Saturday Aug 30 2008
Qualifications : Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy (Skills for Life)

Questions and Answers

Frequently asked questions are listed below and the answers follow.  Frequently asked questions are continually updated as a result of customer feedback. 
If you have a question that is not answered in the FAQs please try other menu headings for this qualification, as the information may be held there.

Questions

Answers

Why are there new Adult Literacy & Numeracy qualifications?

The Moser Report identified that an estimated 7 million adults in the UK have poor literacy and numeracy skills.
One of the ways in which the Government responded to this finding was to set up the Adult Basic Skills Strategy Unit (ABSSU).
The Standards for Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy were written as a part of the strategy.
The Edexcel Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy qualifications assess these Standards.

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Where can I get the specifications for the qualifications?

The draft specifications are available on the Edexcel website in the Guidance and Standards document. The Adult Literacy Standards and the Core Curriculum are available from the DfES Read Write Plus publications on (0845) 602 2260 and on the website www.gov.uk/read/writeplus

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What is the content of the Adult Literacy & Numeracy qualifications?

The Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy qualifications are based on the national
standards for literacy and numeracy. They are available at Entry 1,2,3 and Levels
1 and 2.

At each level, Adult Literacy is divided into 3 units:

  • Speaking and listening
  • Reading
  • Writing

At each level, Adult Numeracy is divided into 3 units:

  • Number
  • Measures Space and Shape
  • Handling Data
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What does a candidate have to do to achieve the Entry-level qualification?
Each component unit is available at E1, E2, and E3. A candidate has to be successful, in each of the components, reading, writing, speaking and listening in order to achieve the qualification. The candidate will be awarded the certificate at Entry Level and the individual achievement will be recorded on the certificate.
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What does a candidate have to do to achieve a level 1 or level 2 qualification?
To achieve a Level 1 or 2 qualification in Adult Literacy and Numeracy, a candidate must take a multiple-choice test which is available as paper-based or onscreen assessment. It is the same test as the Key Skills tests of Communication and Application of Number.
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Do candidates prepare a portfolio of evidence on any of the levels?
Unlike Key Skills, for Adult Literacy and Numeracy qualifications Edexcel does not require candidates to produce a portfolio of evidence. The qualifications are based on the candidate passing the appropriate tests. However, is it considered good practice to support learners in their development with a portfolio containing their formative work and assessment. Edexcel will not, however, need to see this work.
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When should the learners take the assessments?
We have designed the assessments for each Level to allow centres to focus on teaching and learning. The tests for Entry Level are held with the centre on a CD-ROM so those learners should take the assessments when they are ready. For Levels 1 and 2, flexibility of assessment can be achieved by offering onscreen assessment. Alternatively, centres can offer a paper-based assessment on a monthly basis.
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How are the Entry tests administered?
The tests are sent to the centre on a CD-ROM and then administered by the tutors under supervised conditions. The centre marks and internally verifies the test and then sends a sample of the test papers to the External Verifier for final confirmation that they have been assessed according to the mark scheme.
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Are assessments graded?
No. The qualifications are designed to reflect competencies and skills that candidates can or cannot achieve.
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How long will each test take?
This will depend on the Level. Levels 1 and 2 are generally one hour, Entry Level tests are not time-bound, although centres can put a time limit on, if they wish.
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Where can examination officers access information about administering these qualifications?
From the Instructions for the Conduct of External Examinations manual which is available on the Edexcel website.
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When do we need to register the candidates?

For Entry Level, learners should be registered by November if they are on a yearly programme. Learners on roll-off, roll-on programmes can be registered at any time.

For Levels 1 and 2, learners do not need to be registered, they can be entered when they are ready to take the test.

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Can I use the Adult Literacy & Numeracy qualifications for learners under the age of 16?
Yes, these qualifications are now available for pre-16 learners.
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Are Adult literacy and Numeracy and Key Skills qualifications interchangeable?
The qualifications at Levels 1 and 2 can be used as proxy qualifications for Key Skills. The Adult Literacy test is the same as Key Skills Communication test and the Adult Numeracy test is the same as the Application of Number test.
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Do practitioners need D32/D33 or equivalent qualifications to undertake marking and internal moderation?
No. Practitioners should have, or be working towards, the new Adult Literacy/Adult Numeracy teaching qualifications at the appropriate Level for their role.
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What support is available for centres?
There is a designated key and basic skills team at Edexcel to support you with administration and assessment needs.

There will be INSET training throughout the year to support those delivering and assessing Adult Literacy & Numeracy qualifications.

There will be network events in the regions, which encourage practitioners to meet and share good practice.

The website is continuously updated with new information.

An External Verifier will be appointed as a named contact to your centre as soon as you register candidates.

You will be sent E-mail Updates on a regular basis.
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Are Adult Literacy and Numeracy qualifications worth UCAS points?
No, as they are only available up to level 2.
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Are Adult Literacy and Numeracy Qualifications worth points towards Achievement and Attainment Tables (formerly Performance Tables)?
Yes, they are worth 12½ points at Level 1 and 23 points at Level 2 and at Entry Level 3½ (at sub-Level 3), 3 (at sub-Level 2) and 2½ (at sub-Level 1).
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