Prerequisite Skills (Q Skills)
The Prerequisite Skills, or more commonly known as Q Skills, are an assessment resource to support teachers and classroom assistants. The skills described in the resource build towards Level 1 in the Cross-Curricular Skills of Communication, Using Mathematics and Using ICT. The Q Skills provide a broad and inclusive framework for assessing learners, taking into account age, cognitive ability, learning difficulties and other significant complex needs.
The requirements outlined in the Q Skills for Communication, Using Mathematics and Using ICT align with the mainstream Levels of Progression and are broken down into five skill areas. These range from Experience (Q1) to Consolidate (Q5). Within each of the skill areas, learners' progress can be demonstrated by moving through the Q Skills as well as decreasing levels of supports from adults within a skill.
Q Skills Assessment Frameworks, Guidance and suggested Assessment Activities
CCEA have completed a range of updates to the Q Skills assessment frameworks and recording software. These updates follow the review of Quest for learning and Q Skills in Spring 2020. The main change you will notice is a more even progression across the Qs. You may find it useful to read the Guidance for Q Skills. For Assessment Frameworks and Examples, see below:
Q Skills Recording Software
The Q Skills recording software is designed to complement the Q Skills assessment resource. The software allows learners’ progress to be tracked, measured and reported, enabling teachers to support the individual needs within their classroom.
Teachers: Please use the complete assessment frameworks as your reference.The Q Skills recording software is a condensed version of the assessment framework.
To use the Q Skills recording software, your school will need to be signed up with C2K as a Google for Education school. You will also need a PIN to register as a teacher on the software. All special schools in Northern Ireland have been sent an email containing the PIN for their school. If your school has not received a PIN and you are interested in using the Q Skills recording software, then please contact [email protected].
This software is only available to schools in Northern Ireland.
Q Skills Recording Sheet
This sheet may be used as an alternative to the Q Skills recording software.
Q Skills Teacher Professional Learning Online Course
The Prerequisite Skills (Q Skills) online training course is available for all teachers of learners with special educational needs (SEN) who are building their skills towards Level 1 on the Levels of Progression. The course provides training on the Q Skills of Communication, Using Mathematics and Using ICT. It also includes advice for Assessment Co-ordinators and a PowerPoint, which they may use for their own in-school training needs.
CCEA's eLearning platform will be down for essential maintenance from the 5th August. Services will resume shortly thereafter. Apologies for any inconvenience.