The structure of the Higher Administration and IT course assessment (the question paper and the IT assignment), and what the assignment requires: completing a set of linked IT tasks across spreadsheet, database, word-processing, presentation and communication software to solve an administrative problem.

What this key area is asking

This overview explains how Higher Administration and IT is assessed. The award has two components, the question paper and the assignment, and the SQA wants you to understand the purpose of each and, in particular, what the assignment (the practical IT coursework) requires. This is a single overview of the assessment, not a content topic examined in the question paper, but knowing the structure helps you prepare.

The structure of the course assessment

The question paper

The question paper is a written exam sat under exam conditions. It contains questions, often based on stimulus material (an administrative scenario), that test:

• knowledge and understanding of Administrative Theory and Practice (the role, time and task management, teams, legislation, customer care, meetings, technology, communication); and
• knowledge and understanding of IT solutions (what software features do and when to use them); and
• the ability to apply this to administrative situations.

It uses the SQA's command words (describe, explain, outline, discuss) and rewards precise administration terminology and, where asked, a balanced "discuss". It carries a substantial share of the total marks.

The assignment

The assignment is the practical IT coursework, produced under controlled conditions, in which the candidate uses the IT applications to carry out a realistic administrative task.

What the assignment requires

The assignment rewards a clear set of skills:

• Using IT applications: spreadsheet, database, word processing, presentation, email/e-diary, including complex functions;
• Following instructions accurately to produce the required outputs;
• Processing and presenting data: calculations, searches, charts, reports;
• Integrating applications: importing, exporting, linking or mail merge so the tasks join up;
• Accuracy and presentation: correct, professional, well-presented documents; and
• Working to a deadline under controlled conditions.

Examples in context

Example 1. Preparing for the question paper. A candidate revises by working through both areas against the course specification, learning the theory terms (notice, agenda, service standards, data protection) and the IT features (IF, VLOOKUP, mail merge, master slide), and practising past papers under timed conditions, focusing on the command words and on applying knowledge to the stimulus. This targets exactly what the question paper rewards.

Example 2. A well-integrated assignment. In the assignment a candidate builds a spreadsheet with the required functions and a chart, runs database queries and a report, exports data into a mail merge of letters, and produces a presentation, linking the spreadsheet chart into a report. They follow every instruction, keep outputs accurate and professional, and finish on time, illustrating the IT skills and integration the assignment assesses.

Try this

Q1. Name the two components of the Higher Administration and IT course assessment. [2 marks]

• Cue. The question paper (a written exam testing knowledge and understanding of both areas, applied to administrative contexts) and the assignment (a practical IT task using a range of software to solve an administrative problem). Both are set and marked by the SQA.

Q2. Describe two skills assessed by the Higher Administration and IT assignment. [4 marks]

• Cue. Using IT applications (including complex functions); following instructions accurately; processing and presenting data; integrating applications (import, export, link, mail merge); accuracy and presentation; working to a deadline (any two, developed).