Microsoft Office Specialist Certificate (MOS)

Microsoft Office Specialist Certificate in IT Application Skills

The department

We’re the only Lead School in Berkshire with a Master Teacher in Computer Science, working as a regional hub for best practise in this important subject. The department promotes critical thinking, enable students to enhance analysis skills, develop further problem-solving techniques, and students will develop algorithmic structures from conceptual ideas for creating meaningful code to suit audience and purpose. The school works with IET (Institute of Engineering and Technology) Faraday to provide interactive learning challenges to students, acting as a host school for the region as part of its role as a centre of excellence in Computer Science.

Through our iSTEM+ programme, which connects students with industry, Leighton Park has achieved the following impressive accolades:

• Winner – Business Education IT Facility Award
• Winner – Ripple Effect Prize for use of innovative learning technology
• Winner (secondary schools) – national Community STEM Awards
• Finalist – Education Business STEM Innovation Award
• Finalist – Independent Schools Association, Innovation in STEM Award

Selected alumni –

• Leo Ijebor (2008): Transaction Banking Technology Associate, Deutsche Bank.
• James Munson (1990): Head of IT, UCAS.
• Robert Youngjohn (1970): EVP & GM HP Software, Hewlett-Packard; former President of Microsoft North America.
• Sir John Adye (1958) was Director of Government Headquarters (GCHQ). He joined the Board of the US National Biometric Security Project in 2003.

Exam Board: Microsoft/Certiport
Syllabus Code: NA

At Leighton Park we offer the Microsoft Office Specialist Certificate (MOS) as the ICT option to our GCSE students. This is the world’s most recognised computing qualification for proving a person’s skills and abilities in Microsoft’s Office applications.  This certification can help students differentiate themselves in today’s competitive job market and helps broaden their future opportunities by proving they have the advanced digital skills needed for 21^st century employment.

This qualification is widely recognised internationally and provides learners will the skillsets to explore advanced and efficient ICT working practices using the latest cloud-based platforms.

The MOS certificate allows students to select and explore the following applications

1. Microsoft Word (word processing)
2. Microsoft Excel (spreadsheet)
3. Microsoft PowerPoint (presentation)
4. Microsoft Access (database)
5. SharePoint (collaboration)
6. OneNote (multi-skilled portfolio skills)
7. Outlook (email)

Initially students undertake a skills analysis where a diagnostic tool will provide an analysis of their application strengths and weaknesses.  Students then undertake the Microsoft Imagine Academy learning tools through self-directed, independent learning techniques in the form of digital study guides and online platforms.  Once students become confident with their selection of studied applications, they undertake a practice test for further feedback followed by a certification examination.

Successful students will obtain a Microsoft Certification and a GCSE equivalent qualification through The Learning Machine.

Should students wish to progress further they can convert their Microsoft Office Specialist certificate to Expert and Master qualifications through additional exploration of advanced application skills in Microsoft Office.

For more information please contact Chris Price (Head of Computer Science and ICT) at Leighton Park School.

Chris Price: Head of Computer Science and ICT