NCFE Entry Level Certificate in Adult Literacy

Introduction

The NCFE Entry Level Certificate in Adult Literacy (including Spoken Communication) has been accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and is part of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Its Qualification Accreditation Number is 100/1325/8. This qualification is therefore fundable under the Learning and Skills Act 2000 under Sections 96 and 97. Its Learning Aim Code is 10013258.

The NCFE Entry Level Certificate in Adult Literacy (including Spoken Communication) is an ideal qualification for adults and young people wishing to develop basic literacy skills.

There are no guided learning hours for this qualification

NQF Level: Entry 1, Entry 2 and Entry 3

Assessment requirements: Internally assessed and
externally moderated portfolio

The qualification consists of 3 mandatory units:

• Unit 01 Speaking and Listening
• Unit 02 Reading
• Unit 03 Writing

Learners must successfully complete all 3 mandatory units to be awarded the NCFE Entry Level

Aims and Objectives

The aim of the NCFE Entry Level Certificate in Adult Literacy (including Spoken Communication) is to provide a framework for the development and assessment of the literacy skills, knowledge and understanding that an adult will need to function at work and society in general. It is designed to assess achievement in relation to the National Adult Literacy Standards at Entry Level.
The objectives of NCFE Entry Level Certificate in Adult Literacy (including Spoken Communication) in order to meet its aim are to:

• provide an accreditation framework that is flexible, rigorous and relevant
• provide opportunities for learners to develop and improve their literacy skills in appropriate contexts
• prompt Tutors, agencies and organisations into providing a wider range of learning opportunities and activities to students
• support national initiatives in basic skills, inclusive learning and widening participation

Progression Opportunities

The NCFE Entry Level Certificate in Adult Literacy (including Spoken Communication) aims to develop learners' skills both laterally and incrementally. Learners are able to develop essential, transferable skills in a context relevant to themselves in their own time and at their own pace.

NCFE offers a range of Entry Level qualifications which may be delivered alongside the Entry Level Certificate in Adult Literacy (including Spoken Communication).

These include:

• NCFE Entry Level Certificate in Adult Numeracy
• NCFE Entry Level Certificate in ICT
• NCFE Entry Level Certificate in Working Together
• NCFE Entry Level Certificate in Making Progress
• NCFE Entry Level Certificate in Solving Problems

These qualifications are designed to enable learners to progress to Level 1 Key Skills and Basic Skills qualifications, and to other Level 1 qualifications.

Assessment

The NCFE Entry Level Certificate in Adult Literacy (including Spoken Communication) is internally assessed. The candidate must produce a portfolio of work that covers all learning outcomes of the relevant qualification.

All learning outcomes within each candidate portfolio must be assessed by Assessors in the centre. A reasonable sample of portfolios must then be assessed by an Internal Moderator to ensure consistency with national standards.

Each candidate must create a portfolio of evidence which demonstrates achievement of all learning outcomes associated with each unit. Learning outcomes specify what each candidate has to achieve .

The main pieces of evidence for the portfolio could include:

• Assessor observation - completed observational checklists and related action plans
• witness testimony
• candidate product
• worksheets
• assignments/projects/reports
• professional discussion
• record of oral and written questioning
• candidate and peer reports
• Accreditation of Prior Achievement (APA)
• Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL)

Evidence may be drawn from actual or simulated situations, where appropriate.

Assessment guidance is provided for each unit. Assessors can use other methods of assessment as long as they're valid, reliable and maintain the integrity of the assessment and of the standards required of the relevant qualification. Acceptable methods of assessment could be drawn from the list above.