Causes of Stress — Open Awards Vocational Foundations for Learning

The Open Awards Entry Level Award in Skills for Further Learning and Employment (Entry 1) (RQF) is a foundational qualification designed to help you build the essential skills needed for further education and the workplace. This award focuses on developing basic communication, numeracy, and personal development skills, as well as introducing you to the world of work. It is ideal if you are just starting your learning journey or need extra support to progress.

This qualification is part of the Foundations for Learning suite, which aims to prepare you for more advanced study or employment. By completing this award, you will gain confidence in using English and maths in everyday situations, learn how to work with others, and understand basic health and safety in a work environment. These skills are crucial for moving on to Entry Level 2 or 3 qualifications, or for entering supported employment.

The course is assessed through a portfolio of evidence, meaning you will collect examples of your work to show what you have learned. This approach allows you to learn at your own pace and demonstrate your abilities in a practical way. Whether you are aiming for further study, an apprenticeship, or a job, this award provides a solid foundation for your future.

• →Communication skills: Speaking, listening, reading, and writing at a basic level, such as following simple instructions or filling in a form.
• →Numeracy skills: Using numbers in everyday contexts, like counting objects, telling the time, or handling money.
• →Personal development: Building confidence, setting goals, and working independently or as part of a team.
• →Employability skills: Understanding basic workplace expectations, such as punctuality, following instructions, and health and safety.
• →Portfolio building: Collecting evidence of your learning, such as worksheets, observations, or witness statements.

• Award credit for correctly naming stress as a response to difficult situations
• Award credit for listing a specified number of plausible causes of stress (e.g., arguments, too much work, changes)
• Award credit for linking a cause of stress to a typical emotional reaction (e.g., feeling worried or upset)
• Award credit for identifying a stressful situation from a picture, scenario, or personal account
• Award credit for using simple vocabulary to describe stress, even with support

• 💡Use visual prompts like flashcards or storyboards to help identify causes of stress if you find words difficult
• 💡Practice describing how you feel in different scenarios using short, simple sentences
• 💡In assessments, always try to give a specific example of a stressful situation to show understanding
• 💡Remember that stress is a normal reaction – the aim is to recognise it, not to judge it
• 💡Tip 1: Keep a diary of your learning activities. This helps you remember what you did and provides evidence for your portfolio. For example, note down when you helped a friend with a task or completed a maths worksheet.
• 💡Tip 2: Ask for feedback regularly. Your tutor can tell you if you are on the right track and what to improve. Use their comments to strengthen your portfolio.
• 💡Tip 3: Relate your learning to real life. If you learn about money, practice counting change at a shop. This shows you can apply skills, which examiners love.

• Confusing stress with general sadness or anger without recognising the trigger
• Assuming that only major life events cause stress, rather than everyday pressures
• Not being able to differentiate between stress and temporary worry or excitement
• Describing only physical signs and ignoring emotional or behavioural aspects
• Misconception: 'This qualification is too easy and won't help me get a job.' Correction: While it is entry-level, it provides essential skills that employers value, such as reliability and basic communication. It also prepares you for higher-level qualifications.
• Misconception: 'I don't need to learn maths because I can use a calculator.' Correction: Numeracy skills are about understanding numbers, not just calculating. You need to know when to use a calculator and how to check if your answer makes sense.
• Misconception: 'I can just copy someone else's work for my portfolio.' Correction: Your portfolio must show your own learning. Assessors will check that the work is yours, and copying could lead to disqualification.

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