Excel for Beginners (PEN26T009)
Curriculum area: Digital Skills
- Start date: Tuesday, 6 October 2026
- End date: Tuesday, 20 October 2026
- Number of weeks: 3
- Time: 10:00 - 12:00
- Delivery type: Online
- Venue: Online Delivery
- Tutor: Stewart Knight
- Free Course
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About the course
This course introduces you to basic Excel techniques. You will learn how to create, open and save a workbook as well as enter data and apply formatting to change the appearance of a spreadsheet. You will learn how to use simple functions and formulae and how to prepare a spreadsheet for printing.
How the course will be delivered
You will work directly with your tutor as part of a small group. The sessions will include discussion and sharing ideas, you will have short tasks to complete and will receive materials to keep and to stimulate your own further learning in the future. If you have opted for the online delivery, this will be via zoom.
*Your class is delivered online using Zoom which means you can learn from the comfort of your own home. Your Tutor will send an invitation to join the class each week. This will be by email on a secure link. The class is delivered in real time. To get the most from your online lessons, we ask you to follow these ten guidelines: (1) If you are not working from home, use a location where it is safe to connect. (2) It is better to join your class using a laptop or a tablet. We may be able to help by loaning a laptop if you do not have one. Ask your centre for details. Mobile phone screens are not big enough to read shared documents and it is harder to move between the activities, so we do not recommend using one for a class. (3) Find a suitable quiet space, have access to a desk or table, have resources such as paper and pen to hand to support your learning. (4) Be prompt – we aim to start and finish on time. (5) Please be aware of what your tutor and peers can see. Ideally blur your background or use one of the standard, freely available, backgrounds on Zoom. If you require support with this, please don’t hesitate to speak to your Tutor. (6) Please dress appropriately and do not share inappropriate websites or materials. (7) Turn your camera on at all times. This is a safeguarding requirement and being able to see each other’s faces and reactions will help you to get to know each other and work as a group. It will also help your tutor see if anyone doesn’t understand. (8) Please try to minimise any background noise. Mute your microphone if it is noisy at your end of the connection and avoid interrupting other people. (9) Engage with the learning activities and your tutor and peers. You will enjoy the class more and increase your learning if you are fully involved and open to the challenge. If you do not understand something, please let your tutor know either by saying something or by private message on Zoom. (10) If you are completing a qualification that is assessed through a multiple-choice final assessment, please be aware that the assessment must be completed at one of our Cumbria Adult Learning Centres.
What you'll need to bring
A Notebook and pen , you could also bring a memory stick (USB/flashdrive) to save your work to if you like. If you have opted for online delivery via Zoom, you will need access to a device you are confident using, preferably a PC or laptop, with webcam and stable internet connection as well as the software for that course, Full details will be provided by your centre & Tutor.
Entry requirements
Basic IT skills are advisable; this course is designed for students who have basic computer knowledge and would like to gain skills and confidence. You may have already completed the Introduction to IT, a Beginners Computer course or have some computer experience already from either the workplace or personal use. Learners should be able to use a PC, be familiar with the use of a mouse & keyboard to enable them to use Microsoft Excel at a basic level in order to create simple documents, which will be used to cover the evidence requirements of the course.
Next steps
On successful completion of this course you can progress onto the Excel for Improvers, the Nationally Accredited Qualification such as the new Essential Digital Skills Qualification or many of our other Digital Skills courses and workshops.
Additional transferable skills:
Self Confidence, Independent Thinking Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Communication Skills
Join this course
Contact us
Centre: Penrith Adult Learning
Contact number: 07468 709606
Email address: penrithadultlearning@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk