Diploma in Secretarial Studies (777) – Computer Keyboard, Typing & Word Processing Skills

Prerequisites: Basic Business organisational Corequisites: A Pass or better in Certificate in

knowledge. Business Studies or equivalence.
Aim: As part of the revolution in communication introduced by email, every computer user uses the
keyboard to keep in touch with one another and businesses create business letters, reports and
presentations frequently, yet few have had any formal keyboard training. The course prepare candidates
for a career working as a secretary by developing typing and word processing skills.
Required Materials: Recommended Learning Supplementary Materials: Lecture notes and
Resources. tutor extra reading recommendations.
Special Requirements: The course requires a combination of lectures, demonstrations and
discussions.
Intended Learning Outcomes: Assessment Criteria:
1 Describe the additional and special key 1.1 Explore the Function keys (Fkeys)
functions on the keyboard 1.2 Identify the use of the Return (Enter) key
1.3 Analyse the function of the Escape (Esc)
key
1.4 Identify the use of the Control (CTRL)
key
1.5 Analyse the function of the Alternate
(ALT) key
1.6 Identify the use of the Caps Lock key
1.7 Explore the num lock and numeric
keypad

2 Understand the keyboard letters, 2.1 Identify the layout of the QWERTY
numbers and function keys keyboard
2.2 Explore the use of the keyboard to input
letters of the alphabet, numbers and
spaces
2.3 Identify how to use Caps Lock and Shift
key
2.4 Define the purpose of the cursor
2.5 Identify how and when to use the Shift
key when typing punctuation marks and
other symbols
2.6 Be able to use the Return key
2.7 Identify the difference between
Backspace and Delete keys
2.8 Be able to use Tab key and Shift + Tab
2.9 Identify the useful combination of the
Ctrl, Alt and F1-F12 keys

3 Analyse the process of increasing typing 3.1 Identify how to position fingers on the
speed and accuracy Home Keys (ASDF JKL;)
3.2 Identify the appropriate fingers used for
the E, R and I keys
3.3 Identify the appropriate finger used for
the E key
3.4 Identify the appropriate fingers used for
the T, G and K keys
3.5 Identify the appropriate finger used for
the Y key
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Registered No: 3267009 (England)
 3.6 Identify the appropriate fingers used for
the B, N and comma (,) keys
3.7 Identify the appropriate finger used for
the M key
3.8 Identify the appropriate fingers used for
the C and V keys
3.9 Identify the appropriate fingers used for
the S, W, L, O and full stop (.)
3.10 Identify the appropriate finger used for
the X key
3.11 Identify the appropriate finger used for
the P key
3.12 Identify the appropriate fingers used for
the Z and Q keys
3.13 Learn to position other keys relative to
the Home Keys
3.14 Be able to practice typing using letters of
the alphabet
3.15 Identify the appropriate fingers used for
4, 5 and 6 on the numeric keypad
3.16 Identify the appropriate fingers used for
7 and 1 on the numeric keypad
3.17 Identify the appropriate fingers used for
8 and 2 on the numeric keypad
3.18 Identify the appropriate fingers used for
9 and 3 on the numeric keypad
3.19 Identify the appropriate fingers used for
0 and decimal point (.) on the numeric
keypad
3.20 Identify the appropriate fingers used for
+ and - on the numeric keypad

4 Understand how to apply formatting 4.1 Identify how to centre, bold, italics and
attributes to text underline headings
4.2 Identify how to format text using font
size, font colour and line spacing
4.3 Describe the formatting toolbar attributes

5 Understand how to prepare official 5.1 Be able to design business letters, faxes
documents and memorandums
5.2 Identify different paper size and their use
5.3 Be able to modify margins
5.4 Be able to insert date and page numbers
5.5 Define headers, footers and footnotes
5.6 Analyse envelope addressing techniques
5.7 Be able to create 2 or 3 columned
documents

6 Understand how to create tabular work – 6.1 Define cells, rows and columns
arranging documents horizontally or vertically in 6.2 Identify how to insert tables in
tables documents
6.3 Identify how to move and select table
items
6.4 Be able to delete or insert rows or
columns
6.5 Identify how to insert borders and
shading
6.6 Be able to insert figs i.e fig 1, fig 2
6.7 Be able to design and create invoices

7 Understand the content, meaning, layout 7.1 Identify the structure of forms, terms and
and the creation of legal business documents. condition documents and general
Tel: 0044 7423211037
Email: [email protected] Website: www.londoncomputercollege.co.uk
Registered No: 3267009 (England)
 business agreement documents
7.2 Create company formation documents
7.3 Create the structure and content of
employment forms
7.4 Create divorce, marriage and relationship
forms
7.5 Create domestic/consumer forms and
documents
7.6 Create different financial related
documents
7.7 Create partnership and partnership
agreement documents
7.8 Create power of attorney legal
documents
7.9 Create property letting forms
7.10 Create legal will documents

Recommended Learning Resources:

Computer Keyboard, Typing & Wordprocessing Skills
 Mastering Computer Typing: Learning the ABCs of the Computer Keyboard by
Sheryl Lindsell-Roberts. ISBN-10: 0395714060
Text Books  Develop Keyboard Skills by Cheryl Price. ISBN-10: 1877292532
 Communication Skills at the Keyboard by Mary Anne Miller and James Miller.
ISBN-10: 0273025228
Study Manuals
BCE produced study packs

CD ROM
Power-point slides

Software
None

Tel: 0044 7423211037

Email: [email protected] Website: www.londoncomputercollege.co.uk
Registered No: 3267009 (England)
Here’s a more detailed explanation along with sample lecture notes that secretarial students might
take in classes related to preparing official documents. This set of notes includes explanations, key
points, and sample formats for common documents.

Lecture Notes: Preparing Official Documents

Topic 1: Business Letters

Purpose:

Business letters are used for formal communication between businesses or between a business and an
individual. They may be used to inform, request, or address an issue.

Key Components:

1. Header:
o Contains sender’s contact information (or letterhead).
o Include your name, address, phone number, and email at the top if no letterhead.
2. Date:
o Date the letter is written.
3. Recipient's Information:
o Include recipient’s name, job title, company, and address.
4. Salutation:
o Use "Dear [Mr./Ms.] Last Name,". Formal and polite.
5. Body:
o Introduction: State the purpose of the letter.
o Details: Provide details or context.
o Closing: Include a polite closing, a call to action, or next steps.
6. Closing Signature:
o Use “Sincerely,” “Yours faithfully,” etc.
o Sign your name and print your name and title beneath.

Example of a Business Letter:

Innovate360 Digital
123 Digital Avenue
City, Country 45678
Phone: +123 456 7890
Email: [email protected]

October 1, 2025

Ms. Jane Smith

Director of Marketing
XYZ Corporation

Tel: 0044 7423211037

Email: [email protected] Website: www.londoncomputercollege.co.uk
Registered No: 3267009 (England)
789 Corporate Way
City, Country 12345

Dear Ms. Smith,

I am writing to inform you of the upcoming product launch by Innovate360 Digital. We believe that
this product will align perfectly with your marketing objectives for 2025.

We would like to schedule a meeting with your team to discuss potential collaboration. Please let us
know your availability at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,
Salumu
Marketing Assistant Manager
Innovate360 Digital

Topic 2: Memorandums (Memos)

Purpose:

Memorandums are used for internal communication within an organization to inform or request
action from colleagues or departments.

Key Components:

1. Heading: "MEMORANDUM" at the top.

2. To, From, Date, Subject:
o List the recipient(s), the sender, the date, and a brief subject line.
3. Body:
o Begin with the main message.
o Use bullet points or sections for clarity.
4. Closing:
o Summarize the memo, include deadlines or actions, and add a polite closing.

Example of a Memorandum:

MEMORANDUM
Date: October 1, 2025
To: All Staff
From: Salumu, Marketing Assistant Manager
Subject: Upcoming Office Maintenance

We would like to inform all staff that the office will undergo scheduled maintenance on Friday,
October 10, 2025. The work will begin at 5:00 PM and will involve electrical and network upgrades.

Tel: 0044 7423211037

Email: [email protected] Website: www.londoncomputercollege.co.uk
Registered No: 3267009 (England)
Key Details:

 All employees should save their work and shut down computers by 4:45 PM.
 Network access will be unavailable over the weekend.
 Normal operations will resume Monday morning.

Please let us know if you have any concerns. Thank you for your cooperation.

Salumu
Marketing Assistant Manager
Innovate360 Digital

Topic 3: Reports

Purpose:

Reports are used to summarize information, present analysis, or offer recommendations on a

particular topic. They are often formal and structured.

Key Components:

1. Title Page:
o Title of the report, who prepared it, and the date.
2. Table of Contents (if long).
3. Introduction:
o Brief overview of the report’s purpose.
4. Main Body:
o Organize information into sections.
o Include headings and subheadings for clarity.
o Data, analysis, and findings are presented here.
5. Conclusion:
o Summarize findings and include recommendations or next steps.
6. References/Appendix (if applicable).

Example of a Report:

Title: Quarterly Sales Performance Report

Prepared by: Salumu, Sales Administrator
Date: October 1, 2025

1. Introduction
This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the sales performance for Q3 2025. The report
covers revenue, client acquisition, and an analysis of the marketing strategies used.

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Email: [email protected] Website: www.londoncomputercollege.co.uk
Registered No: 3267009 (England)
2. Sales Overview

 Revenue: $1.5 million in total sales for Q3.

 Client Acquisition: 35 new clients were onboarded.
 Top-Selling Product: Social Media Marketing package contributed 45% of the revenue.

3. Analysis of Marketing Initiatives

The marketing initiatives, such as email campaigns and social media advertisements, had a
significant positive impact on engagement and sales. Conversion rates improved by 12% compared to
Q2.

4. Conclusion
Q3 sales exceeded expectations due to effective marketing strategies. It is recommended to continue
these efforts and explore further partnerships to grow the client base.

Topic 4: Meeting Minutes

Purpose:

Meeting minutes are a written summary of what happened during a meeting. They include decisions,
action items, and important discussions. Minutes serve as a record and help with follow-up.

Key Components:

1. Meeting Details:
o Title of the meeting, date, time, location.
2. Attendance:
o List all participants and those absent.
3. Agenda Items:
o Summarize discussions on each agenda item.
4. Decisions and Actions:
o Clearly note decisions made and who is responsible for follow-up.
5. Next Meeting:
o If applicable, mention the date and time of the next meeting.

Example of Meeting Minutes:

Meeting Title: Marketing Strategy Meeting

Date: October 1, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Conference Room 3
Attendees: Salumu, Jane Doe, Mark Smith

Tel: 0044 7423211037

Email: [email protected] Website: www.londoncomputercollege.co.uk
Registered No: 3267009 (England)
1. Review of Q3 Sales Performance

 Discussion: Sales grew by 15% in Q3.

 Action: Jane Doe to prepare a detailed sales report by October 15.

2. Q4 Product Launch

 Discussion: The product launch is scheduled for November 15.

 Action: Mark Smith to oversee promotional materials preparation.

3. Budget for 2025 Marketing

 Discussion: Proposed budget for next year was presented.

 Decision: Budget was approved with slight adjustments.

Next Meeting: October 15, 2025

Tips for Effective Document Preparation:

 Be clear and concise: Avoid unnecessary details.

 Use proper formatting: Ensure that documents are structured with headings, bullet points,
and paragraphs.
 Proofread: Always check for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors before finalizing any
document.
 Use professional language: Maintain a formal tone in all official documents.

Assignment:

 Draft a sample business letter informing a client about a price adjustment.

 Write a memo to your team reminding them of an upcoming deadline.

Would you like more specific notes on any particular type of document, or need additional sample
tasks for practice?

Tel: 0044 7423211037

Email: [email protected] Website: www.londoncomputercollege.co.uk
Registered No: 3267009 (England)