Engaging in New Creative Activities — 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 essential skills for education, work, and daily life. It covers basic communication, numeracy, and personal development, preparing you for further study or employment. This award is part of the Foundations for Learning suite, which focuses on practical, real-world skills that are crucial for progression.

In this qualification, you will learn how to follow simple instructions, communicate basic needs, recognise numbers and shapes, and develop personal and social skills. The course is structured around short, manageable units that build your confidence and independence. It is ideal if you are starting your learning journey or need to strengthen core skills before moving to higher levels.

This award matters because it provides a stepping stone to further education and employment. By achieving it, you demonstrate that you can work towards goals, cooperate with others, and apply basic knowledge in everyday situations. It also helps you develop a positive attitude towards learning, which is key for long-term success.

• →Following instructions: Understanding and carrying out simple verbal or written instructions accurately.
• →Basic communication: Expressing needs, asking questions, and responding appropriately in familiar contexts.
• →Number recognition: Identifying numbers 0-10 and using them in simple counting and ordering tasks.
• →Shape and space: Recognising common 2D shapes (e.g., circle, square) and understanding positional language (e.g., in, on, under).
• →Personal development: Building self-awareness, managing feelings, and working with others in group activities.

• Award credit for naming at least two different creative activities.
• Award credit for making a choice of activity with or without support.
• Award credit for completing a creative task by following simple instructions.
• Award credit for demonstrating safe handling of tools and materials.
• Award credit for communicating a like or dislike about the activity.

• 💡Encourage learners to try a variety of activities to build confidence.
• 💡Use visual aids and demonstrations to support understanding of instructions.
• 💡Provide opportunities for learners to talk about their work and feelings.
• 💡Ensure that all activities are risk-assessed and adapted to individual needs.
• 💡Use real-life examples: When answering questions, relate them to everyday situations like shopping or following a recipe. This shows you can apply skills practically.
• 💡Don't rush: Take your time to read or listen to instructions carefully. It's better to ask for repetition than to guess incorrectly.
• 💡Show your working: In numeracy tasks, even if you use fingers or pictures, explain your thinking. This helps examiners see your understanding.

• Confusing 'engaging' with merely watching others participate.
• Assuming that all learners can work independently without support.
• Overlooking the importance of health and safety when using creative materials.
• Focusing on the final product rather than the process of engagement.
• Misconception: 'I need to be able to read and write fluently to pass.' Correction: This entry level focuses on basic recognition and communication; you can use pictures, symbols, or verbal responses to show understanding.
• Misconception: 'Maths is only about numbers.' Correction: Maths in this award also includes shapes, patterns, and measures like size and weight, which are all around us.
• Misconception: 'Personal development is just about being nice.' Correction: It involves understanding your own strengths, managing emotions, and making choices, which are key for independence.

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