Bronze 3 - Unit 8 - Assessor's Guide

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Assessor's guide to interpreting the criteria

General Information

  • Bronze 3 is the same as Entry Level 3 in the Qualification Credit Framework. It is mapped to the National curriculum at levels 3 and 4.
  • The definition of an entry level qualification is to recognize basic knowledge and skills and the ability to apply learning in everyday situations under direct guidance or supervision. Learning at this level involves building basic knowledge and skills and is not geared towards specific occupations.
  • The criteria are designed to provide opportunities to promote numeracy, literacy and social skills as well as ICT capability and are fully compatible with the UK National Curriculum programmes of study with some strengthening of important contemporary issues related to open systems providing support for PLTS and citizenship.
  • Bronze 3 is designed to promote a wider range of participation by providing a progression pathway from Bronze 2 to Level 1 in the QCF and from national curriculum levels 3 and 4 to level 5.
  • The specification for the Entry Level 3 certificate provides an outcome framework for assessment and is not intended to dictate any particular context for learning and so can be used with young children or adults.

Requirements

  • Standards must be confirmed by a trained Bronze Assessor or higher
  • Assessors must at a minimum record assessment judgements as entries in the on-line mark book on the INGOTs.org certification site
  • It is expected that there will be routine evidence of work used for judging assessment outcomes in the candidates' records of their day to day work. Samples should be available at the annual visit and/or by video conference.
  • Different approaches to learning will be required in order to match differing needs, for example, the needs of children will be different from the needs of adults with learning disabilities.
  • Completing the criteria for this unit entitles the candidate to the Award of the Entry level 3 Unit .  In general, the candidate should demonstrate that criteria related to co-operative behaviour can be sustained over time.
  • We expect at least 20 hours of guided study to be under-taken before this Unit Award is made to those new to computers but discretion can be used to take account of prior learning where this is sensible in individual cases. In terms of making the award, what matters is outcomes.
  • Certificates must be printed on INGOT logo template paper for which there is a charge of 50p per template

Assessment Method

Assessors can use the criteria to determine levels of prior learning through dialog with the candidate, direct observation and any other appropriate and relevant evidence. They can score each of the criteria "L", "S", "H". An "N" indicates no evidence and this is the default setting. "L" indicates some capability but some help still required and the candidate is not secure with that particular criterion. "S" indicates secure mastery of the criterion. "H" indicates that the candidate is operating beyond the basic requirements of the criterion.  If all criteria are matched with "S" or "H" the unit is passed. All criteria must be at least "S" for a pass.

Expansion of the assessment criteria

The entry 3 learner will be becoming increasingly capable of making use of skills, knowledge and understanding to carry out simple structured tasks and activities with occasional guidance and intervention. They will start to relate tasks to contexts and be aware of consequences of actions for themselves and others. While support and guidance are still needed they will demonstrate increasing capability of working self-sufficiently with simple structured tasks.
 
An activity will typically be 'structured' when:
 
    * there are several steps that need to be sequential; and
    * the learner has opportunities to practice the sequence or clear guidance is provided. 

IT Security for Users

1. Minimise security and safety risks when using IT systems

1.1 I can follow relevant guidelines and procedures for the secure use of IT

The candidate should be able to use basic security features of a local network.
 
Evidence: Assessor feedback on their actions on a network
 
Additional information and guidance
The candidate should e able to show that they know what the processes are for being safe and secure when using online facilities.
 

1.2 I can demonstrate awareness of security as a priority when using IT systems

The candidate should be able to state the importance of security. 
 
Evidence: Assessor feedback.
 
Additional information and guidance
The candidate should show through their actions that they know that security is important when working online.  As a basic, they should show the importance of keeping personal details such as passwords safe and secure and choose appropriate ones (assuming no password policy on the system).
 

1.3 I can respond appropriately to supervisor requirements

The candidate should be courteous and responsive to help and guidance. 
 
Evidence: Assessor feedback.
 
Additional information and guidance
The candidate should appreciate the help and guidance of their colleagues in a working environment and the experience of others around them for certain tasks.  If asked to undertake a task, they should carry it out to the best of their ability or ask for help if they are unsure.
 

Moderation/verification

The assessor should keep a record of assessment judgements made for each candidate and make notes of any significant issues for any candidate. They must be prepared to enter into dialog with their Account Manager and provide their assessment records to the Account Manager through the on-line mark book. They should be prepared to provide evidence as a basis for their judgements should it be required by the Principal Assessor or their Account Manager/external moderator. Before authorising certification, the Account Manager must be satisfied that the assessors judgements are sound.