Why Key Skills - Introduction This presentation is a brief introduction and guide to Key Skills at Nescot. It will explain what to expect and how key skills could help you to achieve success in your work and main course while here at Nescot.

WHAT ARE KEY SKILLS They are made up of 3 subjects here at Nescot: Communication – Levels 1 -3 Number – Levels 1 and 2 ICT – Levels 1 and 2

Why Key Skills? 3 important reasons: · Develop the skills you need for good grades in your main course at NESCOT · In the longer term - any future qualifications you undertake could benefit from Key Skills qualifications Add value to your application for a job

Employers give priority to applicants who can prove ability in these essential skills: Communication ICT Numeracy Job Prospects

What’s the point? The point is that key skills are an integral component of your time at Nescot. In order for you to fully achieve the benefits of the education we offer you. Key skills is aimed at working alongside your main programme of study.

What’s the point? In the modern day job market, there is plenty of competition for available positions. Employers will demand more than what used to be a ‘standard education’ in the form of GCSE results. They are also looking for professional and core skills as well.

What’s the point? You will need evidence that you can communicate effectively, use ICT efficiently and can assess and adapt statistics and numerical data to suit your purpose. These are different skills to those you learn whilst studying for GCSE!

DO I HAVE TO DO KEYSKILLS IF I HAVE PASSED GCSE ENGLISH AND MATHS? The simple answer is, YES! At Nescot, Keyskills are an integral part of your main programme and will help you achieve the success you want – or do you?

HOW DOES IT WORK WITH MAIN SUBJECT? There are different ways of including keyskills into the main programme Some areas ‘embed’ the criteria for keyskills into their main assignments. Usually, you will have a dedicated keyskills lecturer who you will see in the Zone for 1.5 hours per week.

HOW DOES IT WORK WITH MAIN SUBJECT? Much of what will be covered depends on the group dynamics The results from your diagnostic testing What you are studying Your willingness to engage with the subject Working through a professional assignment

DO I GET A QUALIFICATION? Yes you do and a very valuable one at that. It should be recognised by most colleges and Universities, but this should be checked on an individual basis. It is recognised by employers Any key skill qualification will be a valuable tool in your progression whether it be employment or university.

To achieve a certificate in Key Skills with NESCOT: 1. Attend Key Skills sessions where you can progress at your own pace. 2. Complete a ‘portfolio’ of evidence (your handwritten/printed work) to illustrate your knowledge. 3. Take a test – you will get plenty of practice on past test papers in your Key Skills sessions.

HOW DO I ACHIEVE THIS QUALIFICATION? There are 2 parts: portfolio and test. Level 1 and 2 tests are compulsory unless you have the relevant GCSE grade which can then exempt you. Level 3 Communication is a written exam and is compulsory for all students.

THE PORTFOLIO OF WORK For Communication this is made up of: Group Discussion Presentation (not at level 1) Reading and extracting information Writing essays (not level 1) Producing a poster/leaflet

ICT Portfolio Requirements: Internet research Using Excel Producing s Written memorandum Show how you have used ICT

KEYSKILLS ICT What you need to do Complete at least 2 different activities (purpose 1 and purpose 2) to show that you can use: · an ICT information source and search for information using Advanced Search a non-ICT information source Books, Magazine articles, etc etc…. · purposeful including sending an attachment · develop the information found to suit the activity set · combine information found using text, image and number

MOST IMPORTANTLY Show how you worked through the activities to develop your ideas – screen dumps, drafts, explanation on printouts

NUMBER Interpreting information using graphs tables, charts or diagrams Carrying out calculations Presenting findings of your final results You will be using Excel

ATTENDANCE Attendance is recorded and followed up by your Course Leaders. Absence without proper reason can have consequences with regard to your main programme of study. It can also affect any future offers of a place here at Nescot It will certainly impact on your EMA.

PARTICIPATION It is your best interest to attend and participate in your keyskills sessions. PLEASE NOTE: All mobile phones should be either turned off OR set to silent – DO NOT ANSWER A CALL UNLESS URGENT NO FOOD OR DRINK ALLOWED IN THE ZONE NO SWEARING – I WILL SET UP A SWEAR BOX – 50p 1 st swear word, £1 thereafter!!!