- What's the difference between 'basic skills' and 'essential skills'?
They mean the same thing really, we just chose to call our centre the "Essential Skills Centre" to avoid some of the negative connotations which can go with the word 'basic'. However, the Skills for Life Strategy Unit and other national organisations currently refer to "language, literacy and numeracy" which are alternative, more meaningful terms.
- Can I access resources at the Centre for free?
Yes - anyone can visit the Centre and browse our resources and if you are a practitioner, manager or anyone associated with essential skills in Coventry and Warwickshire, you may borrow them. You can borrow most resources for up to a month although some more popular ones may have a shorter loan period. Software is available on our laptops for a week's loan.
- Can I photocopy resources from the Centre?
No! Not unless you intend to buy copies for your own organisation. With materials which are indicated as photocopiable, they can only be copied by the purchasing organisation (that's us!). We ask practitioners to abide by these rules when borrowing resources.
- I am new to this area of work but would like to teach basic skills to adults. How do I start?
Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector is a new qualification in initial teacher training. This will introduce you to themes in the lifelong learning sector and give you the basics you need to start off in teaching. Contact the Centre for availability and for any advice about pathways into teaching literacy, language or numeracy. Click here to see the PTTLS courses on offer through the Centre.
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What's the difference between the Level 4 qualifications and the new Diplomas?
They are essentially the same qualification, just updated. The Diplomas are at Level 5 and have replaced the Level 4 qualifications. This means that they are a little more challenging and the entry criteria have changed. However, if you already have a Level 4 in Literacy, Numeracy or ESOL you do not need to do the Diploma! Your qualifications already count towards QTLS. Click here to find out more about our Diploma courses.
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Why have there been changes to the qualifications we need to get?
New regulations for the lifelong learning sector came into force on 1st September 2007. This is to drive up quality in the sector and to ensure that all teachers are appropriately qualified. For more specific information about these changes, go to the LLUK teacher development web pages by clicking here.
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I am a very experienced tutor in Skills for Life. Do I need to do these qualifications?
The Diploma qualifications are mandatory for new tutors. However, if you are someone with many years experience in the field, you can apply for General Professional Recognition Learning and Skills, which acknoweldges your expertise and experience without the necessity of getting a new qualfication. To find out more about GPRLS, click here. Although this scheme is available, many experienced tutors choose to do the Diploma because they want to update their skills. [GPRLS has replaced the earlier PRLS.]
