1 - Introduction ~5 mins
Welcome
Last session you drafted {{code:04_ka2_research_report}}. Today you bank ICT1 Key Assignment 2. Three outcomes on the board:
- Finish the PDF — proof the report and export {{code:04_ka2_research_report.pdf}}
- Send and capture — email the PDF to a named recipient and screenshot the sent message
- Tick the checklist — self-check the KA2 pack so your teacher can verify it for the SEC
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Finalise, proof and export the researched report as PDF
- Compose a professional email to a named recipient with a clear subject and PDF attachment
- Self-check KA2 evidence against the SEC checklist for teacher verification
- Reflect on ICT1 completion and how both Key Assignments support your Something Real project
Warm-up
In your head, name one real person who could receive this report (your LCA ICT teacher, another subject teacher, a Work Experience supervisor, or a project stakeholder). What subject line would make them open the email rather than skip it?
2 - Key Concepts ~6 mins
Before you finish the KA2 pack, lock in these ideas. Your teacher will talk them through quickly; keep the sample email on screen for the send later.
- PDF export — one locked file the recipient can open; you keep the editable report in the portfolio and send {{code:04_ka2_research_report.pdf}}.
- Named recipient — a real person in To: (default: your LCA ICT teacher unless another contact is approved). SEC KA2 needs a real send, not a draft.
- Professional email with attachment — clear subject, short body, polite sign-off, PDF attached before Send.
- Evidence pack — PDF in the folder plus a sent-email screenshot named {{code:04_ka2_email_to_recipient.png}} so your teacher can verify.
Sample email (use this shape)
To: your agreed named recipient (default: your LCA ICT teacher’s school email)
Subject: ICT1 KA2 researched report – [Your name] – [short topic]
Body:
Dear [Name],
Please find attached my short researched report on [topic], completed for ICT1 Key Assignment 2. The report supports my Something Real project on [one phrase] and draws on sources linked to [other LCA module if relevant].
I would welcome any feedback when you have time.
Kind regards,
[Your full name]
[Class / LCA group]
Attachment: {{code:04_ka2_research_report.pdf}}
What bankable looks like (mini check)
- Short researched report with formatted text and at least one graphic
- Sources listed (multiple sources, e.g. three or more); AI use disclosed in one line if you used it
- PDF emailed to a named recipient; screenshot evidence saved with the correct filename
The full SEC self-check table is in the Portfolio Build step when you are ready to tick evidence.
3 - Step-by-step Task ~15 mins
Open this first: {{code:Project_Portfolio}} → {{code:04_research_report}} → editable {{code:04_ka2_research_report}}. If you only see a PDF, open the editable Word or Docs version instead. If you still need a short viable draft, tell your teacher and use the Group B mini-report path before you export.
Group A (draft ready): proof the full report, then export the PDF into the same folder.
Group B (thin or missing draft): build a 5-bullet mini-report quickly (topic linked to another LCA module; three short body points; sources list; one image or chart placeholder; one AI disclosure line if needed), then join the export steps. Cap the mini-report so you still reach the email send in this class.
Follow the steps for your word processor. You will attach that PDF in the Portfolio Build.
4 - Common Issues ~4 mins
Common Issues
Two-minute pit-stop before you send. Skim the row that matches your snag.
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| My PDF is in Downloads, not in the portfolio folder | Upload or move {{code:04_ka2_research_report.pdf}} into {{code:Project_Portfolio}} → {{code:04_research_report}} so it sits next to the editable report |
| I cannot attach the file / attachment is too large | Attach only the PDF, not the editable file plus images separately. In Word or Docs, click each large photo, resize it smaller on the page, then export the PDF again. Prefer one or two medium images over several full-page photos |
| I sent the email but forgot the attachment | Send a short follow-up to the same recipient with the PDF attached and a clear subject such as {{code:ICT1 KA2 report – attachment included}}. Screenshot the follow-up as your evidence if that is the complete send. This is a normal fix, not a fail |
| Spell-check flags Irish names or local places | Do not “correct” real names into English lookalikes. Add genuine proper nouns to the dictionary or ignore those suggestions after you have checked the spelling yourself |
5 - Portfolio Build ~20 mins
Portfolio Build (KA2 send)
- {{code:04_ka2_research_report.pdf}} sits in {{code:04_research_report}} and opens with headings, body text, sources, and at least one graphic
- A real email was sent to a named recipient with a clear subject line and the PDF attached
- {{code:04_ka2_email_to_recipient.png}} shows the sent email evidence in the same portfolio folder (not a desktop Screenshot(1) file)
- You can point to each KA2 checklist row and say where the evidence is
- Your teacher can see the PDF and {{code:04_ka2_email_to_recipient.png}} side by side in {{code:04_research_report}} before you log off
If you are nervous about hitting Send, use the sample email shape, attach the PDF first, then send — a short professional message is enough. Forgot the attachment? The Common issues follow-up is a normal fix, not a fail.
Follow the email steps for your platform. Your teacher models one full send first, then you complete yours on your machine.
ICT1 KA2 evidence checklist (self-check)
| SEC requirement | What “done” looks like in your portfolio |
|---|---|
| Ethically researched topic for another module | Report topic links to another LCA course (e.g. VPG, English & Comms, Social Education, a Specialism) and supports your Something Real project |
| Short report with formatted text | Headings, readable body text, proofed spelling; short report (roughly 1–2 pages) as a complete class example |
| Formatted graphics | At least one image or chart, placed cleanly with wrapping or clear spacing |
| Cited sources | Multiple sources (e.g. three or more); claims checked (including any AI help disclosed in one line) |
| Emailed to a named recipient | Sent email with clear subject, short message, PDF attached; screenshot saved as {{code:04_ka2_email_to_recipient.png}} |
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