Language Literacy & Numeracy

Language Literacy & Numeracy

Purpose

Gold Coast Learning Centre is committed to ensuring students fully understand the requirements of enrolling in a course and that they are well equipped to successfully complete the course. In accordance with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (SRTOs 2015), Gold Coast Learning Centre will identify any additional support requirements through the enrolment process and through continuous observations for students during their study.

This policy outlines Gold Coast Learning Centre practices to identify and assist Vocational Education and Training (VET) students that have language, literacy and numeracy issues. It also sets out the framework for integration of LLN and provides guidance on its implementation and monitoring.

Scope

All prospective students enrolling in a VET course of study. Trainers are to ensure that they monitor assessments submitted by students for any LLN issues.

Policy Statement

The term language, literacy and numeracy refer to five core skills; learning, reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy.
These five core skills have been identified by the Australian Core Skills Framework (ASCF) as the essential skills for individuals to hold to participate effectively in society including the workplace and education sector.
As stated, it is essential that VET students have the language, literacy, and numeracy (LLN) skills sufficient to successfully participate in training and assessment in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.

Definition

ASCF – Australian Core Skills Framework
LLN – Language, literacy and numeracy

LLN Levels

LLN levels are reference numbers given to a student’s performance and/or a Training Package in each of the 5 core skills; learning, reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy. These levels have been developed by the ASCF.
The reference numbers describe the degree of LLN skills performed by a student or what the student needs to demonstrate as per a Training Package’s requirements.
Depending on previous formal study, prospective students may be asked to undertake an LLN assessment as part of the enrolment process to identify where additional support for the student may be required.
Gold Coast Learning Centre will not discriminate against entry for students or clients based upon LLN assessment. Where LLN levels are shown to be unsuitable for the intended VET course of study, Gold Coast Learning Centre will provide information and referral to where a student can obtain assistance with their LLN requirements.
A student who does not meet the assessment requirement for their intended VET course of study will not necessarily be excluded from enrolment. The student then will be monitored by the trainer and Gold Coast Learning Centre Student Services.

Procedures

There are three key steps to appropriately implementing requirements around gather LLN information for prospective students:

1. Identification of student competency and support requirements through enrolment process
2. Referral of identified students to support resources and testing/assessment as required
3. Monitoring and support for students who are enrolled

Procedural steps

• Prospective student self-identifies prior formal education history on Enrolment Form
• Students who indicate they have not completed their secondary school certificate or any other tertiary level qualification are issued an LLN assessment prior to acceptance of enrolment into VET course of study
• Students results are compared to LLN entry requirements for the applicable course of study (results are appended to the student’s file)
• Students who do not meet the applicant LLN entry may be enrolled in the qualification, however, an individual training plan will be created with extended submission due dates.
• Student will be offered and encouraged to join English support classes for free.
• Student will be encouraged to attend one-one support sessions with a trainer.
• The student’s assigned trainer is informed of the student’s status and LLN results to support them to monitor the student’s progress and performance.
• Students who do not achieve competency in the enrolled units of competency will not progress in the course and will be referred to additional LLN resource.
• Students in this circumstance may reapply for enrolment and will be asked to undertake an LLN at that time.

Referral Programs

Study Skills Program offered by GCLC

English support by attending ELICOS classes at Gold Coast Learning Centre free of charge.

The Reading Writing Hotline

The Reading Writing Hotline (the Hotline) provides a national service for adults seeking English language, literacy and numeracy information, advice and support.

The Hotline provides information on:

• Adult reading, writing and numeracy classes held locally across Australia or via correspondence.
• Becoming a literacy volunteer.
• Adult LLN teaching and learning resources.
• Commonwealth-funded programs for Centrelink clients.
• Commonwealth-funded English as an additional language programs for migrants.
• Literacy and numeracy in the workplace for employers.

Further information is available at the Reading Writing Hotline website
(http://www.literacyline.edu.au/) or phone 1300 655 506.

Commonwealth

The Australian government provides a wide variety of assistance programs to adults in literacy and numeracy which may include:

• Free English lessons
• Programs to improve basic speaking, reading, writing and math skills

Further information is available at their website  (http://australia.gov.au/topics/education-and-training/literacy-and-numeracy).