The Scottish Institute for Residential Child Care is funded by the Scottish Government and is a partnership of The University of Strathclyde, The Robert Gordon University, Who Cares? Scotland and Langside College.
© 2008 Scottish Institute for Residential Child Care (SIRCC). All rights reserved.
Core Skills Appraisal Project FAQs
- What is the Core Skills Appraisal Project?
- The Core Skills Appraisal Project was formed to offer all residential child care staff who do not have the necessary qualifications to undertake HNC the opportunity to have their written communication skills appraised. This helps to identify any specific learning support areas they need to work on (if any) in order to reach HNC levels. This is achieved with a computer programme called Target Skills (where computers available) and a written assessment.
- What is the written appraisal?
- For the written part of the appraisal, the candidates are given an article to read - usually from a newspaper or a work-based journal. Then they are given questions to answer. These answers help us assess candidates' ability to understand, evaluate and analyse the text in their own words.
- How is this marked?
- For the written assessment, we have developed a way of making sure that we are consistent in our marking. There is also an internal moderation system where a percentage of all answers are cross-marked to ensure that assessment is reliable.
- What is Target Skills?
- Target Skills is a computer programme that takes the candidates through a series of interactive exercises related to their literacy e.g. spelling, punctuation, syntax, grammar, reading and listening. Please note that the Target Skills programme is only used when the project workers have access to computers. Please contact the admin staff in advance to find out if Target Skills will be used at your appraisal.
- How is this marked?
- The Target Skills computer programme gives a print-out that shows exactly where candidates are in terms of their level of literacy. If there are any areas that show the need for learner support, they are highlighted in the print-out.
- What if someone is nervous about using a computer?
- Everyone has the opportunity to practise before starting the assessment, as many candidates have not used a computer before. It is important to point out that Target Skills is not used to test someone's computing skills. It might also help to know that the computer diagnostic is not timed so candidates have the opportunity and time to familiarise themselves with the keyboard and mouse.
- What happens after the appraisal?
- Around 2-3 weeks later, feedback is sent out to the individual in the form of a letter and the person is given the opportunity to phone in for further, in-depth feedback. A copy is also sent to the unit manager and/or the training manager.
- What will happen if a candidate does not need learner support?
- If someone does not need support, she/he will be sent an application pack for the HNC. A letter will also be sent to the unit manager and/or training manager. They will be left to decide with the staff member whether it is appropriate for that person to begin the HNC at this point.
- What will happen if a candidate needs learner support?
- We have put together a 5-day written communication course that has been sent to all training managers. We hope that anyone who needs support will be offered this course, in-house, delivered by one of our Project Workers. Contact us if you require a copy of the course. We also have links with several learning support organisations such as WEA (Workers' Educational Association) and will make a referral if this is appropriate.
- Can a candidate do anything to prepare for this appraisal?
- Yes! If someone is feeling nervous and under confident, it would be greatly beneficial for her/him to read on a regular basis. If not used to reading, start with achievable aims, for example, one article in a broadsheet or professional journal every week. When reading, think about the following areas:
- Paragraphing, spelling and punctuation in the article
- What is the purpose of the article?
- What are the main ideas of the article?
- What is the writer's opinion?
- Does the writer achieve her/his purpose? Give evidence
Contact Details
If you have any queries about the Project, please contact:
Eleanor Rafferty, SIRCC Core Skills Appraisal Project Manager
Email: erafferty@langside.ac.uk
Phone: 0141 272 3937
Stewart Morrison, SIRCC Core Skills Appraisal Project Worker
Email: stewartm@langside.ac.uk
Phone:0141 272 3702
Clare Walker, SIRCC Core Skills Appraisal Project Administrator
Email: cwalker@langside.ac.uk
Phone:0141 272 3762.