NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Adult Literacy

Introduction

The NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Adult Literacy has been accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and is part of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Its Qualification Accreditation Number is 100/2030/5. This qualification is therefore fundable under the Learning and Skills Act 2000 under Sections 96 and 97. Its Learning Aim Code is 10020305.

It follows the national standards for adult literacy developed by QCA, set out in the Adult Literacy Core Curriculum produced by the Basic Skills Agency and the Department for Education and Skills.

The NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Adult Literacy is an ideal qualification for adults wishing to assess their own level of literacy and to develop their basic reading and writing skills.

The qualification also allows candidates to develop their speaking skills, enabling them to communicate effectively and to feel more confident in all aspects of their everyday lives.

There are no set guided learning hours for this qualification NQF Level: 2 Assessment requirements: Externally set and assessed multiple choice question paper*.

There is no internal assessment component for this qualification
* This qualification is assessed using the National Adult Literacy Test (Level 2) produced by QCA.

The qualification consists of three units:

* Unit 01 Speaking and listening
* Unit 02 Reading
* Unit 03 Writing

There are no optional units for this qualification. Learning outcomes for each unit are provided in Section 3 (page 8). Candidates must pass the National Adult Literacy Test at Level 2 to be awarded the NCFE Level 2

Aims and Objectives

The qualification aims to:

* provide a framework for the development and assessment of the literacy

skills, knowledge and understanding that an adult will need in order to

function more effectively and confidently at work and in society in general
* assess achievement in relation to the National Adult Literacy Standards at

Level 2

The objectives of the qualification are to help candidates to:

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

Progression Opportunities

The NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Adult Literacy provides progression to Level 3 Key Skills (Communication). Successful candidates may compile a Level 2 Key Skills Communication portfolio to demonstrate their literacy skills in a range of contexts. Candidates should be made aware that the assessment of this qualification serves as a recognised proxy qualification for the Level 2 Communication test.

Upon achieving the NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Adult Literacy, adult learners will be able to access a wider range of courses at Levels 2 or 3. The qualification therefore provides progression into a number of general and vocationally-related Level 2 and 3 qualifications on the NQF.

Assessment

Each candidate is required to undertake an externally set multiple choice question paper. This paper assesses knowledge aspects of the qualification sampled from across Units 02 (Reading) and 03 (Writing) of the qualification. Speaking and listening skills are not externally assessed. The question paper is set by the regulatory authorities and administered by centre staff under examination conditions. The papers are marked by NCFE and focus on the knowledge and understanding requirements contained within the qualification. The pass mark for the external assessment component is set by the regulatory authorities and individual candidate marks are retained by NCFE. If a candidate disagrees with the outcome of the assessment, then the Appeals Process can be invoked.

Achieving the NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Adult Literacy

To achieve the NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Adult Literacy candidates must be successful in the externally assessed component. Grades are not awarded.

Candidates who are unsuccessful may sit the National Adult Literacy Test again when the Tutor feels they are ready. There is no limit to the number of times a candidate may sit the test. Candidates may wish to use their achievement of the test as a platform for the development of their literacy skills on a relevant context by going on to develop a Level 2 Key Skills Communication portfolio of evidence. The full Key Skills qualification is made up of two components; the Adult Literacy/Communication test and a portfolio of evidence which has been assessed against the Key Skills standards.

Unit Summaries

Unit 01: Speaking and Listening (QCA Unit No. Y/101/2990)

This unit aims to increase learners' awareness of how communication through speaking and listening works, in order to increase learners' confidence. As well as speaking effectively, this unit looks at the importance of listening carefully and acting and reflecting upon what is heard.

The unit has three elements:

* Element 1.1 Listen and respond
* Element 1.2 Speak to communicate
* Element 1.3 Engage in discussion

Unit 02: Reading (QCA Unit No. D/101/2991)

The need for reading skills has not lessened with the increase in technology in society today. This unit addresses that need by enabling adults to read and understand various types of text which are encountered in everyday life, and to obtain information from everyday sources.

The unit has three elements:

* Element 2.1 Reading comprehension
* Element 2.2 Grammar and punctuation
* Element 2.3 Vocabulary

Unit 03: Writing (QCA Unit No. H/101/2992)

This unit enables learners to develop writing skills which can be used in all aspects of their lives. The emphasis is on writing to communicate and learners are encouraged to transfer their understanding of written language, gained through reading, to their own writing.

The unit has three elements:

* Element 3.1 Writing composition
* Element 3.2 Grammar and punctuation
* Element 3.3 Spelling and handwriting