Additional Information

What is a key skills portfolio?

  • It's the heart of all the work you will be doing for key skills.
  • It's the evidence that you can do all the things that you have to do to get a key skills certificate or qualification.
  • It is usually a file or folder full of paper, but it may include tapes, printouts, photos or even models.

Why do I need a key skills portfolio?

  • To pass a key skill unit in Communication, Application of Number or Information Technology, you have to pass two different kinds of assessment.
  • One covers the key skills work you have done as part of your education. This is marked by an assessor in school and goes in your portfolio.
  • The other is a test that you take under exam conditions.

What should I keep in my key skills portfolio?

You will have two kinds of key skills work to look after.

  • One is the work you are doing at a particular time — this is your work-in-progress.
  • It may include written work, statements from people who have watched you give a talk or take part in a discussion, perhaps some photographs or computer printouts, and maybe a note of where you have stored a floppy disc, a tape, or anything else that you want to use as evidence.
  • You will probably keep this work somewhere handy, probably in a folder that you carry about with you.
  • The other kind is your key skills work that has been assessed as a pass.
  • You should keep this in a portfolio somewhere where it cannot be lost or damaged.

Key things to remember

  • Set up your portfolio at the beginning of your course
  • Keep in your portfolio only the evidence that has been assessed as a pass
  • Review your portfolio regularly — note any gaps in your evidence and decide how you are going to fill them
  • Have an index and keep it up to date
  • Ask Mrs Ervine or your tutor if you're not sure what you have to do —don't leave this to the last moment.