Administration & IT

🔍 Course Overview
The Administration and IT courses provide learners with practical experience of real-life administrative tasks and engaging digital activities that reflect the modern workplace. Pupils gain valuable skills in organising, communicating, and managing information, using a wide range of business technologies.

These courses prepare learners for further study or employment in administrative, business, and digital roles across all sectors of the economy.

📘 National 5 – Course Content
Learners study two key areas:

Administration Theory
• Roles, duties, and personal qualities of administrative staff
• Importance of good customer service and maintaining a corporate image
• Health and safety, data security, and confidentiality
• File management and the reliability of online information
• Professional and effective business communication

IT Applications
• Word Processing / Desktop Publishing: Creating and editing business documents, leaflets, posters, and newsletters
• Spreadsheets: Using functions, formulas, and charts to present and analyse data
• Databases: Creating, searching, and reporting from relational databases
• Presentations: Designing professional multimedia presentations
• Electronic Communication: Using e-mail, e-diaries, and the internet effectively in business contexts

🛠️ Skills Developed
Learners will:
• Use a range of software to produce and manage business information
• Apply administrative theory to practical business scenarios
• Develop problem-solving, decision-making, and organisational skills
• Communicate professionally and work effectively as part of a team
• Understand the importance of data protection, customer care, and professional standards

🧪 Assessment
• Question Paper – 50 marks (42%) – 2 hours. Assesses knowledge of administrative theory and IT applications.
• Assignment – 70 marks (58%) – 3 hours. Practical assessment where candidates complete a series of business tasks using IT applications.

Achievement of the course gives automatic certification of the Core Skill: ICT at SCQF Level 5.

📈 Progression
• Higher Administration & IT
• NC or HNC Business / Administration courses
• Apprenticeships or employment in administration, business, or customer service roles

🖥️ Higher Administration & IT
🔍 Course Overview
The Higher Administration and IT course builds on skills developed at National 5, focusing on more advanced administrative theory and digital technologies. Learners complete authentic administrative tasks that reflect real business situations, developing independence, problem-solving ability, and leadership skills.

📘 Course Content
Administrative Theory and Practice
• Roles and responsibilities of administrative and senior administrative assistants
• Advanced time and task management and effective teamwork
• Legislation affecting administration (e.g. Health & Safety, GDPR, Computer Misuse Act)
• Impact of digital technology on working practices and communication
• Organising and supporting meetings and events using digital tools
• Features of good customer care and strategies for monitoring and improving service

IT Applications
• Word Processing: Producing complex documents and performing mail merges
• Spreadsheets: Using advanced formulas, linking data, and analysing business information
• Databases: Designing and querying relational databases
• Presentations: Creating professional business presentations with supporting materials
• Communication: Using e-mail, e-diaries, and emerging technologies appropriately in a business context

🛠️ Skills Developed
Learners will:
• Demonstrate advanced digital literacy and software proficiency
• Apply administration theory to practical business challenges
• Manage and communicate complex information securely
• Develop problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills
• Communicate and lead effectively in professional contexts

🧪 Assessment Overview
• Question Paper – 50 marks (42%) – 1 hour 30 minutes. Tests knowledge of administrative theory and problem-solving.
• Assignment – 70 marks (58%) – 2 hours. A computer-based practical assessment requiring use of advanced IT functions to complete integrated administrative tasks.

Achievement of the course gives automatic certification of the Core Skill: ICT at SCQF Level 6.

📈 Progression
• Further or Higher Education (HNC/HND Business, Administration, or related fields)
• University courses in Business, Event Management, or Digital Administration
• Employment in roles such as Administrative Assistant, Office Manager, or Executive PA
• Modern or Graduate Apprenticeships in Business and Administration

In progress

BLURB

Supported Study Sessions & Revision Websites

Supported Study sessions run on a Wednesday lunchtime. See Business teachers for more information or to arrange different times.

Pupils can use Achieve for revision for National 5 and Higher Admin and IT.

📊 Pathways, Wider Skills Development, DYW & Careers
🧭 Pathways
Administration & IT offers clear progression routes through school and beyond, developing essential workplace and digital skills.

Typical pathways include:
• National 5 → Higher → Advanced Higher / College / Apprenticeship
• NC or HNC in Business, Administration, or Digital Applications
• Degree-level study in Business Management, Event Management, or Information Systems
• Direct entry into administrative, business, or support roles

🌟 Wider Skills Development
Learners develop a wide range of transferable skills highly valued by employers:
• Digital Literacy – Confident use of business software and emerging technologies
• Communication – Producing professional, accurate business documentation
• Organisation & Time Management – Prioritising workloads and meeting deadlines
• Teamwork & Collaboration – Working effectively within a group or office environment
• Customer Service Awareness – Understanding and delivering excellent service
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making – Applying initiative and judgement in practical tasks
• Professional Conduct – Developing reliability, accuracy, and confidentiality

💼 Developing the Young Workforce (DYW)
Administration & IT aligns closely with Scotland’s Developing the Young Workforce strategy. The course gives pupils insight into real business operations and prepares them for the modern labour market through:
• Guest talks from business professionals
• Visits to local companies or college departments
• Enterprise and employability projects
• Opportunities to engage with local employers and industry partners

🚀 Careers
Strong administration and IT skills are vital in every organisation. Learners can progress to roles such as:
• Administrative or Office Assistant
• PA or Executive Assistant
• Events Co-ordinator
• HR or Finance Administrator
• Marketing or Communications Assistant
• IT Support or Data Entry Specialist
• Business or Project Support Officer

With further study, pupils can move into management, business analysis, or enterprise careers.

“Administration and IT develops confident, capable individuals who can thrive in any professional environment.”