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About Core Skills
SQA has developed a new framework of broad, generic skills – Skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work. This new framework is derived from Building the Curriculum 4 and will be used to develop the new national qualifications which support Curriculum for Excellence. Find out more about this framework.
The Core Skills are a group of five skills that are key to learning and working in today's world. Employers have identified these skills as those that are most likely to be needed in any work environment. This does not mean that every job will need people who are proficient in all five Core Skills but it does mean that every job will require some level of ability in some or all of these skills.
The five Core Skills are: Communication, Numeracy, Information and Communication Technology, Problem Solving and Working with Others. Each Core Skill is available at levels 2 to 6 of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
Communication
Communication skills underpin almost all personal, social, learning, and working activity. They are essential in clarifying one's own thoughts, in interacting and conversing with others, in expressing thoughts and in conveying information, feeling and opinions.
The Core Skill in Communication has two components:
- Oral Communication
- Written Communication
Numeracy
Numeracy skills are necessary for coping with the demands of everyday life, including work and study, people need to be comfortable with numbers, and with graphs, symbols, diagrams and calculators.
The Core Skill in Numeracy has two components:
- Using Graphical Information
- Using Number
Information and Communication Technology
Information and Communication Technology focuses on the ability to use IT to process information in ways which will be useful in work and in the home - it is not about developing IT specialists.
The Core Skill in ICT has two components:
- Accessing Information
- Providing/Creating Information
Working with Others
Working with Others develops the skills needed to co-operate with others in learning and working situations to identify and achieve shared goals.
The Core Skill in Working with Others has two components:
- Working Co-operatively with Others
- Reviewing Co-operative contribution
Problem Solving
Problem Solving develops the skills needed for tackling issues and problems in personal, social, vocational and occupational contexts.
The Core Skill in Problem Solving has three components:
- Critical Thinking
- Planning and Organising
- Reviewing and Evaluating
Contact Information
- Sandy Riddell
Project Manager
Tel: 0345 213 5569 - Sarah Cameron
Qualifications Officer
Tel: 0345 213 5527
Alternatively, you can get in touch with us through:
- our general mail box: core.skills@sqa.org.uk
- Business Development & Customer Support Team
Tel: 0303 333 0330
Related Information
- NQ Core Skills Unit code changes (175 KB)
- Workplace Core Skills Unit code changes (60 KB)
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