Wider Key Skills
Qualifications approval update
ASDAN will continue to offer the Wider Key Skills qualifications beyond September 2012. Centres will be able to offer a flexible delivery approach and accredit their existing activities using current and/or revised standards.
The current Wider Key Skills qualifications remain fully available, with the last date for certification dependant on level. The final date will be:
- 31 August 2013 for Level 1
- 31 August 2014 for Level 2
- 31 August 2015 for Level 3
To continue to offer current WKS standards, candidate numbers need to be registered by 31 August 2012. We can also reassure you that we will be able to offer Wider Key Skills qualifications for some time in the future, whether existing or revised standards, subject to Ofqual approval. We also plan to offer Essential Wider Key Skills in Wales.
We will inform centres of details of changes to standards, and any other decisions regarding the update of these qualifications, including the impact of the 14-19 review of vocational education, as soon as we are able. For further information please contact Dean O'Donoghue.
What are the Wider Key Skills?
Wider Key Skills are skills that are commonly needed for success in a range of activities in education and training, work and life in general. They are:
- Working with Others
- Improving Own Learning and Performance
- Problem Solving
Evidence for the Key Skills may be drawn from work undertaken within: GCSE, GCE, AVCE, GNVQ and NVQ Qualifications; ASDAN programmes; work experience; employment; voluntary or youth work.
Who are they for?
The Key Skills qualifications aim to develop and recognise each candidate’s ability to apply these skills in ways that are appropriate to different contexts and to improve the quality of their learning and performance. They are intended for everyone, from pupils in schools to chief executives in large companies.
Status
Each Key Skill/Wider Key Skill is worth 18.8 points at Level 1, 34.5 points at Level 2 and 63 points at Level 3. Download a full list of ASDAN qualifications codes and performance points.
Training
Details, dates and and online booking form for Wider Key Skills workshops can be found in the Training and Events section of this website.
Delivery
Due to the generic and flexible delivery approach used with Wider Key Skills, no definitive delivery time (Guided Learning Hours) is specified. However, it is anticipated that each Wider Key Skill will take approximately 30 to 40 hours, based on guidance for delivery and funding at Post-16.
Wider Key Skills in Action
This film looks at how Whitley Abbey school has used the Wider Key Skill of Working with Others to accredit part of their ‘Opening Minds’ programme:
Wider Key Skills Case Studies
Bucklers Mead Community School, Yeovil
Finham Park Secondary School, Coventry
Carmel Catholic College, Darlington
St Augustine of Canterbury School, Oldham
FAQ
Secure Area for registered centres
Once your centre is registered with ASDAN for Key Skills, you can access further information and resources via the website's Secure Area.
It contains all relevant updates, essential documents, meeting information and resources and enables you to:
- Download resources, including forms, guidance and moderation checklists
- Register your candidate numbers and names
- View updated support/standardisation/moderation meeting dates
- Purchase materials from the online ASDAN catalogue
- Check the list of candidates registered from your centre
There is no limit to the number of people from a centre who can register to use the Secure Area. You can register for a password online, by using the password request form.