Essential Skills Wales

Essential Skills Wales (ESW) is a new suite of qualifications that will replace the Key Skills, Adult Numeracy/Literacy and ICT Skills for Life qualifications in Wales from September 2010 (ESW is effectively the Welsh equivalent to Functional Skills).

The ESW suite will initially consist of three skill areas:

• Communication
• Application of Number
• Information and Communication Technology

ESW is not just about learning to read, write and do sums: it's also about being able to apply these skills to real situations, as well as learning how to plan, do, reflect and review.

Who are the qualifications aimed at?

Essential Skills Wales are relevant to all learners of all ages and abilities, and are a central part of nearly all learning programmes in Wales, including:

• Modern Apprenticeships and Foundation Modern Apprenticeships
• Welsh Baccalaureate
• Basic Skills Cymru

It will help to improve learners' reading, writing, speaking, listening, number and ICT skills.

Qualification structure

At Level 1 and above, all ESW qualifications will be assessed by a portfolio of evidence. Entry level will be assessed by a summative 'one-off' activity completed in a classroom- environment. The assessment will consist of a series of related tasks around a given theme, each with a clear purpose.

At all levels the assessments or portfolios must follow the Internal / External verification procedures set out by City & Guilds.

The guided learning hours for Essential Skills Wales are 60 hours (each ESW qualification is 6 credits within CQFW).

To view the standards, please visit the Essential Skills Wales Web site.

How will the qualifications be delivered and assessed?

ESW qualifications can be delivered in almost any setting, including embedded learning as well as discrete teaching.

This qualification can be delivered in a classroom setting as discrete learning or part of an embedded learning programme. It can also be delivered with the workplace.

Levels 1, 2 and 3 are assessed by portfolio, with evidence drawn from a purposeful activity in any context relevant to the learner.
Entry level is assessed by an approved set of supervised tasks; City & Guilds provides a bank of pre-approved assessments, although centres may alternatively devise their own. Assessment at all levels is subject to internal and external verification

Progression

The ESW qualifications create a single ladder of progression for all learners in all settings; they range from Entry 1 to Level 3. All job roles will benefit from this qualification - these skills are required for success in all aspects of work, learning and life.

Work Based Learning is part financed by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government