ESOL & Literacy

    SEG Awards
    Vocational

    Specification: 601/0490/9

    The SEG-AWARDS Vocational ESOL & Literacy specification covers 23 topics with 118 learning objectives (601/0490/9). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

    This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

    23

    Units

    118

    Learning Outcomes

    174

    Assessment Guidance

    183

    Key Skills

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    Key Features

    • Master key concepts
    • Develop exam technique
    • Apply knowledge effectively

    Common Exam Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

    • •Using English word order instead of BSL grammar.
    • •Neglecting facial expressions that convey meaning.
    • •Signing too quickly or unclearly.
    • •Learners often avoid asking for clarification, pretending to understand, instead of using simple repair phrases like 'Non ho capito' or 'Potresti spiegare in un altro modo?'
    • •Frequent reliance on English filler words ('umm', 'like') or direct translations from English, disrupting natural Italian rhythm and vocabulary.
    • •Over-scripting dialogue turns without flexibility; learners fail to adapt to unexpected responses and cannot sustain the conversation beyond rehearsed phrases.
    • •Misunderstanding formal/informal register when clarifying meaning, e.g., using 'tu' forms inappropriately in a formal assessment context.
    • •Confusing Italian words that look similar to English words but have different meanings (false friends).

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •Practice fingerspelling and common signs daily.
    • •Watch BSL videos to improve receptive skills.
    • •Use a mirror to check your signing accuracy.
    • •Practice active listening by summarising your partner's point in Italian before responding: 'Se ho capito bene, tu pensi che...' to demonstrate clarification naturally.
    • •Memorise a set of versatile clarification phrases (e.g., 'Scusa, non ti seguo', 'Potresti farmi un esempio?') and use them immediately when unsure, to keep the dialogue alive.
    • •Treat the assessment as a real conversation, not a scripted exam; allow spontaneous pauses and use fillers like 'Allora', 'Vediamo' to sound more natural while you think.
    • •Record and review your practice dialogues to identify moments where you could have clarified meaning, and build confidence in taking conversational initiative.
    • •Read the entire text before starting to respond; focus on keywords to grasp the overall meaning.

    Qualification Units

    23 units

    How this qualification is graded

    Vocational qualifications are marked against criteria, not an exam percentage. Each unit is assessed across three bands - build up from Pass by applying your knowledge to realistic workplace scenarios.

    Pass

    Accurately describe and explain the core knowledge for the unit and link it to the given scenario.

    Merit

    Apply and analyse that knowledge in detail, showing why it matters in the workplace context.

    Distinction

    Evaluate and justify decisions, weigh up alternatives and make well-reasoned professional recommendations.

    Signing and Receiving Skills in British Sign Language

    This topic covers basic signing and receiving skills in British Sign Language (BSL) at Entry 2 level. Learners will form basic phrases, recognise short phrases, and take part in simple interactions.

    SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Signing and Receiving Skills in British Sign Language (Entry 2)

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Dialogue in a roman language

    This subtopic focuses on the learner's ability to engage in a sustained spoken exchange in Italian, employing strategies to clarify meaning when communication breaks down. It assesses practical conversational competence, including turn-taking, asking for repetition or explanation, and confirming understanding, all essential for real-world vocational or social interaction.

    SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Speaking and Listening in Italian, SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Speaking and Listening in Italian (Entry 3), SEG Awards Level 1 Award in Speaking and Listening in Italian

    8 learning outcomes24 guidance points3 criteria

    Reading and Written Response in a roman language

    This subtopic focuses on developing the ability to read and understand simple written Italian texts, such as short messages, notices, forms, and everyday instructions. Learners will learn to extract essential information, interpret meaning, and produce appropriate written responses, applying basic vocabulary, grammar, and conventions of the Italian language. The skill is essential for practical communication in personal, social, and work-related contexts where Italian is used.

    SEG Awards Level 1 Award in Reading and Writing in Italian, SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Reading and Writing in Italian (Entry 3), SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Reading and Writing in Italian

    7 learning outcomes24 guidance points3 criteria

    British Sign Language Conversational Skills

    This subtopic focuses on developing the practical ability to engage in simple, two-way conversations in British Sign Language, ensuring learners can both express and understand basic personal and everyday information equally with a partner. It emphasizes real-time interaction skills such as turn-taking, asking and answering questions, and using appropriate non-manual features to maintain a fluid dialogue.

    SEG Awards Level 1 Award in British Sign Language, SEG Awards Entry Level 3 Award in British Sign Language

    2 learning outcomes17 guidance points2 criteria

    Dialogue in a non-roman language

    This subtopic develops learners' ability to engage in simple, structured dialogues in Japanese at Entry 3 level, focusing on exchanging personal information, expressing basic needs, and using appropriate polite forms. Practical application centres on real-life scenarios such as introductions, shopping, or ordering food, with an emphasis on clear pronunciation and comprehension of spoken Japanese alongside familiarisation with non-roman script prompts if used.

    SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Speaking and Listening in Japanese (Entry 3), SEG Awards Level 1 Certificate in Practical Japanese

    7 learning outcomes20 guidance points2 criteria

    Express and Exchange Information in British Sign Language

    This subtopic equips learners with the skills to clearly convey information and lead interactive exchanges in British Sign Language (BSL). Mastery involves constructing grammatically accurate statements, employing appropriate non-manual features, and managing the flow of question-and-answer sessions, essential for effective communication within the Deaf community and in professional settings where BSL is used.

    SEG Awards Level 3 Award In Signing and Receiving Skills in British Sign Language

    5 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Reading and Written Response in a non-roman language

    This element focuses on developing foundational literacy in Japanese, enabling learners to read and produce simple written responses using the basic scripts (hiragana and katakana) and basic kanji as appropriate for Entry Level 3. It builds the ability to interpret short, everyday texts such as notes, messages, and forms, and to construct simple written answers, fostering practical communication skills for personal and vocational contexts.

    SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Reading and Writing in Japanese (Entry 3), SEG Awards Level 1 Certificate in Practical Japanese

    6 learning outcomes15 guidance points2 criteria

    Dialogue in British Sign Language

    This element focuses on the practical skills needed to sustain a dialogue in British Sign Language, including initiating, maintaining, and closing a conversation appropriately. Learners will develop strategies to clarify meaning and repair communication breakdowns using visual and non-manual techniques essential for effective BSL interaction.

    SEG Awards Level 2 Award In Signing and Receiving Skills in British Sign Language

    5 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Community Interpreting Practice

    This element focuses on the practical application of community interpreting skills, including thorough assignment preparation, sight translation of service-specific terminology, and reflective self-assessment. Learners must demonstrate competence in managing interpreting encounters ethically and accurately within community settings such as health, legal, and social services.

    SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Preparation for Work in Community Interpreting

    1 learning outcomes7 guidance points

    Listening in a non-roman language

    This topic covers listening skills in Japanese, including recognising basic words and phrases and extracting specific details from spoken material. It is for entry-level learners.

    SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Speaking and Listening in Japanese (Entry 3), SEG Awards Level 1 Certificate in Practical Japanese

    2 learning outcomes12 guidance points2 criteria

    Listening in a roman language

    This subtopic focuses on developing listening comprehension skills in Italian at Entry 3 level, enabling learners to recognise and understand basic vocabulary and short phrases in everyday contexts. Practical application includes following simple instructions, extracting key details from announcements, and engaging in basic social interactions. Success requires active listening and the ability to identify specific information such as times, dates, and locations from oral material.

    SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Speaking and Listening in Italian (Entry 3), SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Speaking and Listening in Italian, SEG Awards Level 1 Award in Speaking and Listening in Italian

    8 learning outcomes22 guidance points3 criteria

    Reading in a roman language

    This subtopic focuses on developing the ability to comprehend basic written instructions and signs in Italian, as well as to understand short texts composed of high-frequency, everyday vocabulary. Learners will apply these skills to practical contexts, such as following public notices, interpreting simple directions, and extracting key information from familiar written materials like menus, timetables, or personal messages.

    SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Reading and Writing in Italian (Entry 3), SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Reading and Writing in Italian, SEG Awards Level 1 Award in Reading and Writing in Italian

    3 learning outcomes18 guidance points3 criteria

    Understanding Community Interpreting

    This element introduces learners to the fundamental aspects of community interpreting, including the various public service settings where it occurs, the ethical principles that underpin professional practice, the specific responsibilities of the interpreter's role, and the critical need for thorough preparation to ensure effective communication. It equips learners with the knowledge to operate safely and effectively within diverse community contexts, emphasising the interpreter as a conduit for accurate and impartial information exchange.

    SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Preparation for Work in Community Interpreting

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Receiving Skills in British Sign Language

    This subtopic develops essential receptive skills in British Sign Language (BSL), enabling learners to accurately understand signed information and opinions on familiar and routine matters. At Level 2, candidates are expected to comprehend straightforward presentations, conversations, and instructions, extracting key facts, nuanced opinions, and implicit meanings. Practical application of these skills is vital for real-world interaction with Deaf BSL users, supporting social inclusion, further learning, and employment contexts where signing is used.

    SEG Awards Level 2 Award In Signing and Receiving Skills in British Sign Language, SEG Awards Level 3 Award In Signing and Receiving Skills in British Sign Language

    11 learning outcomes18 guidance points2 criteria

    Reading in a non-roman language

    This subtopic develops the ability to decode and interpret written Japanese in non-roman scripts (hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji) at Entry 3 level. Learners will focus on understanding common public signs, instructions, and short texts containing everyday vocabulary, building foundational literacy for practical communication in Japanese-speaking environments.

    SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Reading and Writing in Japanese (Entry 3), SEG Awards Level 1 Certificate in Practical Japanese

    5 learning outcomes14 guidance points2 criteria

    Express and Exchange Opinions in British Sign Language

    This subtopic develops the ability to sustain a natural BSL conversation focused on exchanging personal opinions, views, and perspectives. Learners will master the linguistic structures, non-manual features, and cultural protocols required to articulate, justify, and respond to opinions in real-world social and professional interactions. Practical application includes group discussions, debates, and informal exchanges where nuanced viewpoints are shared.

    SEG Awards Level 3 Award In Signing and Receiving Skills in British Sign Language

    5 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    British Sign Language Productive Skills

    This subtopic focuses on developing the productive skills required to deliver a short, coherent presentation in British Sign Language (BSL). Learners will apply vocabulary, grammar, and non-manual features to convey information clearly on a familiar topic, demonstrating effective use of signing space and appropriate facial expressions. Mastery of these skills is essential for real-world communication, enabling deaf and hearing individuals to share ideas in educational, social, or workplace settings.

    SEG Awards Level 1 Award in British Sign Language, SEG Awards Entry Level 3 Award in British Sign Language

    2 learning outcomes18 guidance points2 criteria

    British Sign Language Receptive Skills

    British Sign Language receptive skills involve understanding and extracting specific details from BSL presentations. Learners must interpret signs, facial expressions, and context accurately.

    SEG Awards Level 1 Award in British Sign Language, SEG Awards Entry Level 3 Award in British Sign Language

    2 learning outcomes11 guidance points2 criteria

    Writing in a roman language

    This subtopic focuses on the ability to produce extended, coherent written texts in Italian, a Romance language, with appropriate use of grammar, vocabulary, and orthography. Learners at Level 2 are expected to demonstrate practical writing skills for everyday and semi-formal contexts, ensuring clarity and cultural appropriateness in their continuous text production.

    SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Reading and Writing in Italian, SEG Awards Level 1 Award in Reading and Writing in Italian, SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Reading and Writing in Italian (Entry 3)

    9 learning outcomes32 guidance points3 criteria

    Speaking in a roman language

    This subtopic focuses on developing the foundational speaking skills in Italian required to communicate at a basic level. Learners will practice producing essential words, common phrases, and simple questions necessary for everyday interactions, such as greetings, introducing oneself, and asking for basic information. Mastery of these building blocks is essential for progressing to more complex spoken exchanges and achieving the Entry 3 award.

    SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Speaking and Listening in Italian (Entry 3), SEG Awards Level 1 Award in Speaking and Listening in Italian, SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Speaking and Listening in Italian

    12 learning outcomes24 guidance points3 criteria

    Writing in a non-roman language

    This subtopic focuses on developing foundational writing skills in Japanese, a non-roman language, at Entry 3 level. Learners will learn to produce simple lists (e.g., shopping, daily tasks) and short messages using hiragana and katakana scripts, with basic stroke order. Practical application includes writing notes, reminders, and personal communication in everyday contexts.

    SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Reading and Writing in Japanese (Entry 3), SEG Awards Level 1 Certificate in Practical Japanese

    6 learning outcomes17 guidance points2 criteria

    Speaking in a non-roman language

    This element focuses on developing the ability to produce spoken Japanese at a foundational level, enabling learners to articulate basic words, short phrases, and simple questions. It emphasises accurate pronunciation and intonation in a non-roman script language, building confidence for everyday communicative exchanges such as greetings, self-introductions, and basic transactional interactions.

    SEG Awards Entry Level Award in Speaking and Listening in Japanese (Entry 3), SEG Awards Level 1 Certificate in Practical Japanese

    6 learning outcomes18 guidance points2 criteria

    Signing in British Sign Language

    This unit provides the foundational skills for signing in British Sign Language (BSL) at Level 2. Learners develop the ability to express routine information about everyday events, using correct BSL grammar, vocabulary, and non-manual features to communicate clearly in social and practical contexts.

    SEG Awards Level 2 Award In Signing and Receiving Skills in British Sign Language

    4 learning outcomes6 guidance points

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