The five Core Skills
The five Core Skills are the skills most needed in many work environments. Jobs require some level of ability in some or all of these skills.
Each Core Skill is available at levels 2 to 6 of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
The Core Skills frameworks describe the general and specific skills of each Core Skill. They are used by those designing and auditing units, courses and assessment programmes. They define the standards. These standards can be delivered as:
- dedicated Core Skills units
- embedded Core Skills within units and/or courses
- signposting opportunities to develop Core Skills through delivery of a units/courses
Combined Core Skills framework (660 KB)
The five Core Skills are:
Communication
Communication skills underpin personal, social, learning, and working activities. 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.
Framework
- Communication framework (104 KB)
Components
- Oral Communication
- Written Communication
Numeracy
Numeracy skills are necessary for coping with the demands of everyday life. People need to be comfortable with numbers, graphs, symbols, diagrams and calculators.
Framework
- Numeracy framework (84 KB)
Components
- Using Graphical Information
- Using Number
Information and Communication Technology
Information and Communication Technology focuses on the ability to use IT in ways that are useful in work and the home. It is not about developing IT specialists.
Framework
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.
Framework
- Working with Others framework (77 KB)
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.
Framework
Components
- Critical Thinking
- Planning and Organising
- Reviewing and Evaluating