NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Adult Numeracy

Introduction

The NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Adult Numeracy has been accredited by the qualifications regulators for England, Wales and Northern Ireland1 and is therefore part of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Its Qualification Accreditation Number is 100/2136/X. This qualification is therefore fundable under the Learning and Skills Act 2000 under Sections 96 and 97. Its Learning Aim Code is 1002136

This follows the national standards for adult numeracy developed by QCA, set out in the Adult Numeracy Core Curriculum produced by the Basic Skills Agency and the Department for Education and Skills (DfES).

The NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Adult Numeracy is an ideal qualification for adults wishing to assess their own level of numeracy and to develop their basic number skills. The qualification also allows candidates to develop their ability to understand and use mathematical information, enabling them to make a fuller contribution to society 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.

This qualification is assessed using the National Adult Numeracy Test (Level 2) produced by QCA.

The qualification consists of one mandatory unit which is broken down into 3 linked strands, as follows:

-Strand 01 Number
-Strand 02 Measures, shape and space
-Strand 03 Handling data

There are no optional units for this qualification.

Candidates must pass the National Adult Numeracy Test at Level 2 to be awarded the NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Adult Numeracy. Some repetition of learning outcomes occurs within the 3 strands, as both the Core Curriculum and the National Standards for Adult Numeracy have been incorporated into this specification. The National Standards for Adult Numeracy are included at Appendix A

Aims and Objectives

The aims of the NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Adult Numeracy are to

-provide a framework for the development and assessment of the numeracy skills, knowledge and understanding that an adult will need to function more effectively and confidently at work, and in society in general
-assess achievement in relation to the National Adult Numeracy Standards at Level 2

The objectives of the qualifications are to:

-provide an accreditation framework that is flexible, rigorous and relevant
-provide opportunities for candidates to develop and improve their numeracy 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 Numeracy provides progression to Level 3 Key Skills (Application of Number). Successful candidates may compile a Level 2 Key Skills Application of Number portfolio to demonstrate their numeracy skills in a range of contexts. Achievement of this qualification may also be used as a recognised proxy qualification for the Key Skills Application of Number Level 2 test.

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

Assessment

Assessment of the NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Adult Numeracy is conducted using the National Adult Numeracy Test developed by the regulatory authorities. The test is marked by NCFE and centres are provided with feedback from the Assessors indicating which candidates have passed or not yet passed. Candidates who are unsuccessful in the test will receive feedback on their performance, detailing which aspects of the national standards the questions they answered incorrectly relate to. Please refer to the national standards in Appendix A when relating this feedback to the standards.

External Assessment

Each candidate is required to undertake an externally set multiple choice question paper. The paper assesses knowledge aspects of the qualification sampled from all strands of the qualification. 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 Numeracy

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

Candidates who are unsuccessful may sit the National Adult Numeracy 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 numeracy skills in a relevant context by going on to develop a Level 2 Key Skills Application of Number portfolio of evidence. The full Key Skills qualification is made up of 2 components: the Adult Numeracy/Application of Number test and a portfolio of evidence which has been assessed against the Key Skills standards.

This qualification is recognised as a proxy for the external assessment component of Key Skills (Application of Number) Level 2.

Strand Summaries

Strand 01: Number

This strand focuses on the number system and develops the learner's ability to make meaningful calculations which are relevant to all aspects of everyday life and essential to an adult's ability to participate fully in society in general.

The strand has 2 elements:

-Element 1.1 Whole numbers
-Element 1.2 Fractions, decimals and percentage

Strand 02: Measures, shape and space

This strand develops the learner's ability to understand and use common measures of money, time, temperature, distance, length, weight, capacity, perimeter, area and volume, and shape and position.

The strand has 2 elements:

-Element 2.1 Common measures
-Element 2.2 Shape and space

Strand 03: Handling data

This strand enables learners to interpret results of mathematical calculations by developing their ability to handle the data and statistical measures which form an important part of everyday life, and to present the results of calculations in a meaningful manner.

The strand has 2 elements:

-Element 3.1 Data
-Element 3.2 Probability