What is the difference between the Level 2 Award and the Extended Award in Personal and Social Skills?

The Level 2 Award is a smaller qualification (typically 6-9 credits) covering core personal and social skills, while the Extended Award (12-18 credits) includes additional units on topics like career planning, managing money, or healthy lifestyles. The Extended Award requires more evidence and takes longer to complete, but provides a broader foundation for further study or employment.

How is the City & Guilds Level 2 Personal and Social Skills assessed?

Assessment is entirely through a portfolio of evidence, which you build throughout the course. This includes written reflections, observation records by your tutor, witness statements from work placements or volunteering, and products like action plans or presentations. There are no exams, so you are assessed on your ability to apply skills in real-life contexts.

Can I use this qualification to get into college or an apprenticeship?

Yes, this qualification is widely recognised by colleges and employers as evidence of your personal and social development. It can help you meet entry requirements for Level 3 courses, such as A-levels or BTECs, and demonstrates to apprenticeship providers that you have the communication and teamwork skills needed for the workplace.

What kind of activities will I do in this course?

Activities are practical and varied, including group discussions, role-plays, presentations, team challenges, and self-assessment exercises. You might also complete a community project, work experience placement, or a personal development plan. The focus is on learning by doing and reflecting on your experiences.

How long does it take to complete the Extended Award?

The Extended Award typically takes one academic year to complete if studied as part of a full-time programme (e.g., 3-4 hours per week). However, the pace can vary depending on your setting – some learners complete it in a few months if they are highly motivated and have opportunities to gather evidence quickly.

Do I need to have work experience to pass?

Work experience is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended because it provides rich evidence for your portfolio. If you don't have a formal placement, you can use experiences from volunteering, part-time jobs, school projects, or even family responsibilities. The key is to show how you have used personal and social skills in a real setting.

Introduction to sustainable development and global citizenship

CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE

vocational

This element introduces learners to the interconnected concepts of sustainable development and global citizenship. It explores how sustainable development aims to meet present needs without compromising future generations, while global citizenship fosters responsibility for worldwide issues. Learners will apply these concepts by conducting a sustainability survey and planning actions to promote these values in their community.

Learning Outcomes

Assessment Guidance

Key Skills

Key Terms

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria

City & Guilds Level 2 Extended Award in Personal and Social Skills

Topic Overview

The City & Guilds Level 2 Extended Award in Personal and Social Skills is a vocational qualification designed to develop essential life skills for learners aged 14-19. It focuses on building confidence, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, which are critical for success in further education, employment, and independent living. The qualification is part of the Foundations for Learning suite, which provides a stepping stone to higher-level study or apprenticeships.

This award covers key areas such as self-awareness, managing relationships, health and wellbeing, and preparing for the world of work. Learners engage in practical activities and reflective tasks that help them understand their own strengths and areas for development. The course is assessed through a portfolio of evidence, including written work, observations, and witness statements, making it accessible for students who prefer continuous assessment over exams.

Mastering personal and social skills is vital because employers and colleges increasingly value 'soft skills' alongside academic qualifications. This qualification helps students become more resilient, adaptable, and effective in social and professional settings. It also supports personal growth, enabling learners to set goals, make informed decisions, and contribute positively to their communities.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→Self-awareness: Understanding your own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and values, and how they influence your behaviour and decisions.
→Effective communication: Using verbal and non-verbal skills to express ideas clearly, listen actively, and adapt your style to different audiences.
→Teamwork and collaboration: Working cooperatively with others, respecting diverse viewpoints, and contributing to group goals.
→Problem-solving: Identifying issues, generating solutions, and making reasoned decisions using a structured approach.
→Health and wellbeing: Recognising the importance of physical and mental health, and developing strategies to manage stress and maintain a balanced lifestyle.

Learning Objectives

What you need to know and understand

Understand the significance of sustainable development, Understand the significance of global citizenship, Understand the relationship between sustainable development and global citizenship, Be aware of actions to promote sustainable development and/or global citizenship, Conduct a sustainability survey, Know how to take action to promote sustainable development and/or global citizenship

Assessment Criteria

Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

Award credit for clearly defining sustainable development with reference to environmental, social and economic dimensions.
Credit should be given when the learner explains global citizenship using examples of rights and responsibilities beyond national borders.
Evidence of understanding the relationship: describe how global citizenship principles (e.g., equality, participation) support sustainable development goals.
When presenting actions, credit for identifying at least one real-world action that addresses both sustainable development and global citizenship.
For the sustainability survey, assess for clear methodology, data collection (e.g., questionnaire, observations) and analysis linking to sustainable development indicators.
Award credit for a realistic action plan that includes specific steps, resources needed, and how it promotes sustainable development or global citizenship.

Assessment Guidance

Guidance for achieving higher grades

💡Use your sustainability survey findings to inform your action plan; this demonstrates applied understanding.
💡When explaining the relationship, use a concrete example like fair trade: it supports economic sustainability and embodies global citizenship by promoting equity.
💡For high marks, reflect on your own role as a global citizen: how can personal choices (consumption, voting) contribute to sustainable development?
💡Ensure your action plan is SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to show practical planning skills.
💡Reference key frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals to strengthen your evidence and show wider knowledge.
💡Use specific examples from your own experiences to support your reflections. For instance, if you discuss teamwork, describe a particular group project, your role, and what you learned from any challenges.
💡Link your evidence to the assessment criteria clearly. When writing a reflective account, explicitly state which skill you are demonstrating and how the activity helped you develop it.
💡Don't just describe what you did – analyse it. Explain why you chose a particular approach, what you would do differently next time, and how the experience has changed your understanding.

Common Mistakes

Common errors to avoid in your coursework

Confining sustainable development to environmental protection only, neglecting social equity and economic viability.
Assuming global citizenship only means being a 'good person' locally, without understanding global interdependence and advocacy.
Providing generic actions (e.g., 'recycle more') without linking them to the broader principles of sustainable development or global citizenship.
In the sustainability survey, collecting data without a clear focus on sustainability criteria, leading to irrelevant findings.
Mixing up global citizenship with charity or volunteering overseas, missing the aspect of challenging injustice and promoting structural change.
Misconception: Personal and social skills are 'common sense' and don't need to be studied. Correction: While some skills come naturally, this qualification teaches structured techniques for self-reflection, conflict resolution, and goal-setting that can be applied in real-world situations.
Misconception: The portfolio is just about collecting certificates or worksheets. Correction: The portfolio must demonstrate personal growth through reflective accounts, feedback from others, and evidence of applying skills in different contexts, such as work experience or volunteering.
Misconception: Teamwork means everyone must agree all the time. Correction: Effective teamwork involves managing disagreements constructively, using negotiation and compromise to reach a consensus, not avoiding conflict.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•No formal prerequisites, but a willingness to participate in group activities and reflect on personal experiences is essential.
•Basic literacy and numeracy skills at Entry Level 3 or above are recommended to complete written tasks and interpret data in the portfolio.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Understand the significance of sustainable development, Understand the significance of global citizenship, Understand the relationship between sustainable development and global citizenship, Be aware of actions to promote sustainable development and/or global citizenship, Conduct a sustainability survey, Know how to take action to promote sustainable development and/or global citizenship

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Introduction to sustainable development and global citizenship

Assessment criteria

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

Learning Objectives

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Guidance

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Key Terminology

Ready to learn?

Related Topics in CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE vocational Foundations for Learning

Healthy Lifestyles

Active Citizenship in the Local Community

Developing an Awareness of Social and Physical Aspects of Adult Relationships

Developing Domestic Skills

Topic Synopsis

Key Concepts & Core Principles

Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

Examiner Marking Points

Introduction to sustainable development and global citizenship

Assessment criteria

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

Learning Objectives

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Guidance

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Level 2 Award and the Extended Award in Personal and Social Skills?

How is the City & Guilds Level 2 Personal and Social Skills assessed?

Can I use this qualification to get into college or an apprenticeship?

What kind of activities will I do in this course?

How long does it take to complete the Extended Award?

Do I need to have work experience to pass?

Before You Start

Key Terminology

Ready to learn?

Related Topics in CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE vocational Foundations for Learning

Healthy Lifestyles

Active Citizenship in the Local Community

Developing an Awareness of Social and Physical Aspects of Adult Relationships

Developing Domestic Skills