Courses > SFL

Skills For Life

Also described as Numeracy and Literacy, Basic Skills or Functional Skills.

Who is the qualification for?

Skills For Life is for anyone, at any age or qualification level, who would like to improve their Numeracy and Literacy skills and achieve a National Certificate.

What are the entry requirements?

There are no entry requirements for Skills for life

How is the course assessed?

All Skills For Life courses are assessed through online or paper based tests.

There are 4 options for delivery of Skills For Life: Flexible, Embedded, Functional and Specialist support.

1. Flexible Numeracy and Literacy provision through an ‘e learning package’ - Target Skills Gold
2. ‘ENHANCE’ programme - Embedded Literacy within Full NVQs
3. Functional Skills : a new compulsory aspect of Apprenticeships and Diplomas
4. Specialist support - Personalised 1 to 1 / IAG/ signposting for ESOL or Dyslexic learners

Delivery Options

1. Target Skills Gold - e learning, distance learning package

• Allows learners to access an individualised learning plan of; assessments and SFL activities in preparation for National tests
• Access the programme online from a location of the learners choice (library, home, work etc.)
• Support from a SFL personal tutor

2. ENHANCE’ programme – embedded Course

• Develops literacy and/or numeracy skills and the skills required in another specialist area (NVQ) within a single learning programme. This involves the delivery of two qualifications – a qualification in literacy and/or numeracy and a qualification in another specialist area eg NVQ.
• Learners will experience their course as a single programme although their aim is to achieve more than one qualification.
• 2 specialists – a Trainer/Assessor and SFL tutor, provide the learning opportunities within one course.

3. Functional skills – Maths and English

• Functional skills are practical skills that equip learners with the necessary knowledge and understanding to use and apply English, and mathematics in everyday life. As from September 2010 t hey are a mandatory aspect of Apprenticeships and Diplomas and will replace all Key skills.
• Functional skills can be delivered through either ENHANCE or Target Skills Gold.

4. Specialist support - / IAG/ signposting: particularly for ESOL learners or learners with Dyslexia

• Personalised 1 to 1 assistance for learners at Entry level 1 and 2 or ESOL - to assist learners in achieving their main course e.g. NVQ
• Provision of Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG), appropriate to the learners needs - Signpost to access ongoing support at an ESOL centre/ college/ VCO to continue development of skills in SfL (ie ESOL course at college)

How long will it take?

Learners will be encouraged to work at their own pace; although, it would be expected that the course would not exceed 6 months

How will the qualification improve my career prospects?

A Skills For Life qualification will:

• Equip the learner with qualifications which provide them with the best opportunities in life: access to further training and increased job and promotion opportunities
• Enable the learner to operate efficiently and productively in them normal working environment
• Enable the learner to complete and achieve their chosen courses successfully – help with reading tests, written work, familiarisation with multiple choice testing
• The government is making it priority for all employees in all sectors to have a SFL qualification. All learners, regardless of their skills, can benefit from SFL.

What will I study on the course?

You will study:

• English (literacy- Reading, Writing and Communication) and /or
• Maths (numeracy)

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