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Initial Skills Assessment and LLN Policy

Updated Jan 2015; June 2016: Jan 2018; Jan 2019

Language, Literacy and Numeracy Policy and Initial Skills Assessment Policy Statement

The College recognises the importance of ensuring that students are assisted to identify the most suitable course for their needs and that many potential students require assistance with the development of their English language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) skills prior to or in conjunction with their enrolment.

The College through the application of its Initial Skills Assessment (Language, Literacy and Numeracy) Policy will:

  • accurately describe each qualification and its potential vocational outcomes
  • provide prospective students with guidance on the recommended or required prior educational levels and the resources or work environment required for the course
  • determine and publish minimum language, literacy and language requirements for various qualification levels using plain English descriptors
  • determine and publish minimum LLN requirements that apply for specific qualifications and delivery methods eg correspondence learning
  • establish a range of methods to assist students to measure their language, literacy and numeracy skills
  • implement effective and sensitive procedures which allow for the identification of individual student language, literacy or numeracy needs so that students are provided with advice and support services
  • train staff in language, literacy and numeracy skills gap identification as required within their roles.

LLN Policy and Procedure Details

  • Minimum English Literacy and Language and Numeracy Skills For Courses

    a) The College will regularly revise the minimum LLN levels needed to achieve its courses and will set a benchmark for each qualification level as well as identify specific courses that vary from this benchmark and when approving electives ensuring that the units are within that students LLN range.

    b) The minimum evidence of English literacy and language skills required for College entry at qualification level is:

     

    Qualification level

    English Language Skills

    English Literacy Skills

    Numeracy Skills

    Certificate II

    Basic English language skills ie sufficient to be able to be understood by a Student Adviser during Initial Skills Assessment phone call. 

    Basic English reading and writing skills, or higher. As a guide - you should have completed Year 10 schooling, or have proven workplace written communication skills. Completion of College Enrolment Forms and the Initial Skills Assessment form so answers are readable will also evidence this level.

    No numeracy skills are needed.

    Certificate III

    Basic English language skills ie sufficient to be able to be understood by a Student Adviser during Initial Skills Assessment phone call. 

    Basic English reading and writing skills, or higher. As a guide - you should have completed Year 10 schooling, or have proven workplace written communication skills. Completion of College Enrolment Forms and the Initial Skills Assessment form so answers are readable will also evidence this level.

    An average numeracy level eg completion of Year 10 maths and the ability to use a calculator.
    Certificate IV

    Good English language skills ie sufficient to be able to engage in a two way conversation with a Student Adviser during Initial Skills Assessment phone call. 

    Average English reading and writing skills, or higher. As a guide - you should have completed Year 12 schooling, or have sound workplace written communication skills. Completion of College Enrolment Forms and the Initial Skills Assessment form with the use of appropriate descriptive language will also evidence this level.

    An average numeracy level eg completion of Year 10 maths and the ability to use a calculator.
    Diploma

    Good English language skills ie sufficient to be able to engage in a two way conversation with a Student Adviser during Initial Skills Assessment phone call. 

    Strong English reading and writing skills, or higher. As a guide - you should have completed a formal course after having completed Year 12 schooling, or have proven workplace written communication skills. Completion of College Enrolment Forms and the Initial Skills Assessment form in an articulate and thoroughly manner will also evidence this level.

    		 An average numeracy level eg completion of Year 10 maths and the ability to use a calculator.
    Advanced Diploma

    Good English language skills ie sufficient to be able to engage in a two way conversation with a Student Adviser during Initial Skills Assessment phone call. 

    Strong English reading and writing skills, or higher. As a guide - you should have completed a formal course after having completed Year 12 schooling, or have proven workplace written communication skills. Completion of College Enrolment Forms and the Initial Skills Assessment form in an articulate and thoroughly manner will also evidence this level.

    		 An average numeracy level eg completion of Year 10 maths and the ability to use a calculator.
  • Specific Course LLN Requirements

    a) The course page on this website will display the specific LLN (and other) entry requirements for each specific course.

     

Initial Skills Assessment Procedures

  • Conducting an Initial Skills Assessment Prior to Enrolment Approval

    a) An Initial Skills Assessment will be conducted with students within a week of receipt of their application to enrol. This may include instructions to follow, accessing items using their computer skills, completing a written task, and conversing with College Student Advisers.

    b) This Initial Skills Assessment occurs prior to students starting training or having access to learning resources.

    c) College Student Advisers will utilise this obtained information, and compare it to the requirements for the qualification to determine if the qualification suits the students needs, if the student has the current level of required skills to undertake it, and if they need additional support.

    d) The Initial Skills Assessment will also inform College Student Advisers as to which elective subjects may be outside the students current LLN capabilities.

  • Alternative LLN Assessment methods

    At the Colleges discretion other methods for assessing a students current LLN levels may be implemented.

    b) Options include, but are not limited to:

    • Formal assessment under Australian Core Skills Framework using ACSF Assessment Tasks © Commonwealth of Australia
    • Trial completion of College modules under supervised environment
  • Not Achieved LLN Entry Requirements

    a) Participants who are unable to achieve the LLN entry requirements will not be granted enrolment but will instead be referred to external government funded literacy specialists to help them attain the necessary LLN proficiency required to complete the course.

    b) Where students are identified after course entry as having a LLN need that affects course progress the College will apply reasonable adjustment.

    Where support needs go beyond what can be met with reasonable adjustment during the training and assessment process, and additional support is required, the College will direct participants to an external government funded LLN specialist.

    Course refunds will apply on a pro-rata basis for any units not satisfactorily completed.

Other LLN and Initial Skills Assessment Details

  • College Staff Trained in LLN

    College Trainers and Assessors will complete TAELLN401 Address adult language, literacy and numeracy skills (and its equivalent) and undertake other professional development activities to enable them to identify LLN needs.