Life Skills

🎓 Essential ICT Skills for Secondary Students

1. Digital Literacy & Productivity

• Proficient use of common software:
  
  

  • Word processing (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs)
    
    

  • Spreadsheets (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets) – including formulas, charts, and data analysis
    
    

  • Presentations (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides)
    
    

• Efficient file management: using folders, cloud storage (e.g., OneDrive, Google Drive), and naming conventions.
  
  

• Keyboard and typing skills: for speed, accuracy, and accessibility.
  
  

2. Safe and Responsible Internet Use

• Cybersecurity basics:
  
  

  • Recognising phishing scams and suspicious links
    
    

  • Importance of strong, secure passwords
    
    

• Online safety:
  
  

  • Protecting personal information
    
    

  • Managing privacy settings on social media
    
    

• Digital footprint and reputation:
  
  

  • Understanding how online actions affect job/university prospects
    
    

3. Digital Communication & Collaboration

• Using email professionally (subject lines, tone, attachments)
  
  

• Video conferencing skills (muting, screen sharing, online etiquette)
  
  

• Collaborative platforms: Google Docs, Teams, or similar tools used in workplaces and schools
  
  

4. Introduction to Coding & Computational Thinking

• Basic programming concepts using:
  
  

  • Block-based coding (e.g. Scratch, Blockly) in early years
    
    

  • Text-based coding (e.g. Python, HTML/CSS, JavaScript) by KS4
    
    

• Problem-solving and logical thinking:
  
  

  • Algorithms, flowcharts, pseudocode
    
    

  • Debugging and testing
    
    

• Understanding computer systems: hardware vs software, input/output, binary basics
  
  

5. Digital Creativity

• Creating digital media:
  
  

  • Simple graphics (e.g. Canva, Photoshop Elements)
    
    

  • Video editing (e.g. iMovie, Clipchamp)
    
    

  • Podcasts or animations (e.g. Audacity, Vyond)
    
    

• Basic website creation using tools like Wix, Google Sites, or HTML/CSS
  
  

6. Understanding Emerging Technologies

• Awareness of:
  
  

  • AI and automation – What AI can/can’t do, ethics
    
    

  • Cybercrime and data protection (e.g. GDPR basics)
    
    

  • Digital careers – what jobs use tech and how digital skills open doors
    
    

7. Preparing for the Workplace

• Creating CVs and cover letters using templates and proper formatting
  
  

• Digital job applications: filling out online forms, uploading portfolios
  
  

• Basic online finance: using spreadsheets for budgeting, intro to online banking
  
  

• Professional social media: introduction to LinkedIn, understanding online branding
  
  

✅ Bonus: Soft Skills with ICT

ICT can also support teamwork, independence, research, and time management — key transferable skills.

Here's a comprehensive ICT checklist for secondary students (ages 11–16) — designed to help track readiness for life, learning, and work in a digital world.

✅ ICT Skills Checklist for Secondary Students

🖥️ 1. Digital Literacy & Core Applications

Use word processors to format documents professionally

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Use spreadsheets to perform basic calculations (SUM, AVERAGE, IF)

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Create charts/graphs from spreadsheet data

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Design and deliver a slideshow presentation with multimedia

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Use cloud storage and manage files/folders effectively

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Type at a reasonable speed with accuracy (30+ wpm)

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🌐 2. Online Safety & Digital Citizenship

Recognise phishing emails and scams

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Create and manage secure passwords

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Adjust privacy settings on social media

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Understand digital footprint and online reputation

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Know how to report cyberbullying or harmful content

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📧 3. Communication & Collaboration

Send and reply to professional emails

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Use shared documents (Google Docs, Teams) for collaboration

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Participate in online meetings (mute/unmute, share screen, chat)

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Give and receive feedback through digital platforms

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💻 4. Coding & Computational Thinking

Use block-based coding tools (Scratch, Blockly)

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Write simple text-based code (Python, HTML/CSS)

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Understand how algorithms and flowcharts work

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Debug and test code to solve problems

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Understand basics of hardware/software and binary

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🎨 5. Digital Creativity

Create and edit images or graphics (e.g., Canva, Pixlr)

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Edit basic videos or sound clips

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Design a simple website or portfolio page

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Use design principles for layout, colour, and accessibility

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🧠 6. Understanding Tech & the Future

Explain what AI is and give real-life examples

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Know what personal data is and how it’s protected (e.g. GDPR)

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Understand how technology affects jobs and the workplace

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Explore careers in technology or with digital skills

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💼 7. Life Skills with ICT

Create a CV using a template

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Write a basic cover letter using correct formatting

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Use a spreadsheet to create a simple personal budget

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Understand how to complete online forms or applications

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Create a basic LinkedIn or digital profile (optional for older students)

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