.

In terms of the Health & Safety at Work 1974, it is the express wish of the College to
eliminate, wherever possible, any risks to the health and safety of those persons to
whom it has a duty, and to provide proper and adequate welfare facilities for all
employees/learners.

The College has prepared this general statement of their policy on Health & Safety at
Work for all its employees/learners as required by Section 2 of the Health & Safety at
Work Act 1974.

The College will adopt the general principles set out in the 89/391 EEC Directive to
help ensure that the requirements of the Directive are met ie:

Assess the workplace for risks.
Co-operate with other employers.


Specifics To the Environment

VDU
Please refer to the VDU usage guidance in this pack

Computers
You should not turn the computer or any other electrical appliance on or off without
consulting a Tutor.

Cables
You should not disconnect any cables. If cables are causing obstruction, a Tutor
should be notified.

Centre Equipment
Please ensure that whilst you attend the Centre, you take utmost care with the
computer equipment and learning materials. They are essential resources and will
prevent others from benefiting from this unique opportunity if damaged.

One of the areas for particular attention is the floppy disk drive this is a
fragile piece of equipment that can easily be damaged simply by inserting
disks in a heavy-handed manner. Your Tutor will demonstrate how to use the
floppy disk drive correctly.

26

Fire And Evacuation Procedures

IF YOU HEAR THE FIRE WARNING

LEAVE THE PREMISES BY THE EXIT ROUTE, ENSURING THAT MEMBERS OF
THE PUBLIC IN THE BUILDING ARE INCLUDED IN THE EVACUATION AND
MEET IN THE DESIGNATED ASSEMBLY POINT FOR YOUR CENTRE.

IF YOU ARE THE LAST PERSON TO EVACUATE THE CENTRE, CLOSE ALL
THE DOORS.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
KNOW ALL THE EXIT FACILITIES WITHIN THE PREMISES
KNOW HOW TO OPERATE THE FIRE ALARM
KNOW YOUR ASSEMBLY POINT


DO NOT
DELAY DEPARTURE TO COLLECT PERSONAL BELONGINGS
SHOUT OR RUN SINCE THISE CAUSES PANIC
RE-ENTER THE BUILDING UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO DO SO





Please take a minute to record the Centres fire assembly point below for your
future reference:

27

Accident Reporting

In the event of an accident occurring on Centre premises, the accident must be
reported to the Centre Manager or another member of staff. Where required, an
Accident Report will be completed and distributed to the appropriate parties.


Your responsibilities

Know the location of the Accident Book.
Know the name and the location of the First Aider.

Please take a minute to record this information below for your future reference.

Location of Accident Book:_________________________________

Name of First Aider:_________________________________


Sharing of Information

The College will make you details available to other organisations such as LSC.


Data Protection

The IT Learning Centre inputs, stores, processes and updates personal information
on a Centre databases. This information is used for the purposes of:

Performance monitoring
Identifying trends
The further development of services to learners
The further development of services and products to learners

It is the responsibility of the learner to provide the Centre with accurate and up-to-
date information.

Information provided is stored on secure servers and Centre staff are responsible for
ensuring that personal data is kept confidential and not disclosed to any
unauthorised third party.


Equal Opportunities Statement

The College is committed to promoting Equal Opportunities regardless of colour,
race, creed, marital status, gender, sexuality, political affiliation, age, disability or
ethnic origin. Continuous monitoring of the Policy takes place.

Copies of the College Equal Opportunities Statement are available on request.
28

Self Declaration Of Eligibility For Level 2 Entitlement (L2E)

If you do not already have a first full Level 2 qualification or equivalent, which
equates to a qualification in standard and breadth to 5 GCSEs at Level A* - C, you
may be eligible for fee remission.

All Learners eligible for fee remission under L2E must complete and sign a
declaration of eligibility on the College Learner Information Form.

Below is the list of eligible qualification at Level 2:

Qualification

5 GCSEs grade A* - C
5 O Level passes
5 CSE Grade 1
2 AS Levels or more
NVQ 2
NVQ 3
NVQ 4
Intermediate GNVQ or higher
EdExcel/BTEC 1
st
Diploma or higher
City & Guilds Craft Part 2
Access Programme
HND/HNC
First degree/Higher degree

If you have qualifications other than those above, which you consider may be at
Level 2, please bring this to the attention of the Tutor who will be able to advise.

29


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2010
i.rehman2@bradfordcollege.ac.uk

Bradford College
IT Learning Centre
26-28 Sunbridge Road
Bradford
BD1 2AA