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What is Communication?
The aim of the Communication qualification is to encourage learners to
develop and demonstrate their speaking, listening, reading and writing
skills (including the use of images) for different purposes. Communication
is about developing the ability of learners to select and apply skills
in ways that are appropriate to their particular context, audience and
situation. Techniques (for example in reading and writing) are essential,
but so too are the skills of application, such as making decisions about
the relevance and quality of information.
When developing Communication, it is important
to identify exactly which skills are required at each level.
The table below shows in outline what is expected at each
level.
Table 1: outline of what is expected at each level
| |
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
| Speaking and listening |
Take part in either a one-to-one
or group discussion. |
Take part in a group discussion.
Give a talk of at least four minutes. |
Take part in a group discussion.
Make a formal presentation of
at least eight minutes using an image or other support
material. |
| Reading for information |
Read and obtain information
from at least one document. |
Read and summarise information
from at least two documents about the same subject. |
Read and synthesise information
from at least two documents about the same subject. |
| Writing |
Write two different types
of documents. |
Write two different types
of documents each one giving different information.
One document must be at least 500 words long. |
Write two different types
of documents each one giving different information
about complex subjects. One document must be at
least 1,000 words long. |
| Use of images |
Use at least one
image either to obtain information or to convey
information in the discussion, talk (L2) or one
of the written documents in order to help the audience/reader
understand the points being made. |
Use at least one image either to obtain information
or to convey information in one of the written documents. |
At Level 4 the expectation
is that candidates will develop and consciously apply their
skills for different purposes and situations over an extended
period of time (e.g. about three months).
Candidates need to show that they can:
- plan strategically their use of communication
skills;
- apply these skills effectively within
the context of their work;
- monitor and review their work, including
their skills development;
- critically reflect on their progress.
Full details of the requirements can be
found in the
Key skills qualifications standards and guidance 2004
It is important to remember that the skills
in Part A must be developed before a learner is ready for
summative assessment and the portfolio of evidence must cover
the requirements set out in Part B. This is emphasised in
the layout of the revised 2004 standards, which show the relevant
skills that need to be developed in part A alongside the assessment
requirements in Part B.
Communication is assessed through an external assessment (test) and internal
assessment (portfolio). At Levels 1 and 2, the test consists of 40 multiple-choice
questions and lasts for 1 hour. The test at this level is the same as
the Adult Basic Literacy Tests. At Levels 3 and 4, the tests consist of
a mixture of short and extended answer questions. The Level 3 test lasts
for one and a half hours and the Level 4 test for two and a half hours.
Some learners may be able to claim a proxy for the external test. Full
details of proxy qualifications can be found on the QCA
website. All candidates must in addition put together a portfolio
of evidence covering Part B of the requirements. Further details on the
assessment of Communication can be found at www.keyskillssupport.net/teachinglearning/assessment/
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