Key Skills
What are Key Skills?
They are:
- Communication
- Application of Number
- Information and Communication Technology
- Working with others
- Improving own learning and performance
- Problem solving
- Communicate well in speaking and writing
- Use numbers in a wide range of assignments and projects
- Use new technology to find, develop and present information
- Get on with other people and work as part of a team
- Manage their own work and show they are keen to learn
- Show initiative and recognise and solve problems
Don't worry if you think you're not very good at English, maths or ICT, because key skills are applied to everyday situations and you will probably find that they make perfect sense and are easy to learn.
Functional Skills
Over the next few years we shall be moving towards Functional Skills, which are very similar, to key skills as they are practical skills in English, mathematics and information and communication technology (ICT) that allow individuals to work confidently, effectively and independently in life. Assessment will be based primarily on tests, such as a task-based scenario with questions in a limited time, where you will be able to demonstrate your skills and problemsolving techniques.
Key Skills Levels
Key skills are at five levels, however most course offer levels 1, 2 or 3.- Level 1 describes the skills that people use in everyday situations.
- Level 2 asks people to take more responsibility for applying and checking their skills.
- Level 3 has more complex activities that involve reasoning, personal responsibility and evaluation.
Your key skills will be assessed through a portfolio of work and in some cases, a short test. Most of the work you produce will be from tasks or assignments you are already doing as part of your main programme.
Did you know....
You can also get UCAS points for some key skills:
- Level 2: 10 points per key skill
- Level 3: 20 points per key skill
