ICT key skills data files 2009/10
This page has the data files for the information and communication technology (ICT) tests for levels 3 and 4 for 2009/10. The data files will be needed by candidates taking tests during this period.
This page has three sections:
- guidance on using the data files for centres
- the data files
- example tests that use data files (with mark schemes)
Guidance on using the data files for centres
The data files
These data files will be needed by candidates taking ICT key skills tests during the academic year. Centres should ensure that all data files are downloaded and stored locally in a form that is accessible to candidates using word (document) processing, database and/or spreadsheet software with which they are familiar. Centres should replace all previously downloaded files with this set of files.
Each candidate taking a test must have access to all of the data files either as read-only files in a suitable directory (folder) structure on the centre's network or by means of a write-protected floppy disk or equivalent (eg a CD-ROM). Each data file must be named as it is on this site and the data files associated with each scenario should be stored together, within a sub-directory with the scenario name. Each test will use this name to identify the scenario on which it is based.
There is no restriction on candidate access to the data files for preparation purposes prior to the test.
For the majority of centres it's expected that the downloaded data files will be stored automatically in a form that's suitable for candidates to use. Where the system and/or application software in a centre is unusual it may be necessary for the centre to convert the downloaded data files to a suitable form as outlined below. In all cases, the centre should ensure the data files are in a suitable form well before the test takes place.
Each data file may contain:
- unstructured text (eg the content of a memo) - this should be stored locally in a form that allows candidates to insert (or import or copy) the text into a document in a word processor
- structured text representing comma-separated data (eg for use in spreadsheets or database records; the first line in such files will usually contain column/field headings) - this should be stored locally in a form that allows candidates to insert (or import or copy) the data into a sheet in spreadsheet software or a table in database software
- an image (such as a logo, a picture for a newsletter) - this should be stored locally in a form that allows candidates to insert (or import or copy) the image into a document in a word processor, a sheet in spreadsheet software or a report in database software.
Where it's not possible to download an image file or store it locally in a suitable form, the centre should identify an appropriate image (from clip art or another source, image detail not important) and create an equivalent data file for candidates to use.
If you have difficulties with downloading data files or with making them available to candidates in a suitable form, please note these difficulties in an email to: keyskills@qcda.gov.uk.
For each file, click on the link to view the contents on screen, then select "Save As..." from the File menu, and specify the location where you wish to save the data file on your system. Alternatively right click (PC) or ctrl click (Mac), then choose the "Save Target As..." option.
Those familiar with using zip files may instead prefer to download all the files together in one of these compressed forms. This will create the preferred sub-directory structure using the scenario names. This is the method recommended by QCDA.
Example tests
The ICT key skills tests at level 3 and 4 are based on the use of data files. Examples of such tests are provided here, complete with mark schemes and example printouts. These supplement earlier example tests that do not use data files but are otherwise similar and are based on the same test guidance.
The data files are provided in advance of the tests and candidates should be familiar with the process of importing these files into appropriate software, as they will be required to do this in the tests. They should use the data to prepare for the tests by practising typical tasks, as illustrated in the example tests.
