Essential Skills

In the United Kingdom, basic skills education is Literacy, Numeracy and ICT education for adults who for some reason did not acquire these skills to A Level sufficient for everyday adult life when they were at school.

Numeracy

To determine which Essential Skills level the learner will work towards, an Initial Assessment is carried out followed by a Diagnostic Assessment.   The levels range from Entry Level 1 to Level 2.

Candidates may claim an exemption from Essential skills Numeracy if they have achieved A* – C in GCSE or equivalent.

An Essential Skills Numeracy Qualification helps to develop the learner’s use of Number.  Numeracy is divided into three main areas; number, data handling, measuring shape and space. Leaners partake in a range of activities which enable them to carry out application of number, assisting them in completing assessments which meets the awarding body standards.

 

Literacy

To determine which Essential Skills level the learner will work towards an Initial Assessment is carried out followed by a Diagnostic Assessment.   The levels range from Entry Level 1 to Level 2.

Candidates may claim an exemption from Essential skills Literacy if they have achieved A* – C in GCSE or equivalent.

An Essential Skills Literacy Qualification will help to improve use of spelling punctuation and grammar.  The tools will be provided to enable learners to plan, format and structure a piece of writing.  Learners will have the opportunity to improve reading skills and understanding both written and verbal forms.  All learners are encouraged to take part in Speaking and Listening activities which will improve their ability to communicate and assist them in completing work which meets the required standards.

ICT

To determine which Essential Skills level the learner will work towards an Initial Assessment is carried out followed by a Diagnostic Assessment.   The levels range from Level 1 to Level 2.

Candidates may claim an exemption from Essential skills ICT if they have achieved A* – C in GCSE or equivalent.

An Essential Skills ICT Qualification will help students to use basic and more advanced Microsoft Office programs and will help them to make use of the Internet and Email more effectively. This Qualification is portfolio based.