Essential Skills for Work and Life

Qualification Guide

  • Agored Cymru Entry Level Award in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 1) (C00/0508/9) M
  • Agored Cymru Entry Level Certificate in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 1) (C00/0509/5) M
  • Agored Cymru Entry Level Extended Certificate in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 1) (C00/0509/7) M
  • Agored Cymru Entry Level Diploma in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 1) (C00/0509/8) M
  • Agored Cymru Entry Level Award in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 2) (C00/0509/0) M
  • Agored Cymru Entry Level Certificate in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 2) (C00/0509/2) M
  • Agored Cymru Entry Level Extended Certificate in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 2) (C00/0510/1) M
  • Agored Cymru Entry Level Diploma in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 2) (C00/0509/9) M
  • Agored Cymru Entry Level Award in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 3) (C00/0509/1) M
  • Agored Cymru Entry Level Certificate in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 3) (C00/0509/6) M
  • Agored Cymru Entry Level Extended Certificate in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 3) (C00/0510/2) M
  • Agored Cymru Entry Level Diploma in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 3) (C00/0510/0) M
  • Agored Cymru Level 1 Certificate in Essential Skills for Work and Life (C00/0509/3) L
  • Agored Cymru Level 1 Award in Essential Skills for Work and Life (C00/0509/4) L
  • Agored Cymru Level 2 Award in Essential Skills for Work and Life (C00/0561/7) M
  • Agored Cymru Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Work and Life (C00/0562/0) M
  • Agored Cymru Level 3 Award in Essential Skills for Work and Life (C00/0561/8) M
  • Agored Cymru Level 3 Certificate in Essential Skills for Work and Life (C00/0561/9) M

Agored Cymru

Agored Cymru is a Welsh awarding body specialising in meeting the distinct needs of learners, employers and communities.

We exist to create flexible learning opportunities and reward achievement to help people of every age and level achieve their full potential.

All our units and qualifications are flexible enough to meet the needs of learners in any setting – from schools to FE and from offender learning to training in the workplace.

With over 20 years experience in designing inclusive learning, our team of specialists provides support in developing an accessible and quality assured curriculum.

We are a charity and social enterprise: we work collaboratively with partners to maximise the impact of learning in meeting the diverse needs of communities and employers in Wales.

Because we work exclusively in Wales, we are ideally placed to respond to the demands of our learners and centres. Our qualifications are uniquely tailored to the needs and priorities of individuals, communities, employers and the aims of a modern Wales.

We work for the benefit of Wales: our dedicated team of specialists is committed to promoting the Welsh language by encouraging assessment through the medium of Welsh.

We offer our recognised centres the opportunity to deliver effective lifelong learning, widen opportunity and enable progression within current education and training frameworks.

At all times, we are committed to providing a high quality, responsive service to all our centres and learners.

Agored Cymru Qualifications:

  • are available through the medium of Welsh, including certification;
  • enable accreditation of component units to recognise continuing professional development (CPD), where full qualifications are not required;
  • meet the needs of learners in Wales by developing qualifications that respond directly to the Welsh agenda;
  • provide a range of flexible and responsive provision, designed to help learners achieve their potential;
  • are designed to suit the needs and priorities of individuals, communities, employers and the national aims of a modern Wales.

Qualification Overview

The Essential Skills for Work and Life Qualifications allow learners to develop communication, application of number and digital literacy skills in a combination that most accurately suits their needs. The qualifications are designed to encourage problem solving and application of communication, number and digital literacy skills at the same time as developing the critical thinking skills. This will enable learners to meet the wide range of demands required of them both vocationally and educationally as well as in their personal life.

Learners should undergo initial and diagnostic assessment prior to selecting the units to ensure that they are targeting the correct skills at an appropriate level.

Learners could be based in a variety of settings. They may be studying in the workplace or on other educational programmes and need support with their essential skills in order to progress. Alternatively they may be accessing a community education type provision where they are looking to improve their skills for other reasons. These qualifications may also suit younger learners who are following alternative educational routes.

Recognised centres must have staff qualified to deliver communication, application of number and digital literacy skills at the required level or have substantive experience in delivering these subjects:

Entry Requirements

The Entry 1 - Level 2  qualifications are classified as suitable for pre-16 learners. Centres planning to offer qualifications to learners under 14 must review the fitness for purpose and appropriateness of the qualification for the younger learner. Potential risks such as health and safety, legal or moral issues should be considered in relation to the maturity of the learner and the suitability of the qualification to meet their needs, experience, development and progression.

The Level 3 Essential Skills for Work and Life is restricted to learners aged 16+.

 

Offering the Qualification

These qualifications are only available through Agored Cymru recognised centres. If you would like to find out more about either becoming a recognised centre or working in partnership with a recognised centre, please access the ‘Centre’ area of the website or contact a Centre Manager for more information.

It is the responsibility of the centre to have systems in place to ensure that the person registered on a qualification or unit and taking an assessment is indeed the person they are claiming to be. All centres are therefore required to ensure that each learner’s identification is checked before they undertake the qualification, unit and assessment. Agored Cymru recommends the following as proof of a learner’s identity:

  • a valid passport (any nationality)
  • a signed UK photocard driving licence
  • a valid warrant card issued by HM forces or the police
  • another photographic ID card, e.g. employee ID card, student ID card, travel card etc.

If a learner is unable to produce any of the forms of photographic identification listed above, a centre may accept another form of identification containing a signature, for example, a credit card. Identification by a third-party representative, such as a line manager, human resources manager or invigilator, could also be accepted.

Progression Opportunities

Entry 1

Learners may progress towards the Essential Skills qualifications in Essential Communication, Essential Application of Number or Essential Digital Literacy Skills at Entry 1 or above. Learners may also acquire additional units at Entry 1 to build the larger qualifications or they may progress to the Entry 2 qualifications in Essential Skills for Work and Life at Award, Certificate, Extended Certificate or Diploma.

Entry 2

Learners may progress towards the Essential Skills qualifications in Essential Communication, Essential Application of Number or Essential Digital Literacy Skills at Entry 2 or above. Learners may also acquire additional units at Entry 2 to build the larger qualifications or they may progress to the Entry 3 qualifications in Essential Skills for Work and Life at Award, Certificate, Extended Certificate or Diploma.

Entry 3

Learners may progress towards the Essential Skills qualifications in Essential Communication, Essential Application of Number or Essential Digital Literacy Skills at Entry 3 or above. Learners may also acquire additional units at Entry 3 to build the larger qualifications or they may progress to the level 1 qualifications in Essential Skills for Work and Life at Award, Certificate, Extended Certificate or Diploma.

Level 1

Learners may progress towards the Essential Skills qualifications in Essential Communication, Essential Application of Number or Digital Literacy Skills at level 1 or level 2.

Level 2

Learners may progress towards the Essential Skills qualifications in Essential Communication, Essential Application of Number or Digital Literacy at level 2 or level 3. They may also progress within any vocational or academic qualification at level 2 or above.

Level 3

Learners may progress towards the Essential Skills qualifications in Essential Communication, Essential Application of Number or Digital Literacy at level 3. They may also progress within any vocational or academic qualification at level 3 or above.

NOS and other Standards

All units are mapped to the Essential Skills standards.

Funding and Charges

Current funding information is available on Qualifications in Wales (QiW).

For further information regarding discounted charges and incentives please contact a Centre Manager.

Qualification Content

Structure and Content

Entry 1

At Entry 1 the qualifications exist as an Award (6 credits), Certificate (16 credits), Extended Certificate (24 credits) and Diploma (37credits). All units within the Entry 1 qualifications are optional and learners are also able to select units at Entry 2 if required.

Entry 2

At Entry 2 the qualifications exist as an Award (6 credits), Certificate (16 credits), Extended Certificate (24 credits) and Diploma (37credits). All units within the Entry 2 qualifications are optional and learners are also able to select units at Entry 3 if required. The Certificate, Extended Certificate and Diploma also allow the inclusion of units at Entry 1 but these cannot contribute to more than 25% of the total credit value. (See qualification structure)

Entry 3

At Entry 3 the qualification exists as an Award (6 credits), Certificate (16 credits), Extended Certificate (24 credits) and Diploma (37credits). All units within the Entry 3 qualification are optional and learners are also able to select units at level 1 if required. The Certificate, Extended Certificate and Diploma also allow the inclusion of units at Entry 2 but these cannot contribute to more than 25% of the total credit value. (See qualification structure)

Level 1

At level 1 the qualification exists as an Award (6 credits) and Certificate (16 credits). All units within the level 1 qualifications are optional and learners are also able to select units at level 2 if required. The Certificate also allows the inclusion of units at entry 3 but these cannot contribute to more than 25% of the total credit value. (See qualification structure)

Level 2

At level 2 the qualification exists as an Award (6 credits) and Certificate (16 credits). All units within the qualification are optional however there are restrictions on the proportion of units that can be included from different levels. With the award, units at level 3 may also be included but there needs to be a minimum of 4 credits at level 2. The certificate may include units at level 1, level 2 and level 3. However a minimum of 9 credits have to be achieved at level 2 and a maximum of 4 credits at level 1. (See qualification structure).

Level 3

At level 3 the qualification exists as an Award (6 credits) and Certificate (16 credits). All units within the qualification are optional however there are restrictions on the number of units that can be included from different levels. With the award, only units at level 3 may be included. The certificate may include units at level 2 and level 3. However there needs to be a minimum of 12 credits at level 3 and a maximum of 4 credits at level 2. (See qualification structure). 


Size
LevelAwardExtended AwardCertificateExtended CertificateDiploma
Entry One6 (3)162437
Entry Two616 [9]24 (18)37 (28)
Entry Three616 (12)24 (18)37 (28)
One6 (4)16 (12)
Two616 (12)
Three6 (6)16 (12)

(Minimum credits at that level or above) [Minimum credits at that level]

Units

Agored Cymru Entry Level Award in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 1)

Total credits required: 6

Entry 2

Entry 1

Minimum credits required at Entry One:3

Agored Cymru Entry Level Certificate in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 1)

Total credits required: 16

Entry 2

Entry 1

Minimum credits required at Entry One:9

Agored Cymru Entry Level Extended Certificate in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 1)

Total credits required: 24

Entry 2

Entry 1

Minimum credits required at Entry One:15
Minimum credits required: 15

Agored Cymru Entry Level Diploma in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 1)

Total credits required: 37

Entry 2

Entry 1

Minimum credits required at Entry One:19

Agored Cymru Entry Level Award in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 2)

Total credits required: 6

Entry 3

Entry 2

Minimum credits required at Entry Two:3

Agored Cymru Entry Level Certificate in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 2)

Total credits required: 16
Minimum credits required at Entry Two: 9

Entry 1

Entry 3

Entry 2

Minimum credits required at Entry Two:9

Agored Cymru Entry Level Extended Certificate in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 2)

Total credits required: 24

Entry 1

Entry 3

Entry 2

Minimum credits required at Entry Two:15

Agored Cymru Entry Level Diploma in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 2)

Total credits required: 37

Entry 1

Entry 3

Entry 2

Minimum credits required at Entry Two:19

Agored Cymru Entry Level Award in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 3)

Total credits required: 6

Level 1

Entry 3

Minimum credits required at Entry Three: 3

Agored Cymru Entry Level Certificate in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 3)

Total credits required: 16

Entry 2

Level 1

Entry 3

Minimum credits required at Entry Three: 9

Agored Cymru Entry Level Extended Certificate in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 3)

Total credits required: 24

Entry 2

Level 1

Entry 3

Minimum credits required at Entry Three: 15

Agored Cymru Entry Level Diploma in Essential Skills for Work and Life (Entry 3)

Total credits required: 37

Entry 2

Level 1

Entry 3

Minimum credits required at Entry Three: 19

Agored Cymru Level 1 Certificate in Essential Skills for Work and Life

Total credits required: 16

Entry 3

Level 1

Minimum credits required at Level One:9
Maximum credits at Level One:16

Level 2

Agored Cymru Level 1 Award in Essential Skills for Work and Life

Total credits required: 6

Level 1

Minimum credits required at Level One:4
Maximum credits at Level One:6

Level 2

Agored Cymru Level 2 Award in Essential Skills for Work and Life

Total credits required: 6

Level 2

Minimum credits required: 4
Maximum credits: 6

Level 3

Agored Cymru Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills for Work and Life

Total credits required: 16

Level 2

Minimum credits required at Level Two: 9
Maximum credits at Level Two:16

Level 3

Level 1

Agored Cymru Level 3 Award in Essential Skills for Work and Life

Total credits required: 6

Level 3

Minimum credits required at Level Three:6

Agored Cymru Level 3 Certificate in Essential Skills for Work and Life

Total credits required: 16

Level 3

Minimum credits required at Level Three:12

Level 2

Barred Combinations

Each row is a barred combination only one unit can be counted towards a qualification
Obtaining Information Orally (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY036
H/504/3457		Obtaining Information Orally (Level:Entry One)
HD3E1CY045
Providing Information Orally (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY037
Y/504/3472		Providing Information Orally (Level:Entry One)
HD3E1CY046
Strategies for Reading (Level:Entry One)
HD3E1CY036
D/504/3506		Strategies for Reading (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY044
Reading for a Purpose (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY032
F/504/3479		Identifying the Purpose of Written Material (Level:Entry One)
HD3E1CY037
R/504/3521
Reading for Information (Level:Entry One)
HD3E1CY038
J/504/3449		Reading for Information (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY045
Reading for Information (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY072
Writing with Meaning (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY035
Y/504/3441		Writing Texts (Level:Entry One)
HD3E1CY039
A/504/3464
Completing Forms (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY039
M/504/3459		Completing Forms (Level:Entry One)
HD3E1CY040
T/504/3477
Using Whole Numbers to 10 (Level:Entry One)
HD4E1CY052
F/506/9063		Using Whole Numbers up to 100 (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY045
Calculations with Whole Numbers (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY033
K/504/3508		Calculations Using Whole Numbers to 10 (Level:Entry One)
HD4E1CY053
R/506/9066
Using Money (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY035
L/504/3453		Using Money (Level:Entry One)
HD4E1CY046
A/504/3478
Using Time (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY036
J/504/3466		Using Time (Level:Entry One)
HD4E1CY055
Measuring and Using Length (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY038
H/504/3443		Comparing Sizes (Level:Entry One)
HD4E1CY048
J/504/3516
Positional Vocabulary (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY040
M/504/3476		Positional Vocabulary (Level:Entry One)
HD4E1CY049
F/504/3434
Using Shape (Level:Entry Three)
HD4E3CY052
L/504/3467		Using Shape (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY040
H/504/3460		Using Shape (Level:Entry One)
HD4E1CY056
Reading for a Purpose (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY032
F/504/3479		Reading for a Purpose (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY071
Reading for a Purpose (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY032
F/504/3479		Reading for Information (Level:Entry One)
HD3E1CY038
J/504/3449
Preparing to Write (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY059
K/504/3444		Preparing to Write (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY034
L/504/3517
Writing to Communicate Information (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY060
K/504/3461		Writing with Meaning (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY035
Y/504/3441
Obtaining Information Orally (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY062
H/504/3510		Obtaining Information Orally (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY036
H/504/3457
Providing Information Orally (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY063
H/504/3524		Providing Information Orally (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY037
Y/504/3472
Discussion Skills (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY064
T/504/3494		Discussion Skills (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY038
D/504/3442
Completing Forms (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY065
K/504/3511		Completing Forms (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY039
M/504/3459
Using Fractions (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY034
D/504/3523		Using Fractions and Decimals (Level:Entry Three)
HD4E3CY064
Using Money (Level:Entry Three)
HD4E3CY050
M/504/3512		Using Money (Level:Entry One)
HD4E1CY046
A/504/3478
Using Time (Level:Entry Three)
HD4E3CY051
Y/504/3536		Using Time (Level:Entry One)
HD4E1CY055
Reading Graphical Material (Level:Entry Three)
HD4E3CY053
F/504/3482		Reading Graphical Material (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY037
T/504/3480
Collection and Presentation of Data (Level:One)
HD41CY056
D/504/3456		Collecting and Presenting Information Graphically (Level:Entry Three)
HD4E3CY054
Y/504/3455
Calculations with Measure (Level:Three)
HD33CY006
R/505/1165		Calculations with Measure (Level:Two)
HD42CY037
A/505/1080
Number (Level:Three)
HD33CY007
J/505/1101		Number (Level:Two)
HD42CY038
L/505/1083
Interpretation of Data (Level:Three)
HD33CY008
H/505/1168		Collection, Presentation and Interpretation of Discrete Data (Level:Two)
HD42CY039
H/505/1087
Probability (Level:Two)
HD32CY027
F/505/1095		Probability (Level:One)
HD41CY059
Y/504/3505
Giving a Formal Presentation (Level:Three)
HD33CY004
J/505/1115		Giving a Presentation (Level:Two)
HD32CY021
D/505/1167
Reading for Purpose (Level:One)
HD31CY080
A/504/3447		Reading for a Purpose (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY071
Taking Part in Formal Discussions (Level:Two)
HD32CY024
M/505/1108		Contributing to Discussions (Level:One)
HD31CY075
Y/504/3469
Writing to Persuade (Level:One)
HD31CY074
A/504/3514		Writing Persuasive Text (Level:Two)
HD32CY030
Speaking and Listening - Providing and Receiving Information (Level:Two)
HD32CY020
K/505/1110		Speaking and Listening, Providing and Receiving Information (Level:One)
HD31CY073
F/504/3496
Comparing Sizes (Level:Entry One)
HD4E1CY048
J/504/3516		Measuring and Using Weight (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY046
Using Measurements (Level:Entry Three)
HD4E3CY055
R/504/3454		Comparing Sizes (Level:Entry One)
HD4E1CY048
J/504/3516
Completing Forms (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY065
K/504/3511		Completing Forms (Level:Entry One)
HD3E1CY040
T/504/3477
Calculations with Whole Numbers (Level:Entry Three)
HD4E3CY048
K/504/3525		Calculations with Whole Numbers (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY033
K/504/3508
Using Measurements (Level:Entry Three)
HD4E3CY055
R/504/3454		Measuring and Using Length (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY038
H/504/3443
Using Measurements (Level:Entry Three)
HD4E3CY055
R/504/3454		Measuring and Using Weight (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY046
Using Money (Level:Entry Three)
HD4E3CY050
M/504/3512		Using Money (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY035
L/504/3453
Using Time (Level:Entry Three)
HD4E3CY051
Y/504/3536		Using Time (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY036
J/504/3466
Preparing to Write (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY034
L/504/3517		Writing Texts (Level:Entry One)
HD3E1CY039
A/504/3464
Reading Graphical Material (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY037
T/504/3480		Organising Information (Level:Entry One)
HD4E1CY051
Y/504/3486
Strategies for Reading (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY044
Strategies for Reading (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY070
Reading for Purpose (Level:One)
HD31CY080
A/504/3447		Strategies for Reading (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY044
Obtaining Information and Opinions from Texts (Level:One)
HD31CY079
T/504/3446		Strategies for Reading (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY044
Reading for a Purpose (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY032
F/504/3479		Reading for Information (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY072
Reading for Purpose (Level:One)
HD31CY080
A/504/3447		Reading for a Purpose (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY032
F/504/3479
Following Instructional and Explanatory Texts (Level:One)
HD31CY078
R/504/3504		Reading for a Purpose (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY032
F/504/3479
Obtaining Information and Opinions from Texts (Level:One)
HD31CY079
T/504/3446		Reading for a Purpose (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY032
F/504/3479
Reading for a Purpose (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY032
F/504/3479		Identifying the Purpose of Written Material (Level:Entry One)
HD3E1CY037
R/504/3521
Obtaining Information and Opinions from Texts (Level:One)
HD31CY079
T/504/3446		Reading for Information (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY045
Writing to Communicate Information (Level:One)
HD31CY076
F/504/3515		Preparing to Write (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY034
L/504/3517
Developing Writing Skills - Report (Level:One)
HD31CY010
Y/504/3004		Preparing to Write (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY034
L/504/3517
Writing to Persuade (Level:One)
HD31CY074
A/504/3514		Preparing to Write (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY034
L/504/3517
Writing to Describe (Level:One)
HD31CY077
A/504/3528		Preparing to Write (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY034
L/504/3517
Preparing to Write (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY034
L/504/3517		Writing Texts (Level:Entry One)
HD3E1CY039
A/504/3464
Writing to Communicate Opinions (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY061
M/504/3493		Writing with Meaning (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY035
Y/504/3441
Developing Writing Skills - Report (Level:One)
HD31CY010
Y/504/3004		Writing with Meaning (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY035
Y/504/3441
Writing to Communicate Information (Level:One)
HD31CY076
F/504/3515		Writing with Meaning (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY035
Y/504/3441
Writing to Describe (Level:One)
HD31CY077
A/504/3528		Writing with Meaning (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY035
Y/504/3441
Writing with Meaning (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY035
Y/504/3441		Writing Texts (Level:Entry One)
HD3E1CY039
A/504/3464
Speaking and Listening, Providing and Receiving Information (Level:One)
HD31CY073
F/504/3496		Obtaining Information Orally (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY036
H/504/3457
Speaking and Listening, Providing and Receiving Information (Level:One)
HD31CY073
F/504/3496		Providing Information Orally (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY037
Y/504/3472
Contributing to Discussions (Level:One)
HD31CY075
Y/504/3469		Discussion Skills (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY038
D/504/3442
Calculations with Whole Numbers (Level:Entry Three)
HD4E3CY048
K/504/3525		Using Whole Numbers up to 100 (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY045
Whole Numbers, Problem Solving and Calculations (Level:One)
HD41CY061
J/504/3497		Using Whole Numbers up to 100 (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY045
Whole Numbers, Problem Solving and Calculations (Level:One)
HD41CY061
J/504/3497		Calculations with Whole Numbers (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY033
K/504/3508
Using Fractions (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY034
D/504/3523		Fractions, Decimals and Percentages (Level:One)
HD41CY070
Using Money (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY035
L/504/3453		Fractions, Decimals and Percentages (Level:One)
HD41CY070
Using Time (Level:One)
HD41CY062
T/504/3463		Using Time (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY036
J/504/3466
Reading Graphical Material (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY037
T/504/3480		Extracting Data (Level:One)
HD41CY071
Reading Graphical Material (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY037
T/504/3480		Organising Information (Level:Entry One)
HD4E1CY051
Y/504/3486
Calculations with Measurements (Level:One)
HD41CY055
T/504/3527		Measuring and Using Length (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY038
H/504/3443
Using Measurements (Level:One)
HD41CY063
K/504/3475		Measuring and Using Length (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY038
H/504/3443
Measuring and Using Length (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY038
H/504/3443		Comparing Sizes (Level:Entry One)
HD4E1CY048
J/504/3516
Calculations with Measurements (Level:One)
HD41CY055
T/504/3527		Measuring and Using Weight (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY046
Using Measurements (Level:One)
HD41CY063
K/504/3475		Measuring and Using Weight (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY046
Comparing Sizes (Level:Entry One)
HD4E1CY048
J/504/3516		Measuring and Using Weight (Level:Entry Two)
HD4E2CY046
Obtaining Information and Opinions from Texts (Level:One)
HD31CY079
T/504/3446		Strategies for Reading (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY070
Reading for Purpose (Level:One)
HD31CY080
A/504/3447		Strategies for Reading (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY070
Strategies for Reading (Level:Entry One)
HD3E1CY036
D/504/3506		Strategies for Reading (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY070
Following Instructional and Explanatory Texts (Level:One)
HD31CY078
R/504/3504		Reading for a Purpose (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY071
Identifying the Purpose of Written Material (Level:Entry One)
HD3E1CY037
R/504/3521		Reading for a Purpose (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY071
Obtaining Information and Opinions from Texts (Level:One)
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T/504/3446		Reading for Information (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY072
Writing to Communicate Information (Level:One)
HD31CY076
F/504/3515		Preparing to Write (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY059
K/504/3444
Developing Writing Skills - Report (Level:One)
HD31CY010
Y/504/3004		Preparing to Write (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY059
K/504/3444
Writing to Persuade (Level:One)
HD31CY074
A/504/3514		Preparing to Write (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY059
K/504/3444
Writing to Describe (Level:One)
HD31CY077
A/504/3528		Preparing to Write (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY059
K/504/3444
Preparing to Write (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY059
K/504/3444		Writing Texts (Level:Entry One)
HD3E1CY039
A/504/3464
Developing Writing Skills - Report (Level:One)
HD31CY010
Y/504/3004		Writing to Communicate Information (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY060
K/504/3461
Writing to Communicate Information (Level:One)
HD31CY076
F/504/3515		Writing to Communicate Information (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY060
K/504/3461
Writing to Describe (Level:One)
HD31CY077
A/504/3528		Writing to Communicate Information (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY060
K/504/3461
Writing to Communicate Information (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY060
K/504/3461		Writing Texts (Level:Entry One)
HD3E1CY039
A/504/3464
Writing to Describe (Level:One)
HD31CY077
A/504/3528		Writing to Communicate Opinions (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY061
M/504/3493
Writing to Communicate Opinions (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY061
M/504/3493		Writing Texts (Level:Entry One)
HD3E1CY039
A/504/3464
Obtaining Information Orally (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY062
H/504/3510		Speaking and Listening, Providing and Receiving Information (Level:One)
HD31CY073
F/504/3496
Obtaining Information Orally (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY062
H/504/3510		Obtaining Information Orally (Level:Entry One)
HD3E1CY045
Speaking and Listening, Providing and Receiving Information (Level:One)
HD31CY073
F/504/3496		Providing Information Orally (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY063
H/504/3524
Providing Information Orally (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY063
H/504/3524		Providing Information Orally (Level:Entry One)
HD3E1CY046
Contributing to Discussions (Level:One)
HD31CY075
Y/504/3469		Discussion Skills (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY064
T/504/3494
Whole Numbers, Problem Solving and Calculations (Level:One)
HD41CY061
J/504/3497		Calculations with Whole Numbers (Level:Entry Three)
HD4E3CY048
K/504/3525
Calculations with Whole Numbers (Level:Entry Three)
HD4E3CY048
K/504/3525		Using Whole Numbers to 10 (Level:Entry One)
HD4E1CY052
F/506/9063
Fractions, Decimals and Percentages (Level:One)
HD41CY070
Using Fractions and Decimals (Level:Entry Three)
HD4E3CY064
Using Money (Level:Entry Three)
HD4E3CY050
M/504/3512		Fractions, Decimals and Percentages (Level:One)
HD41CY070
Using Time (Level:One)
HD41CY062
T/504/3463		Using Time (Level:Entry Three)
HD4E3CY051
Y/504/3536
Calculations with Measurements (Level:One)
HD41CY055
T/504/3527		Using Measurements (Level:Entry Three)
HD4E3CY055
R/504/3454
Using Measurements (Level:One)
HD41CY063
K/504/3475		Using Measurements (Level:Entry Three)
HD4E3CY055
R/504/3454
Reading Graphical Material (Level:Entry Three)
HD4E3CY053
F/504/3482		Extracting Data (Level:One)
HD41CY071
Reading Graphical Material (Level:Entry Three)
HD4E3CY053
F/504/3482		Organising Information (Level:Entry One)
HD4E1CY051
Y/504/3486
Reading for Purpose (Level:One)
HD31CY080
A/504/3447		Strategies for Reading (Level:Entry Two)
HD3E2CY044
Calculations with Measure (Level:Two)
HD42CY037
A/505/1080		Calculations with Measurements (Level:One)
HD41CY055
T/504/3527
Calculations with Measure (Level:Two)
HD42CY037
A/505/1080		Using Measurements (Level:One)
HD41CY063
K/504/3475
Number (Level:Two)
HD42CY038
L/505/1083		Ratios and Proportions (Level:One)
HD41CY060
L/504/3520
Number (Level:Two)
HD42CY038
L/505/1083		Fractions, Decimals and Percentages (Level:One)
HD41CY070
Collection, Presentation and Interpretation of Discrete Data (Level:Two)
HD42CY039
H/505/1087		Collection and Presentation of Data (Level:One)
HD41CY056
D/504/3456
Interpretation of Data (Level:Three)
HD33CY008
H/505/1168		Collection, Presentation and Interpretation of Continuous Data (Level:Two)
HD42CY040
L/505/1097
Collection, Presentation and Interpretation of Continuous Data (Level:Two)
HD42CY040
L/505/1097		Collection and Presentation of Data (Level:One)
HD41CY056
D/504/3456
Reading for a Purpose (Level:Two)
HD32CY023
K/505/1107		Critical Reading (Level:Three)
HD33CY011
Reading for a Purpose (Level:Two)
HD32CY023
K/505/1107		Reading for Purpose (Level:One)
HD31CY080
A/504/3447
Critical Reading (Level:Three)
HD33CY011
The Purpose and Intention of Written Documents (Level:Two)
HD32CY032
Obtaining Information and Opinions from Texts (Level:One)
HD31CY079
T/504/3446		The Purpose and Intention of Written Documents (Level:Two)
HD32CY032
Reading, Researching and Reporting (Level:Three)
HD33CY003
A/505/1127		Writing to Convey Information (Level:Two)
HD32CY031
Writing a Complex Document (Level:Three)
HD33CY005
F/505/1128		Writing to Convey Information (Level:Two)
HD32CY031
Developing Writing Skills - Report (Level:One)
HD31CY010
Y/504/3004		Writing to Convey Information (Level:Two)
HD32CY031
Writing to Communicate Information (Level:One)
HD31CY076
F/504/3515		Writing to Convey Information (Level:Two)
HD32CY031
Writing to Describe (Level:One)
HD31CY077
A/504/3528		Writing to Convey Information (Level:Two)
HD32CY031
Strategies for Reading (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY070
Reading for a Purpose (Level:Two)
HD32CY023
K/505/1107
Strategies for Reading (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY070
The Purpose and Intention of Written Documents (Level:Two)
HD32CY032
Reading for a Purpose (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY071
Reading for a Purpose (Level:Two)
HD32CY023
K/505/1107
Reading for Information (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY072
The Purpose and Intention of Written Documents (Level:Two)
HD32CY032
Preparing to Write (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY059
K/504/3444		Writing Persuasive Text (Level:Two)
HD32CY030
Preparing to Write (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY059
K/504/3444		Writing to Convey Information (Level:Two)
HD32CY031
Writing to Communicate Information (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY060
K/504/3461		Writing to Convey Information (Level:Two)
HD32CY031
Writing to Communicate Opinions (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY061
M/504/3493		Writing to Convey Information (Level:Two)
HD32CY031
Obtaining Information Orally (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY062
H/504/3510		Speaking and Listening - Providing and Receiving Information (Level:Two)
HD32CY020
K/505/1110
Providing Information Orally (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY063
H/504/3524		Speaking and Listening - Providing and Receiving Information (Level:Two)
HD32CY020
K/505/1110
Discussion Skills (Level:Entry Three)
HD3E3CY064
T/504/3494		Taking Part in Formal Discussions (Level:Two)
HD32CY024
M/505/1108
Using Measurements (Level:Entry Three)
HD4E3CY055
R/504/3454		Calculations with Measure (Level:Two)
HD42CY037
A/505/1080
Collecting and Presenting Information Graphically (Level:Entry Three)
HD4E3CY054
Y/504/3455		Collection, Presentation and Interpretation of Discrete Data (Level:Two)
HD42CY039
H/505/1087
Developing Writing Skills - Report (Level:One)
HD31CY010
Y/504/3004		Writing to Convey Information (Level:Two)
HD32CY031
Speaking and Listening, Providing and Receiving Information (Level:One)
HD31CY073
F/504/3496		Speaking and Listening - Providing and Receiving Information (Level:Two)
HD32CY020
K/505/1110
Writing to Persuade (Level:One)
HD31CY074
A/504/3514		Writing Persuasive Text (Level:Two)
HD32CY030
Contributing to Discussions (Level:One)
HD31CY075
Y/504/3469		Taking Part in Formal Discussions (Level:Two)
HD32CY024
M/505/1108
Writing to Communicate Information (Level:One)
HD31CY076
F/504/3515		Writing to Convey Information (Level:Two)
HD32CY031
Writing to Describe (Level:One)
HD31CY077
A/504/3528		Writing to Convey Information (Level:Two)
HD32CY031
Obtaining Information and Opinions from Texts (Level:One)
HD31CY079
T/504/3446		The Purpose and Intention of Written Documents (Level:Two)
HD32CY032
Reading for Purpose (Level:One)
HD31CY080
A/504/3447		Reading for a Purpose (Level:Two)
HD32CY023
K/505/1107
Ratios and Proportions (Level:One)
HD41CY060
L/504/3520		Number (Level:Two)
HD42CY038
L/505/1083

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL is an assessment method leading to the award of credit. Assessors must consider if RPL can be applied for any learners. RPL is a method of assessment that considers whether learners can demonstrate that they can meet the assessment requirements for a unit / part of a unit and / or qualification through knowledge, understanding or skills that they already possess and so do not need to develop through a course of learning.

Please click here to view the Recognition of Prior Learning policy for further guidance.


Quality Assurance Processes

Registration

Centres must register all learners promptly, within a timely manner, appropriate to the duration of the course start date. For guidance on registering learners, please click here.

Delivery and Assessment

Delivery

Centres must ensure that qualifications are delivered effectively and efficiently. Well considered and detailed course planning is a critical feature of effective delivery. Centres must have, and be able to demonstrate, a robust documented internal process for coherent course design, development and delivery.

A key feature of many of our qualifications is the flexibility they offer centres to contextualise them to meet the specific needs of their learners. This flexibility promotes strong learner engagement and meaningful learning experiences.

Centres should ensure that detailed schemes of work and session plans are in place which consider all aspects of the qualification specification. These should include details of strategies and resources required for teaching and assessment that meet learners’ needs.

Teaching and learning approaches must be consistent with the context, level and stipulations of the qualification and be designed to engage, stimulate and motivate learners.

Assessment

Centre devised assessments must meet the qualification specification. Assessments must enable the assessor to differentiate accurately and consistently between the levels of attainment demonstrated by learners. Assessment must only include content that is drawn from the knowledge, skills and understanding in the specification and that the level of demand must be consistent.

Assessment must:

  • make it possible for learners to demonstrate the extent to which they have the knowledge, skills and understanding required by the qualification
  • allow the specified level of attainment to be reached by a learner who has attained the required level of knowledge, skills and understanding
  • be fit for purpose, valid and appropriate to the knowledge, skills and understanding being measured
  • effectively differentiate between learners (on the basis of the knowledge, skills and understanding being assessed)
  • accurately measure the knowledge, skills and understanding that it is intended to measure

Centres are required to ensure that centre devised assessments are kept under review, amending them where necessary, to ensure they remain fit for purpose, for example by reflecting new requirements, good practice or legislation.

Some qualifications and their units will prescribe the assessment methods that must be used. These prescribed methods will be highlighted within individual units.

Where the methods are not prescribed, centres should use a variety of assessment methods to assess learners as this will allow learners to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills competency. The most important factor is that the assessment methods are appropriate for the intended outcome.

Centres must adhere to Agored Cymru’s assessment requirements when delivering qualifications, a unit or units.

For guidance on assessment, please refer to the Agored Cymru Guide to Assessment.

Assessors must:

  • have current and/or relevant experience in assessing;
  • have undertaken relevant training if new to assessing (Agored Cymru Introduction to Assessment courses);
  • have good knowledge and understanding of Agored Cymru assessment requirements;
  • be familiar with the level of the qualification and its unit(s);
  • have good subject knowledge and understanding and/or experience of the unit(s)/qualification(s) being assessed.

Assessors do not currently need to have a formal assessment qualification* to assess Agored Cymru units and / or qualifications, unless stated in the qualification guide or unit specification. However, Agored Cymru strongly recommends that assessors work towards formal accreditation (e.g. Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement). In addition, Agored Cymru strongly recommends that assessors attend Agored Cymru’s Introduction to Assessment training.

Specific Assessor Requirements

Assessors must have substantive experience in the delivery and assessment of the relevant essential skill. The Essential Skills Practitioner qualifications are recommended

Internal Quality Assurance

Centres must implement and maintain an effective internal quality assurance system. Internal verification is an essential part of a quality assurance system, particularly when there is no external summative (end of course) assessment such as an exam or online test.

Agored Cymru do not impose a particular internal verification process on centres, however, centres are required to implement effective internal verification checks to confirm that the assessment process (i.e. from pre-course planning to the award of credit) is fit for purpose and is implemented accurately, fairly and consistently and to the required standards.

Centres must adhere to Agored Cymru’s quality assurance requirements when carrying out internal verification on any unit(s) from qualifications.

Internal quality assurers must:

  • have current and/or relevant experience in assessing and internal verification;
  • have undertaken relevant training if new to internal quality assurance (see website for Agored Cymru Introduction to Internal Verification courses);
  • have good knowledge and understanding of Agored Cymru internal verification requirements.
  • Have good knowledge and understanding of Agored Cymru units and qualification in their chosen sector(s).
  • be familiar with the level of the unit(s)/qualification(s) being delivered;

Internal verifiers do not currently need to have a formal internal verification qualification to internally verify Agored Cymru units and / or qualification, unless stated in the qualification guide or unit criteria*. However, Agored Cymru strongly recommends that internal verifiers work towards formal accreditation (e.g Level 4 Certificate on Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice). In addition, Agored Cymru strongly recommends that assessors attend Agored Cymru’s Introduction to Assessment training. Dates of when training events are held can be found here.

Internal verifiers cannot internally verify their own assessment materials, tasks or assessment decisions. Consequently, it is recommended that the internal verification skills of a whole team are developed. This gives the centre more flexibility and avoids over-reliance on any one person.

* Some qualifications have particular requirements that must be met to enable tutors / assessors to deliver and assess the qualification. Please refer to the relevant qualification guide to confirm your tutors / assessors are able to meet these requirements. In some cases, evidence of a tutor / assessors experience / qualification must be submitted to Agored Cymru prior to delivery.

Centres must adhere to Agored Cymru’s assessment requirements when delivering qualifications, or any unit(s) from qualifications.

For guidance on internal quality assurance please click here.

,

Internal Quality Assurers must have knowledge of the standards describing the skill requirements at each of the levels within the subject being verified.

Centre Assessment Standards Scrutiny (CASS)

This approach forms part of Agored Cymru’s CASS strategy which ensures that sufficient controls are in place where an assessment is marked by a centre (Condition H2).

Agored Cymru ‘risk bands’ all of its qualifications. Risk bandings of qualifications feed into the risk management system which is ‘weighted’ accordingly.

When risk banding a qualification, Agored Cymru considers:

  • the construct of the qualification
  • any related professional standards for the qualification
  • any evidence associated with the sector and/or qualification to suggest that a particular CASS approach may be necessary.

Agored Cymru determines the most appropriate CASS approach for each of its qualifications to ensure that regulatory minimum requirements are fully met. All centres delivering and assessing Agored Cymru qualifications will receive an Annual Centre Review.

Agored Cymru is confident that this will give additional assurance to sector specific bodies and protect the integrity of the qualification(s), creating better outcomes for learners.

Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations

It may be necessary to make changes to an assessment to accommodate the needs of a single or small group of learners. This may in response to a disability or difficulty that places the learner at a substantial disadvantage in the assessment process. Reasonable adjustments to the assessment process must not affect the readability and validity of the assessment outcomes and must be as rigorous as assessment methods used with other learners. All reasonable adjustments must be recorded and be approved by the internal verifier before use.

In some instances it may be necessary to consider applying special considerations for adjustments for a learner or group of learners as part of the assessment process. This may be applied if a learner’s performance in an assessment is affected by circumstances beyond the control of the learners e.g. recent personal illness, accident, bereavement, serious disturbance during the assessment; or if part of an assessment has been missed due to circumstances beyond the control of the learner. All special considerations must be recorded and be approved by the internal verifier before use.

Assessors must remember that a reasonable adjustment and / or special consideration must not give the learner an unfair advantage. The learner’s result must reflect his/her achievement in the assessment and not necessarily his/her potential achievement.

Further guidance about the types of and process for applying reasonable adjustments and / or special consideration can be found in the Agored Cymru Reasonable Adjustments to Assessment Policy and the Agored Cymru Special Considerations for Assessment Policy.

Retention of Assessment Materials

Centres must keep all learner evidence and assessment records safe and secure to ensure that they are available for external quality assurance and regional standardisation events. Up to date, securely stored assessment records also help to minimise the risk of assessment malpractice, or potential issues if an assessor leaves during a course.

Centres must:

a) store all assessment records securely and safely;

b) maintain records of learner achievements that are up to date, regularly reviewed and tracked accurately;

c) have all current learner evidence available for external quality assurance;

Additionally, in line with Agored Cymru and regulatory requirements, Centres must retain sufficient evidence of learners’ work, assessment decisions and internal verification records to monitor standards over time. For guidance on the retention of assessment materials click here to access the Retention of Assessment and IQA Materials Policy and Procedure.

Standardisation

As an Agored Cymru recognised centre, you are required to attend Standardisation workshops. The workshops offer you an opportunity to meet with fellow assessment and quality assurance professionals with the aim of developing a common understanding of Agored Cymru standards and to share expertise and leading practice.

Standardisation workshops are supportive, interactive sessions where you will review examples of assessment materials and learner evidence and make judgements on whether:

  • assessment materials are valid and fit for purpose;
  • learner evidence is authentic, reliable and sufficient;
  • assessment practice and internal quality assurance is effective and fair;
  • standards are consistent across centres;
  • standards are comparable over time;
  • the sample includes any leading practice.

Current information on Agored Cymru standardisation workshops can be found on our website.

Certification

Certificates will be made available within Service Standards

Centres are required to distribute certificates to all learners promptly.