Changes to Candidates Core Skills Profiles from October 2008

What’s happened?

We have recently updated Core Skills to keep them up to date with current thinking and emerging technologies.  The Core Skills in the most part remain the same but there is a slight change in the title for Information Technology which is reflected below:

Core Skills

• Communication
• Numeracy
• Working with Others
• Problem Solving
• Information and Communication Technology

As part of this work, the Core Skills of Working with Others and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) have each been split into two components to allow more opportunities for achievement.

What does this mean for me?

SQA’s systems have been updated to offer ‘new for old’ certification within Core Skills. Where you have achieved any Core Skill components previously they will still appear on your certificate.

Previously, if you had achieved the Working with Others Core Skill, the component title ‘Working with Others’ would have appeared on your certificate.  The titles of the two new components that replace the old one are ‘Working Co-operatively with Others’ and ‘Reviewing Co-operative Contribution’.

Previously, if you had achieved the Information Technology Core Skill, the component title ‘Using Information Technology’ would have appeared on your certificate.  The titles of the two new components that replace the old one are ‘Accessing Information’ and ‘Providing/Creating Information’.  

The Core Skills components you have already achieved will operate in exactly the same way and the work you have undertaken will still count towards the full Core Skill.  No candidate will need to be reassessed - this is simply an updating procedure.

How do I get further information?

If you want any further information on these changes, please contact your SQA centre who will be able to help you with any questions you may have.

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