Literacy support for learners
To help disabled learners and learners with additional support needs (ASN), a wide range of support is allowed.
There is no exam in the National Literacy Units, so learners can show their ability to read and write, listen and talk as part of the everyday work they do in the classroom. They can use these literacy skills in topics that interest them, and in situations which are familiar to them.
Can British Sign Language (BSL) be used in the National Literacy Units?
Yes, but only for listening and talking; not for reading and writing.
What support methods are allowed?
Details of many of the support methods allowed in each of the four literacy skills are given below.
Reading skills
- extra time
- dictionaries
- adapted text (including Braille, large print, colour, font size, font style)
- screen reader
- word processor
- practical assistant
- prompter
- scribe
- human reader
Writing skills
- extra time
- dictionaries
- voice activated software (assistive technology)
- word processor with spellcheck function
- transcription without correction (for those with illegible handwriting who are unable to use ICT equipment)
- practical assistant
- prompter
- human reader
- scribe
Talking skills
- extra time
- prompter
- use of British Sign Language (BSL)
- assistive technology
- practical assistant
- human reader
- scribe
Listening skills
- extra time
- prompter
- use of British Sign Language (BSL)
- assistive technology
- practical assistant
- lip reading
- human reader
- scribe
These are the most commonly used support methods but if there are other things that might help, contact your school/centre in the first instance.
You can then contact Assessment arrangements for advice about what support might be possible for individual learners.