The KAZ timeline

KAZ Launched to Market

In 1995, with backing from private equity firm 3i, the same course team of experts responsible for producing over 55 RSA/NVQ level computer and office skills courses were commissioned to produce a typing software that would teach typing skills easily, efficiently and effectively.

After considerable experimentation and at the leading edge of educational technology, the KAZ course was scientifically developed. It incorporated a unique and trademarked Accelerated Learning teaching method. It was trialled and tested by 18,000 students per year, for 3 years, in 300 private training centres across the United Kingdom. Only when exceptional results were achieved (93% of students learning to type the a - z keys in just 90 minutes) was it launched to market.

Open University Testing

The course was further evaluated by S103 Discovering Science students at the Open University in order to determine the need for providing keyboard skills tuition to OU students. A white paper was written by Clive Lawless and Stuart Freake which confirmed the testing, results and effectiveness of KAZ. KAZ was subsequently provided to all 100,000+ students per annum for over 14 years.

KAZ Relaunch

With the rapid advancement in technology and to cater for the modern workplace, in 2015, the program was re-written into HTML and completely updated with new graphics, interfaces, imagery and animation.

Specialised Neurodiverse Edition

Due to continual requests from special educational needs teachers (SENCOs) and assessors and to cater for neurodivergent individuals, we decided to produce a specialised edition. We contacted Dr. Sue Fowler and her team at the Dyslexia Research Trust (Reading Clinic and Oxford University) and with their advice and guidance, produced and launched our SEN/Dyslexia edition.

City & Guilds ‘Assured’ Edition

In order to gain external validation from a trusted global brand, providing a mark of learning quality and credibility, we liaised with City & Guilds and developed the City & Guilds ‘Assured’ edition. A status only awarded to programmes that meet City & Guild’ s strict benchmark standards, demonstrating commitment to quality training.

National Ofqual Regulated Qualifications

To recognise and officially validate learners' digital skills, we partnered with Open Awards to produce the only National Ofqual Regulated Qualification in touch typing skills (Level 1 and Level 2).

Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) is a non-ministerial government department that regulates qualifications, exams and tests in England. Colloquially and publicly, Ofqual is often referred to as the exam ‘watchdog'.

These new qualifications have replaced our City & Guilds 'Assured' edition.

Duke of Edinburgh Awards

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme is the world's leading achievement award for young adults aged 14-24. It consists of three awards, Bronze, Silver and Gold, each offering a balanced programme of four activities, including volunteering, physical, skills and an expedition.

We are thrilled to qualify as an Approved DofE Activity Skills Provider, offering our inclusive touch typing course and our National Ofqual Regulated Qualification as a package as part of the skills section for the Bronze, Silver and Gold awards.