THE SOUTH YORKSHIRE KEY SKILLS PASSPORT

Where can I get an example of a pupil portfolio which has passed key skills external moderation?
Most exam boards have produced sample portfolios of pupils'/students' work at the various levels. There is a charge for these. Contact your South Yorkshire LEA scheme manager for a free sample of a portfolio at level 1 or 2.

How are Key Skills assessed?
The three main Key Skills (Communication, Application of Number and Information Technology) will be assessed by a combination of both internally assessed portfolio (coursework) evidence and an external multiple-choice test. Achievement of each Key Skill is dependent upon passing of both the test and the portfolio.The Wider Key Skills (Working With Others, Improving Own Learning & Performance and Problem Solving) are assessed by standards moderation of portfolio evidence.

What is inside a key skills portfolio ?
The portfolio is a file or folder with key skills evidence inside. A content spage should clearly show where each evidence requirement has been met. A moderator will be looking for paper evidence and assessment evidence that each Key Skills component has been met.The portfolio may also be recorded on electronic storage system. However, hard copies of portfolios must be available for external moderation to take place. Sample portfolios are available on request from your scheme manager.

How will the awarding bodies externally moderate portfolios?
External moderation of portfolios will vary between the awarding bodies. It is the responsibility of awarding bodies to check that all Key Skills assessment and internal moderation in any school/college is consistent and that all schools/colleges are working to the national standard. Moderation can be postal or by visit to your school/college, check with your awarding body.

How many external test/assessment opportunities a year are there?
There will be five assessment opportunities during 2000 - 2001. However, as exam boards are not obliged to offer all five windows, please check with your awarding body, which of the opportunities they will be offering. For more information visit our exam windows page

What is the pass mark for the tests?
There is no fixed 'pass mark' for the tests. QCA will decide on the pass mark after consultation with all awarding bodies.

Can a candidate re-sit a test at the same level?
Yes.

Are there any proxies for external assessment of the Key Skills units?
Yes. There is an overlap between some qualifications and key skills, therefore, in some cases a student can obtain a proxy.This can only be obtained if proof of the qualification is shown. The qualification must also have been gained within the last three years.The proxy list is long and detailed. Please contact your awarding body or visit the QCA website for a complete and up to date proxy list.

Will ICT GNVQ and IT Key Skills portfolios be separately moderated?
Yes.

How do key skills relate to Higher Educational requirements?
Main Key Skill Unit are worth UCAS Points
Level 2 = 10 points
Level 3 = 20 points
Level 4 = 30 points
A candidate achieving level 3 in all three units would therefore be awarded 60 UCAS points. UCAS will also be considering the recognition of wider key skills. UCAS Profiles are already clearly linked to these skills.Many universities and higher education institutions now incorporate key skills in degree programmes,( e.g. Sheffield Hallam University) Sheffield College is working on a points score system pilot with a number of Sheffield secondaries,which awards pupils points for their key skills and ASDAN award achievements pre-16 and will be considered during admissions procedures post 16.

Do teachers and lecturers need a key skills qualification to deliver and/or assess the key skills units?
No. Teachers should have the competence in the subject area at the level above that which they are assessing. It is recommended that key skills assessors take part in appropriate training and development activities in order to update their skills.Please take advantage of the SYKSP training programme .Some awarding bodies are offering key skills assessor/practitioner awards and South Yorkshire schools can access ESF funding to support this. These assessor awards include the actual key skills units themselves. It may be useful for teachers to a take key skills unit themselves. However, these are not required to teach or assess the key skills.

Is additional guidance available on the key skill units?
Further guidance on the Key Skills units is available from the QCA website www.qca.org.uk. Alternatively, QCA can also be contacted by phone (01787 884444) to provide hard copies of guidance publications and sample assessment papers. Please quote the relevant reference number provided below:

Where can I find out more?
Please visit the rest of our site. The links and lesson plans pages may be of interest.

For more FAQs visit the LSDA FAQs on Key Skills page at http://www.keyskillssupport.net/faq/

If you have any questions about key skills and are from a South Yorkshire School involved in the project please contact the scheme manager in your LEA.