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Digital Skills Courses

Join our Digital Skills courses to grow your confidence using digital technology for work, learning and everyday life.

From showing you basics to improve social interaction online, through to guiding you to recognised qualifications in Functional Digital Skills, our friendly, experienced tutors will give you lots of support as you broaden your employment prospects.

When you complete our courses, you will be able to: 

  • Progress confidently into the workplace and/or further study 
  • Use devices and handle information
  • Communicate electronically
  • Be safe and responsible online
  • Have the skills to meets the demands of the modern world
  • Create and edit using electronic platforms

 

Digital Skills courses we offer 


Who this course is for

Adult learners wishing to achieve an Entry 3 Digital Functional Skills qualification awarded by NCFE and to be able to use those transferable skills in ICT in order to work confidently, effectively and independently in their workplace or personal life.  

What you will learn

You will have the opportunity to discuss and set your own learning targets with your tutor and discuss the support you might need to ensure you have an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience. 

Course content below is subject to change based on prior knowledge and skills of each cohort.   

On this course you will be able to develop knowledge and put into practice skills for: 

  • Ensuring ICT work area is safe 
  • Interacting with ICT e.g., a PC, keyboard, mouse 
  • Using an external drive, cloud storage 
  • Using ICT communication – to keep in contact with other people – email, video calls 
  • Following key steps for staying safe online – using the Internet 
  • Creating and formatting documents / files in Word and PowerPoint 
  • Saving and retrieving documents 
  • Combining information from different applications to create documents e.g. email and Word 

Formal assessment for awarding of the qualification will be by an end of course exam assessing areas covered in the course. 

Knowledge and Skills needed to join the course

This is a course for learners assessed at Entry Level in ICT. Basic skills such as switching the PC on and off, using a mouse, opening and closing applications is expected. 

Basic reading, writing and communication skills will be required to: 

  • follow verbal and written instructions and work through them at your own pace  
  • listen and join in group discussions  
  • jot down notes to record relevant information  
  • keep your work organised in a file  

The materials you will need 

At enrolment, you will need your National Insurance number and proof of any benefits you currently receive. Your tutor will provide most of the learning resources, but you will need to come prepared to the lessons with an A4 pad; pen and folder or file to keep your work organised.  

It will be an advantage, but not essential, if you have access to a PC at home to extend your learning. 

How you will learn 

Each session will consist of a dynamic tutor presentation followed by a range of practical activities. There will be plenty of revision and consolidation and learning will build on previous learning.  

Your progress will be monitored by informal assessment tasks, and you will receive verbal and written feedback from the tutor to help you make good progress. 

This course is accredited by NCFE.  On completion of a successful task-based final controlled assessment you will obtain the Digital Functional Skills Qualification Entry Level 3.  

What happens after you complete your course

On completion of this course, you can progress to a Digital Functional Skills Level 1 qualification.

As the qualification develops transferable skills which will be useful in work and life, you could also progress onto a variety of other courses and qualifications in employability or in vocational areas. 

Ask your tutor for advice and a copy of the progression ladder. 

Sefton Community Learning Service offers a range of Functional Skills courses from Entry 1 up to Level 2 if you need to brush up your Maths and English skills or require a qualification to support you with your career path.

Sefton@Work will be able to provide independent information, advice, and guidance to support you making informed choices for progression into further education, volunteering, or employment.

How to enrol 

You can find out how to enrol on this page.

Who this course is for

Adult learners who want to start off with the basics of Microsoft Word, from spell check to inserting pictures and creating posters.

This course is ideal if you have some basic computer and keyboard skills, you may have already completed a beginners computer course and want to study further with Word.

What you will learn

Course content below is subject to change based on prior knowledge and skills of each cohort.

Week 1

  • Welcome and discussion of course
  • Induction/initial assessment/Logging on to the computers
  • Introduce Microsoft Word
  • Typing text
  • Spell check a document
  • Save and print

Week 2

  • Format a document
  • Use enhancements - Bold, Italic, Underline
  • Use alignments - Left, Center, and Right align
  • Add bullet points to text
  • Change font styles/sizes
  • Change the colour of the text

Week 3

  • Inserting pictures and WordArt
  • Search for picture online to insert into a document
  • Resize, move and wrap text around pictures
  • Add WordArt to documents

Week 4

  • Margins, page orientation and page borders
  • Changing the size of the margins
  • Changing the page orientation from portrait to landscape
  • Add a border around a page

Week 5

  • Shapes and templates
  • Draw shapes in a document
  • Change the colours of the shapes
  • Use existing templates to create posters, cards, certificates

You will have the opportunity to discuss and set your own learning targets with your tutor and discuss the support you might need to ensure you have an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience.

 

Knowledge and Skills needed to join the course

This is a course for learners who have some basic computer skills using a mouse and keyboard. On this course you will need to: 

  • follow verbal and written instructions and work through them at your own pace 
  • listen and join in group discussions 
  • jot down notes to record relevant information 
  • keep your work organised in a file 
  • use a PC/laptop or tablet for research and to practise your new skills

The materials you will need 

At enrolment, you will need your National Insurance number and proof of benefits (if applicable). Your tutor will provide most of the learning resources, but you will need to come prepared to the lessons with an A4 pad; pen and folder or file to keep your work organised.

It will be an advantage, but not essential, if you have access to the internet at home to extend your learning.

How you will learn 

Each session will consist of a dynamic tutor presentation followed by a range of practical activities. There will be plenty of revision and consolidation and learning will build on previous learning.

Your progress will be monitored by informal assessment tasks and you will receive verbal and written feedback from the tutor to help you make good progress. You will prepare a portfolio of evidence with samples of work you have produced.

 

What happens after you complete your course

On completion of this course, you can progress to another non-accredited digital course: Microsoft Word Next Steps, Spreadsheets for Beginners, Internet and Email for Beginners, Staying Safe Online for Beginners or iPads for Beginners.

We also offer Functional Skills IT qualifications at Entry Level 3 and Level 1.

Ask your tutor for advice and a copy of the progression ladder.

Sefton Community Learning Service offers a range of Functional Skills courses from Entry 1 up to Level 2 if you need to brush up your Maths and English skills or require a qualification to support you with your career path.

Sefton@Work will be able to provide independent information, advice, and guidance to support you making informed choices for progression into further education, volunteering, or employment.

How to enrol 

You can find out how to enrol on this page. 

Who this course is for

Adult learners who have completed a beginners computer course and have used Microsoft Word before, or have knowledge of using Word and want to take the next steps.

You will study further concepts of Word including inserting tables, mail merge, inserting forms and looking further at the page layout tools.

What you will learn

Course content below is subject to change based on prior knowledge and skills of each cohort.

Week 1

What do you know and what do you need to learn - Setting targets

Induction

Typing a document
Correcting errors using the spell checker
Using the Thesaurus

Week 2

  • Inserting hyperlinks
  • Inserting pictures
  • Formatting pictures

Week 3

  • Using Paragraph & Page Layout tools
  • Line spacing
  • Paragraph spacing
  • Margins
  • Indents

Week 4

  • Inserting tables
  • Amending tables
  • Formatting tables

Week 5

  • Creating a mail merge
  • Merging two documents together to create a mail merge
  • Creating a form
  • Adding fields

You will have the opportunity to discuss and set your own learning targets with your tutor and discuss the support you might need to ensure you have an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience.

Knowledge and Skills needed to join the course

This is a course for learners who have prior subject knowledge of using a computer and Microsoft Word. You must be able to log on to a computer, open a document, use basic formatting, save and print.

 On this course you will need to have good literacy skills to:

  • follow verbal and written instructions and work through them at your own pace 
  • listen and join in group discussions 
  • jot down notes to record relevant information 
  • keep your work organised in a file 
  • use a PC/laptop or tablet for research and to practise your new skills

The materials you will need 

At enrolment, you will need your NI number and proof of benefits (if applicable). Your tutor will provide most of the learning resources, but you will need to come prepared to the lessons with an A4 pad; pen and folder or file to keep your work organised.

It will be an advantage, but not essential, if you have access to the internet at home to extend your learning.

How you will learn 

Each session will consist of a dynamic tutor presentation followed by a range of practical activities. There will be plenty of revision and consolidation and learning will build on previous learning.

Your progress will be monitored by informal assessment tasks and you will receive verbal and written feedback from the tutor to help you make good progress. You will prepare a portfolio of evidence with samples of work you have produced.

 

What happens after you complete your course

On completion of this course, you can progress to another non-accredited digital course: Microsoft Office for beginners, Spreadsheets for Beginners, Next Steps Spreadsheets or Windows 10.

We also offer Digital Skills qualifications at Entry level 3 and L1.

Ask your tutor for advice and a copy of the progression ladder.

Sefton Community Learning Service offers a range of Functional Skills courses from Entry 1 up to Level 2 if you need to brush up your maths and English skills or require a qualification to support you with your career path.

Sefton@Work will be able to provide independent information, advice, and guidance to support you making informed choices for progression into further education, volunteering, or employment.

How to enrol 

You can find out how to enrol on this page.

Who this course is for

Adult learners who have Windows 11 on their personal or work computer/laptop and would like to learn the basics, getting started with the layout and using some of the new features for work, everyday life or to keep in touch with friends and family.

What you will learn

Course content below is subject to change based on prior knowledge and skills of each cohort.

Week 1

  • What do you know and what do you need to learn - Setting targets
  • Windows 11 layout
  • Navigating the Desktop
  • The Start menu
  • Pinning apps to the Start menu

Week 2

  • Using the Desktop
  • Changing the desktop settings, theme colours and moving the taskbar buttons
  • Adjusting the brightness and volume.
  • Snap layouts
  • Widgets

Week 3

  • Using the Settings and where to find Windows updates
  • Using File Explorer to manage files and folders

Week 4

  • Connecting to the Internet with Wi-Fi
  • Using and Browsing the Internet with Edge
  • Chat with Teams

Week 5

  • Logging into the Windows Store
  • Downloading apps
  • Updating apps and deleting apps

You will have the opportunity to discuss and set your own learning targets with your tutor and discuss the support you might need to ensure you have an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience

Knowledge and Skills needed to join the course

You will need some basic computer knowledge - using a keyboard, mouse/touchpad and logging on to a computer.

On this course you will need to have good literacy skills to:

  • follow verbal and written instructions and work through them at your own pace 
  • listen and join in group discussions 
  • jot down notes to record relevant information 
  • keep your work organised in a file 
  • use a PC/laptop or tablet for research and to practise your new skills

The materials you will need 

At enrolment, you will need your NI number and proof of benefits (if applicable). Your tutor will provide most of the learning resources, but you will need to come prepared to the lessons with an A4 pad; pen and folder or file to keep your work organised.

It will be an advantage, but not essential, if you have access to the internet at home to extend your learning.

How you will learn 

Each session will consist of a dynamic tutor presentation followed by a range of practical activities. There will be plenty of revision and consolidation and learning will build on previous learning.

Your progress will be monitored by informal assessment tasks and you will receive verbal and written feedback from the tutor to help you make good progress. You will prepare a portfolio of evidence with samples of work you have produced.

 

What happens after you complete your course

On completion of this course, you can progress to another non-accredited course: Microsoft Office for Beginners, Word for Beginners, Spreadsheets for Beginners, Internet and Email for Beginners or iPads for Beginners.

We also offer Digital Skills qualifications at Entry level 3 and L1.

Ask your tutor for advice and a copy of the progression ladder.

Sefton Community Learning Service offers a range of Functional Skills courses from Entry 1 up to Level 2 if you need to brush up your maths and English skills or require a qualification to support you with your career path.

Sefton@Work will be able to provide independent information, advice, and guidance to support you making informed choices for progression into further education, volunteering, or employment.

How to enrol 

You can find out how to enrol on this page. 

Who this course is for

Adult learners who completed a Computer for Beginners’ course and would like to take the next steps in learning more about Microsoft Office packages.

What you will learn

Course content below is subject to change based on prior knowledge and skills of each cohort.

Week 1

  • What do you know, and setting your own targets for what you need to learn.
  • Basic Word tools and skills – menus and ribbon bar, scrolling and zooming
  • Using the header and footer, enter text, spell checking, save and print

Week 2

  • Microsoft Word
  • Changing margins and orientation
  • Formatting text and inserting Clipart / images

Week 3

  • Introduction to Excel
  • Rows, columns and cells
  • Inputting data, widening columns
  • Entering simple formula including AutoSum
  • Printing a spreadsheet

Week 4

  • Formulas in Excel
  • Subtraction
  • Multiplication
  • Division
  • Showing and Printing formula

Week 5

  • Introduction to PowerPoint
  • Slides, layouts, printing
  • Inserting images

You will have the opportunity to discuss and set your own learning targets with your tutor and discuss the support you might need to ensure you have an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience

Knowledge and Skills needed to join the course

On this course you will need to: 

  • have some basic IT skills, e.g. logging on, using a mouse, basic typing skills
  • follow verbal and written instructions and work through them at your own pace 
  • listen and join in group discussions 
  • jot down notes to record relevant information 
  • keep your work organised in a file 
  • use a PC/laptop or tablet for research or to present your work

The materials you will need 

At enrolment, you will need your NI number and proof of benefits (if applicable). Your tutor will provide most of the learning resources, but you will need to come prepared to the lessons with an A4 pad; pen and folder or file to keep your work organised.

It will be an advantage, but not essential, if you have access to the internet at home to extend your learning.

How you will learn 

Each session will consist of a dynamic tutor presentation followed by a range of practical activities. There will be plenty of revision and consolidation and learning will build on previous learning.

Your progress will be monitored by informal assessment tasks and you will receive verbal and written feedback from the tutor to help you make good progress. You will put together a portfolio of evidence of your learning.

 

What happens after you complete your course

On completion of this course, one of the courses you can progress to other ICT non accredited courses or to a digital skills qualification at Entry 3 or Level 1.

Ask your tutor for advice and a copy of the progression ladder.

Sefton Community Learning Service offers a range of Functional Skills courses from Entry 1 up to Level 2 if you need to brush up your maths and English skills or require a qualification to support you with your career path.

Sefton@Work will be able to provide independent information, advice, and guidance to support you making informed choices for progression into further education, volunteering, or employment.

How to enrol 

You can find out how to enrol on this page.

Who this course is for

Adult learners who have never used a computer before and want to start from the beginning. You will learn how to use the keyboard and mouse; how to log on and off a computer and you will be introduced to Microsoft Word.

What you will learn

Course content below is subject to change based on prior knowledge and skills of each cohort.

Week 1

  • What do you know and what do you need to learn - Setting targets
  • Induction
  • Logging on to computers
  • Name parts of the keyboard and use the mouse
  • Name parts of the computer

Week 2 - Starting off with Word

  • Create a new document and type a few lines of text
  • Print and save a document
  • Name keyboard functions

Week 3 - Typing, spell check and formatting

  • Typing text
  • Using the spell checker
  • Inserting a new paragraph
  • Basic text formatting: bold, italic, underline
  • Save and print

Week 4 - Amend an existing document

  • Open an existing file and make changes to it including:
  • Fonts, text alignment and image resizing
  • Create a poster
  • Insert pictures

 

Week 5 - Consolidate learning

  • Create and format a document
  • Insert a picture
  • Add a border to a picture
  • Recap course
  • End of course review

You will have the opportunity to discuss and set your own learning targets with your tutor and discuss the support you might need to ensure you have an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience.

Knowledge and Skills needed to join the course

This is a course for complete beginners, prior subject knowledge is not required. On this course you will need to: 

  • follow verbal and written instructions and work through them at your own pace 
  • listen and join in group discussions 
  • jot down notes to record relevant information 
  • keep your work organised in a file 
  • use a PC/laptop or tablet for research and to practise your new skills

The materials you will need 

At enrolment, you will need your NI number and proof of benefits (if applicable). Your tutor will provide most of the learning resources, but you will need to come prepared to the lessons with an A4 pad; pen and folder or file to keep your work organised.

It will be an advantage, but not essential, if you have access to the internet at home to extend your learning.

How you will learn 

Each session will consist of a dynamic tutor presentation followed by a range of practical activities. There will be plenty of revision and consolidation and learning will build on previous learning.

Your progress will be monitored by informal assessment tasks and you will receive verbal and written feedback from the tutor to help you make good progress. You will prepare a portfolio of evidence with samples of work you have produced.

 

What happens after you complete your course

On completion of this course, you can progress to another non-accredited digital course: Microsoft Office for beginners, Spreadsheets for beginners, Internet and email for beginners or iPads for beginners.

We also offer Functional Skills qualifications at Entry Level 3 and Level 1. 

Ask your tutor for advice and a copy of the progression ladder.

Sefton Community Learning Service offers a range of Functional Skills courses from Entry 1 up to Level 2 if you need to brush up your Maths and English skills or require a qualification to support you with your career path.

Sefton@Work will be able to provide independent information, advice, and guidance to support you making informed choices for progression into further education, volunteering, or employment.

How to enrol 

You can find out how to enrol on this page

 

Who this course is for

Adult learners who want to learn the basics of Microsoft Office Excel and has a basic understanding of using a computer, keyboard and mouse.

What you will learn

Course content below is subject to change based on prior knowledge and skills of each cohort.

Week 1

  • Initial and diagnostic assessment and setting of personal targets
  • Introduce Microsoft Excel
  • Layout, cells, rows and columns
  • Name parts of a spreadsheet

Week 2

  • Spreadsheets the basics
  • Inserting text and numeric data
  • Using the Header and Footer areas
  • Orientation
  • Using AUTOSUM (∑) to produce a formula
  • Saving

Week 3

  • Editing a spreadsheet
  • Replicating a formula
  • Inserting a new row/column
  • Deleting a row or column
  • Text Alignment
  • Text Formatting
  • Number Formatting
  • Adding Borders to Cells in a Spreadsheet

Week 4

  • Working with sheets
  • Rename
  • Add
  • Copy
  • Move sheets in a work book

Week 5

  • Charts and Graphs
  • Insert Pie, column, line chart
  • Add titles
  • Add axis titles
  • Add data labels
  • Move charts to new sheets

You will have the opportunity to discuss and set your own learning targets with your tutor and discuss the support you might need to ensure you have an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience.

Knowledge and Skills needed to join the course

Basic computer skills will be required: logging on, using a keyboard and mouse, basic typing skills.

On this course you will need to: 

  • follow verbal and written instructions and work through them at your own pace 
  • listen and join in group discussions 
  • jot down notes to record relevant information 
  • keep your work organised in a file 
  • use a PC/laptop or tablet for research and practise your new skills

The materials you will need 

At enrolment, you will need your National Insurance number and proof of benefits (if applicable). Your tutor will provide most of the learning resources, but you will need to come prepared to the lessons with an A4 pad; pen and folder or file to keep your work organised.

It will be an advantage, but not essential, if you have access to the internet at home to extend your learning.

How you will learn 

Each session will consist of a dynamic tutor presentation followed by a range of practical activities. There will be plenty of revision and consolidation and learning will build on previous learning.

Your progress will be monitored by informal assessment tasks and you will receive verbal and written feedback from the tutor to help you make good progress, creating a portfolio of evidence and informal knowledge assessments.

 

What happens after you complete your course

On completion of this course, you can progress to another non-accredited course to further develop your Digital Skills.  We offer a wide range of non-accredited courses such as: Next Steps Spreadsheets, Intro to Powerpoint; Microsoft Office or Windows 10.

We also offer Digital Skills qualification at Entry level 3 and Level 1.  Ask your tutor for advice and a copy of the progression ladder.

Sefton Community Learning Service offers a range of Functional Skills courses from Entry 1 up to Level 2 if you need to brush up your Maths and English skills or require a qualification to support you with your career path.

Sefton@Work will be able to provide independent information, advice, and guidance to support you making informed choices for progression into further education, volunteering, or employment.

How to enrol 

You can find out how to enrol on this page.

Who this course is for

Anyone who has completed Spreadsheets for Beginners and would like to continue studying Microsoft Excel. You can also enrol on this course if you have used Excel previously and know some of the basics.  See Knowledge and Skills needed section below.

What you will learn

Week 1

  • Induction
  • Use formulas to calculate
  • Use plus +
  • Minus –
  • Multiply *
  • Divide / to calculate cells

Week 2

  • Import and searching and sorting data
  • Use a database file and import it into a spreadsheet
  • Searching and Sorting
  • Freezing Panes
  • Use the search and sort facility to find information in a spreadsheet

Week 3

  • Formula and Functions
  • Use functions to calculate:
  • Sum, Average, Min, Max Count and CountA

Week 4

  • Importing a text file Absolute Cell references
  • Calculate using $ sign to fix a cell when replicating formulas

Week 5

  • If Statements
  • Understand IF statements return a true or false values
  • Enter an IF statement formula to return a true or false value

 

Knowledge and Skills needed to join the course

This is a post beginners course therefore it is expected that you can log on, use a keyboard and mouse and have basic typing skills.

You need to have completed Spreadsheets for Beginners or be able to:

  • Open, save and close a spreadsheet 
  • Insert text and numeric data on a spreadsheet
  • Enter simple formula to add, minus, multiply and divide

Use AUTOSUM (∑) to produce a formula

On this course you will need to have good literacy skills to:

  • follow verbal and written instructions and work through them at your own pace 
  • listen and join in group discussions 
  • jot down notes to record relevant information 
  • keep your work organised in a file 
  • use a PC/laptop or tablet for research and to practise your new skills

The materials you will need 

You will need to bring with you a copy of your National Insurance number and proof of benefits if needed. Your tutor will provide most of the learning resources but you will need to come prepared to the lessons with an A4 pad; pen and folder or file to keep your work organised.

It will be an advantage, but not essential, if you have access to the internet at home to extend your learning.

How you will learn 

Each session will consist of a dynamic tutor presentation followed by a range of interactive activities to practise. There will be plenty of revision and practice to build on previous learning.

Your progress will be monitored by informal assessment tasks, you will receive verbal and written feedback from your tutor to help you make good progress. 

You will put together a portfolio of evidence of work you have completed.

 

What happens after you complete your course

On completion of this course, you can progress to another non-accredited course to further develop your Digital Skills. We offer a wide range of non-accredited courses such as: Intro to Powerpoint or Developing Applications in Excel.

We also offer Digital Skills qualifications at E3 or L1.

Ask your tutor for advice and a copy of the progression ladder.

Sefton Community Learning Service offers a range of Functional Skills courses from Entry 1 up to Level 2 if you need to brush up your Maths and English skills or require a qualification to support you with your career path.

Sefton@Work will be able to provide independent information, advice, and guidance to support you making informed choices for progression into further education, volunteering, or employment.

How to enrol 

You can find out how to enrol on this page.

Who this course is for

This course is for anyone who wants to learn how to use the Internet and email from the very basics and want to learn how to browse the internet safely.

What you will learn

Week 1

  • Initial assessment, induction and setting of personal targets for what you need to learn.
  • How to log-in on to computers
  • Getting started on the web
  • What is the www?
  • Understanding web addresses
  • Finding local information on web sites

Week 2

  • Using Search Engines to find information
  • Understanding search results
  • Refining searches for more accurate results

Week 3

  • Basic Internet safety
  • Understand what a virus is
  • Using passwords

Week 4

  • How to create an Outlook email account
  • Logging onto Office 365 – learner account
  • Send an email to a member of the group
  • Use spell check on email

Week 5

  • Send a reply email
  • Print emails

You will have the opportunity to discuss and set your own learning targets with your tutor and discuss the support you might need to ensure you have an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience.

Knowledge and Skills needed to join the course

This is a course for complete beginners and no prior subject knowledge or skills are required. You will need to have English literacy skills to: 

  • follow verbal and written instructions and work through them at your own pace
  • listen and join in group discussions
  • jot down notes to record relevant information
  • keep your work organised in a file

The materials you will need 

At enrolment, you will need your National Insurance number and proof of benefits (if applicable). Your tutor will provide most of the learning resources, but you will need to come prepared to the lessons with an A4 pad; pen and folder or file to keep your work organised. 

It will be an advantage, but not essential, if you have access to the internet at home to extend your learning.

How you will learn 

Each session will consist of a dynamic tutor presentation followed by a range of practical activities. There will be plenty of revision and consolidation and learning will build on previous learning.

Your progress will be monitored by informal assessment tasks and you will receive verbal and written feedback from the tutor to help you make good progress. You will collect a non-accredited portfolio of evidence of your progress.

 

What happens after you complete your course

On completion of this course, you can progress to “Email and Internet Know How” course to develop your skills further or to another digital skills course.  We offer a range of non-accredited courses to build your confidence, eg: Microsoft Office for Beginners, iPads for Beginners, Windows 10 for Beginners.

We also offer ICT qualifications at Entry Level 3.  Ask your tutor for advice and a copy of the progression ladder.

Sefton Community Learning Service offers a range of Functional Skills courses from Entry 1 up to Level 2 if you need to brush up your Maths and English skills or require a qualification to support you with your career path.

Sefton@Work will be able to provide independent information, advice, and guidance to support you making informed choices for progression into further education, volunteering, or employment.

How to enrol 

You can find out how to enrol on this page.

Who this course is for

Adult learners who would like to learn to use the basic functions of using an iPad.

What you will learn

Course content below is subject to change based on prior knowledge and skills.

Week 1

  • Initial assessment, induction and setting of personal targets for what you need to learn.
  • Identifying the different parts of the iPad
  • Turning on/off
  • Introduction and familiarisation with iPad functions

Week 2

  • Using the touchscreen keyboard
  • Familiarity with keyboard functions
  • Swipe and navigate
  • Type a note
  • Accessing Wi-Fi

Week 3

  • Drawing and using camera
  • Sharing (text and images) via email
  • Using the camera to take a picture

Week 4

  • Downloading an e-book from Apple store
  • Taking a screenshot photo
  • Sharing screenshot/photo via email

Week 5

  • Downloading an application (App) from Apple Store
  • Taking a screenshot photo
  • Sharing screenshot/photo via email
  • Recap course
  • Course evaluation and discussion of your next steps

You will have the opportunity to discuss and set your own learning targets with your tutor and discuss the support you might need to ensure you have an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience.

Knowledge and Skills needed to join the course

This is a course for complete beginners and no prior subject knowledge or skills are required. You will need good English literacy skills to be able to:
 
• follow verbal and written instructions and work through them at your own pace 
• listen and join in group activities
• keep your work organised in a file 
• jot down notes to record relevant information 

 

The materials you will need 

The iPad will be provided but cannot be taken home.
 
At enrolment, you will need your National Insurance number and proof of benefits (if applicable). Your tutor will provide most of the learning resources, but you will need to come prepared to the lessons with an A4 pad; pen and folder or file to keep your work organised. 
 
It will be an advantage, but not essential, if you have access to an iPad and the internet at home to extend your learning.
 

How you will learn 

Each session will consist of a dynamic tutor presentation followed by a range of interactive activities to practise what you have learnt. There will be plenty of revision and consolidation and learning will build on previous learning.

Your progress will be monitored by informal assessment tasks and you will receive verbal and written feedback from the tutor to help you make good progress.

 

What happens after you complete your course

On completion of this course, you can progress onto the Next Steps iPad course or to another course to further develop your Digital Skills.  We offer a wide range of non-accredited courses such as Internet & Email, Shopping Online, Staying Safe Online or Microsoft Office or Windows 10. 

We also offer Digital Skills qualifications at E3 or L1.  Ask your tutor for advice and a copy of the progression ladder.

Sefton Community Learning Service offers a range of Functional Skills courses from Entry 1 up to Level 2 if you need to brush up your Maths and English skills or require a qualification to support you with your career path.

Sefton@Work will be able to provide independent information, advice, and guidance to support you making informed choices for progression into further education, volunteering, or employment.

How to enrol 

You can find out how to enrol on this page.

Who this course is for

If you already know the basics of using an iPad and want to take this to the next level by learning how to use additional features, this is a suitable course for you.

What you will learn

Course content below is subject to change based on prior knowledge and skills of each cohort.

 Week 1

  • Induction, course information and discussion of your personal goals following Initial assessment.
  • Brief recap of previous course (the basics)
  • Adding to the Contacts App

Week 2

  • Using the iPad camera 
  • Adjusting the point of focus
  • Organising your photos into folders

Week 3

  • Installing Apps
  • Organising Apps into folders
  • Moving and deleting Apps  

Week 4

  • Sending and replying to e-mails
  • Attaching images/photos
  • Organising your messages

Week 5

  • Searching websites for information
  • Printing from websites
  • Course evaluation

You will have the opportunity to discuss and set your own learning targets with your tutor and discuss the support you might need to ensure you have an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience.

Knowledge and Skills needed to join the course

To join this course you will need to have some basic knowledge of using an iPad including, i.e.: Using the touchscreen keyboard; connecting to the Wi-Fi; taking a screenshot; downloading apps and eBooks; how to share information and photos.

On this course you will need to: 

  • follow verbal and written instructions and work through them at your own pace 
  • listen and join in group activities
  • jot down notes to record relevant information and keep your work organised
  • have some dexterity with your hands

The materials you will need 

At enrolment, you will need your National Insurance number and proof of benefits (if applicable).

Your tutor will provide most of the learning resources, but you will need to come prepared with an A4 pad; pen and folder or file to keep your work organised. 

The iPads will be provided to use during the lesson only and will be wiped-down before and after every session.

It will be an advantage, but not essential, if you have access to the internet at home to extend your learning.

How you will learn 

Each session will consist of a dynamic tutor presentation followed by a range of interactive activities to practise.

There will be plenty of revision and consolidation and learning will build on previous learning.

Your progress will be monitored by informal assessment tasks and you will receive verbal and written feedback from the tutor to help you make good progress.

 

What happens after you complete your course

On completion, you can progress onto another I.T course, provided by Sefton Community Learning Service, such as Photo Editing, Internet and Email for Beginners and Microsoft Word.

At Sefton Community Learning Service we also offer Digital Skills qualifications at Entry Level 3, while Hugh Baird College and Southport College offer a number of Digital Skills qualifications.

Ask your tutor for advice and a copy of the Digital Skills progression ladder.

Sefton Community Learning Service offers a range of Functional Skills courses from Entry 1 up to Level 2 if you need to brush up your maths and English skills or require a qualification to support you with your career path.

Sefton@Work will be able to provide independent information, advice, and guidance to support you making informed choices for progression into further education, volunteering, or employment.

How to enrol 

You can find out how to enrol on this page. 

Who this course is for

Adult learners who would like to gain some basic skills to edit their own photos.

What you will learn

Course content below is subject to change based on prior knowledge and skills of each cohort.

 Week 1

  • Induction, course information
  • Initial and diagnostic assessment and setting your personal targets
  • Accessing the photo editing software to be used during the course, Pixlr
  • Identifying some of the different icons, palettes and menus.

Week 2

  • Cropping images – discussing the reasons for cropping an image.
  • Saving images - using file names and file types
  • Preparing images for printing

Week 3

  • Utilising the clone tool – to remove unwanted parts of image
  • Using copy and paste to add people or things to images.
  • Applying image effects

Week 4

  • Applying a colour tint to a monochrome image
  • Using layers effectively – with blending techniques
  • Utilising the paint tool – adjusting brush sizes

Week 5

  • Creating a combined image using a variety of different images.
  • Developing skills learnt in previous weeks.
  • Course evaluation and discussion of your next steps

You will have the opportunity to discuss and set your own learning targets with your tutor and discuss the support you might need to ensure you have an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience.

Knowledge and Skills needed to join the course

This is a course for complete beginners and no prior subject knowledge or skills are required. You need to be able to:

  • follow verbal and written instructions and work through them at your own pace 
  • listen and join in group activities
  • keep your work organised in a file 
  • have basic IT skills. eg: Log on and off, use a mouse and keyboard independently
  • jot down notes to record relevant information 

The materials you will need 

At enrolment, you will need your National Insurance number and proof of benefits (if applicable). Your tutor will provide most of the learning resources, but you will need to come prepared to the lessons with an A4 pad; pen and folder or file to keep your work organised.

We suggest you bring your own camera, if you have one, but if you don’t, the tutor will provide you one for the lesson (please note, you cannot take this home).

It will be an advantage, but not essential, if you have access to the internet at home to extend your learning.

How you will learn 

Each session will consist of a dynamic tutor presentation followed by a range of interactive activities. There will be plenty of revision and consolidation and learning will build on previous learning.

 Your progress will be monitored by informal assessment tasks and you will receive verbal and written feedback from the tutor to help you make good progress.

What happens after you complete your course

On completion of this course, you can progress onto an accredited photo editing course at Hugh Baird College or the City of Liverpool College, or you might want to try a non-accredited Digital Photography course with us.

We have a range of media and digital skills courses available at SCLS.  Ask your tutor for advice and a copy of the progression ladder.

Sefton Community Learning Service offers a range of Functional Skills courses from Entry 1 up to Level 2 if you need to brush up your Maths and English skills or require a qualification to support you with your career path.

Sefton@Work will be able to provide independent information, advice, and guidance to support you making informed choices for progression into further education, volunteering, or employment.

How to enrol 

You can find out how to enrol on this page. 

Who this course is for

Adult learners who would like to learn to edit their photos in a creative way.

What you will learn

Course content below is subject to change based on previous knowledge and skills of each cohort.

Week 1

  • Induction, course information, starting your Individual Learning Plan (ILP)
  • Accessing the photo editing software to be used during the course. (Pixlr E)
  • Changing your sky – using a Cut-out/Mask

Week 2

  • Creating composite images
  • Combining multiple images into one
  • Using the Wand and Eraser tools

Week 3

  • Creating a picture border
  • A more in-depth look at the Text Tool
  • Applying text effects

Week 4

  • Creating a photo collage
  • Working with multiple layers and frames
  • Adding images to your blank frames

Week 5

  • Creating an image without boundaries
  • Give your photos a 3-dimentianal look
  • Discussing next steps

You will have the opportunity to discuss and set learning targets with your tutor and discuss the support you might need to ensure you have an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience.

Knowledge and Skills needed to join the course

On this course you will need to: 

  • follow verbal and written instructions and work through them at your own pace 
  • listen and join in group activities
  • keep your work organised in a file 
  • use a PC/laptop or tablet for research
  • jot down notes to record relevant information 

The materials you will need 

At enrolment, you will need a copy of your National Insurance number and proof of benefits (if applicable).

Your tutor will provide most of the learning resources, but you will need to come prepared to the lessons with an A4 pad; pen and folder or file to keep your work organised. 

It will be an advantage, but not essential, if you have access to the internet at home to extend your learning.

How you will learn 

Each session will consist of a dynamic tutor presentation followed by a range of interactive activities in pairs or small groups to practise these.

There will be plenty of revision and consolidation and learning will build on previous learning. Your progress will be monitored by informal assessment tasks and you will receive verbal and written feedback from the tutor to help you make good progress.

 

What happens after you complete your course

On completion of this course, you can progress onto an accredited photo editing course at Hugh Baird College or the City of Liverpool College, or you might want to try a non-accredited Digital Photography course with us.

We have a range of media and digital skills courses available at Sefton Community Learning Service.  Ask your tutor for advice and a copy of the progression ladder.

Sefton Community Learning Service offers a range of Functional Skills courses from Entry 1 up to Level 2 if you need to brush up your Maths and English skills or require a qualification to support you with your career path.

Sefton@Work will be able to provide independent information, advice, and guidance to support you making informed choices for progression into further education, volunteering, or employment.

How to enrol 

You can find out how to enrol on this page.

Enrol for a Digital Skills Course

When you've decided the course that's right for you (see the list below) register with us online to enrol - this will only take a moment to do! All learners need to enrol as soon as possible and before course date to ensure their places.

Check out our Prospectus for Autumn 2024

We also offer a wide variety of further education, including vital maths and English skills, training and courses too improve employability and useful life skills to improve your confidence and well being. 

To view the other courses we offer, download your prospectus today!

Meet some of our Learners and Staff 

In this video you can hear first hand from our learners and staff, the difference Sefton Community Learning Service can make to your prospects and your outlook. 

 

What our learners say

Image of positive learner feedback


Last Updated on Friday, July 5, 2024

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