Progression is important to all learners and it’s important to recognize some learners might need more support than others. With this in mind I decided to dedicate this month's blog to thoughts about how learners with special requirements can be supported at Entry Level to help them progress to further levels of study.
Hello and welcome to the Pearson Level 1 and below newsletter for July 2023 covering all things below level 2 including BTEC Workskills and BTEC Personal Growth and Wellbeing.
As we head into the summer break for most teachers and learners, this month we have new Workskills and Personal Growth and Wellbeing teaching resources to discuss, on demand training events, new social content, as well as an opportunity for your centre to provide feedback on our below level 2, Workskills and Personal Growth and Wellbeing qualifications.
As part of our level one and below suite we have recently run some training events on Workskills and Personal Growth and Wellbeing called “Getting ready to teach”
If you missed the live recording of these events, you can watch them on demand in our YouTube area. They are available here: BTEC Below Level 1, Workskills and Personal Growth and Wellbeing - YouTube
Please save this playlist as all our on-demand training videos will appear here in addition to our main qualifications website.
If you are interested in teaching these for September please register your interest here
We also have a guide to Level 1 qualifications to help you through the process which you will find useful BTEC Level 1 and below - Centre Guidance (PDF)
Please take some time to read the Level 1 and below blog on the Heart Hands and Head theory in curriculum design available here: Considering Heart Hands Head model in curriculum design
We would like to gather your feedback on several different aspects of our below level 2 provision including Workskills and Personal Growth and Wellbeing. If you haven’t completed this already, we would like to offer you the opportunity to complete a short Microsoft Form to feedback to us to give your views on the things that work and the things that we could improve on to help us to continue to provide the best support to you when teaching our qualifications. To provide feedback please use the link below: BTEC Level 1 and below Feedback Form The feedback you provide is anonymous and will help us to continue to provide the best support possible whilst teaching our qualifications.
Please note we now have a new Facebook page up and running. Pearson BTEC Level 1 and below Facebook Group - Please feel free to join our group to find out the latest updates and help us to grow our community. We would love you to participate.
You might be interested to know that Below Level 2 and Functional Skills (Product manager Chris Briggs) now have a combined skills YouTube Channel. On this channel we aim to provide you with helpful ideas and support linked to teaching and learning within each of these suites. Please save our playlist: Pearson Skills - YouTube Our latest videos are about using person centred planning tools for the classroom. Person Centred Planning Tools for the Classroom - YouTube and thinking skills strategies for the classroom Thinking Strategies for Level 1 and Below Learners - YouTube.
We have recently developed Pearson resources to support you in teaching BTEC Personal Growth and Wellbeing and BTEC Workskills at Level 2. These focus on two units each and will either support general teaching or centres who wish to put together a T Level Transition Programme. These will be available in the upcoming weeks, please keep your eye out for them. If you are interested in the latter, you can register your interest here BTEC Personal Growth and Wellbeing Level 2 | Pearson qualifications and BTEC WorkSkills Level 2 | Pearson qualifications for the TLTP.
As you may also know Functional Skills ICT is being replaced. The choice of replacement is Digital Functional Skills which is only funded post-16. To help bridge the gap pre-16 we have developed a package where you can use BTEC Workskills (for either post 16- or pre-16) at Entry 3- Level 2 to teach your learners ICT. Further details are available on this webpage including really useful documents to help you transition including assessment guidance and schemes of work. Delivering ICT Through BTEC WorkSkills | Pearson qualifications.
As you may also know Functional Skills ICT is being replaced. The choice of replacement is Digital Functional Skills which is only funded post-16. To help bridge the gap pre-16 we have developed a package where you can use BTEC Workskills (for either post 16- or pre-16) at Entry 3- Level 2 to teach your learners ICT. Further details are available on this webpage including really useful documents to help you transition including assessment guidance and schemes of work. Delivering ICT Through BTEC WorkSkills | Pearson qualifications.
We will shortly be releasing pick up and teach guides to support your T Level Transition Programme in the areas of Work preparation and employability skills and Pastoral support and personal development though our popular Workskills and Personal Growth and Wellbeing qualifications at award level. If you are interested in using these as part of your programme you can register your interest and intent here. BTEC WorkSkills Level 2 | Pearson qualifications and BTEC Personal Growth and Wellbeing Level 2 | Pearson qualifications
Finally, do take the opportunity to read our monthly blog and listen to our Below L2 Workskills and PGW insights blog on Spotify where we have recently launched part 2 of our episode on how to support autistic learners in the classroom with our guest Mandy Jayne Lace. BTEC Below L2 Workskills and PGW insights | A podcast on Spotify for Podcasters
This month’s blog is all about considering the Heart, Hands and Head Model in curriculum design as it is that time of year! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.
Have a great summer, our newsletter will be back in September.
Kelly Adams (Product Manager Level 1 Below Including Workskills and Personal Growth and Wellbeing)
The Head Heart Hands theory is an important framework to consider when designing a curriculum model. It recognizes the holistic nature of learning and the need for a balanced approach that addresses not only cognitive but also affective and psychomotor aspects of learning.
Pearson qualifications such as BTEC Workskills and Personal Growth and Wellbeing benefit from containing inclusive units that can allow curriculums to be designed to consider the Head Hearts Hands movement, leading to better outcomes for all learners but especially those where a Head Hearts Hands approach would be beneficial such as those learners with SEMH needs.
The theory suggests that effective learning should engage all three domains: Head (cognitive), Heart (affective), and Hands (psychomotor).
There are many reasons why the Head Heart Hands theory can be considered as important when designing a curriculum model:
1. Firstly, it addresses the whole learner: The Head Heart Hands theory recognizes that learners are not just cognitive beings but also have emotional and physical dimensions. A curriculum model that takes this theory into account can help to ensure that learners' needs are being met holistically and that they are engaged and motivated to learn. Our Personal Growth and Wellbeing and Workskills qualifications are designed with these purposes in mind.
2. Secondly, it promotes deeper learning and understanding: Engaging learners in all three domains promotes rich learning. When learners are actively engaged in the learning process and can relate what they are learning to their own experiences and emotions, they are more likely to retain the information and be able to apply it in real-world contexts. Pearson Workskills and Personal Growth and Wellbeing specifications are designed in a way to make this as easy as possible when considering a curriculum design.
3. Thirdly, the theory supports the development of learner’s soft skills: The Head Heart Hands theory emphasizes the importance of affective and psychomotor domains in learning, which can help to develop soft skills such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. These skills are highly valued by employers and are essential for success in the workplace. Both Workskills and Personal Growth and Wellbeing qualifications offer many opportunities for students to collaborate with each other or solve problems to build up these necessary life skills to ensure success in work and life.
4. Fourthly, the Heart Hands and Head theory helps to cater for different learning styles: Learners have different learning styles and preferences, and the Head Heart Hands theory recognizes this diversity. By designing a curriculum model that engages all three domains using our Pearson qualifications and selecting relevant units to support learner need, centres can accommodate different learning styles and provide opportunities for learners to engage in the way that suits them best.
5. Finally, the model encourages creativity and innovation: By engaging learners in all three domains, the Head Heart Hands theory encourages creativity and innovation. Learners are encouraged to think outside the box through our Pearson mandatory and optional unit choices, to explore their emotions and experiences, and to engage in hands-on activities that promote problem-solving and innovation.
In summary, the Head Heart Hands theory is important to consider as a centre when designing a curriculum model because it recognizes the whole learner, promotes deeper learning, supports the development of soft skills, addresses different learning styles, and encourages creativity and innovation. This therefore creates a more inclusive and accessible environment for all learners.
A curriculum model that takes this theory into account can help to ensure that all learners are engaged, motivated, and well-prepared for success in the real world and make great strides in learning towards their end goals no matter their level of ability.
If you are interested to learn how using Pearson Workskills and Personal Growth and Wellbeing qualifications can help your centre bring the Head Heart and Hands approach to your classrooms please contact us using this web form:
Kelly Adams - Product manager Level 1, Entry Level, Personal Growth and Wellbeing and Workskills
Hello and welcome to the Pearson Level 1 and below newsletter for June 2023 covering all things below level 2 including BTEC Workskills and BTEC Personal Growth and Wellbeing.
This month we have new Workskills and Personal Growth and Wellbeing teaching resources to discuss, training events, as well as an opportunity for your centre to provide feedback on our below level 2, Workskills and Personal Growth and Wellbeing qualifications.
As part of our level one and below suite we have some training coming up in our very popular series of “Getting ready to teach” This month both the Personal Growth and Wellbeing suite and the Workskills suite will feature.
If you haven’t signed up and you would like to teach this in September there is still time to register for these events. Please see below for links to sign up and further information.
This training event is for centres and colleague who may be new to BTEC Workskills, or new to the profession. The training will provide an overview of the whole qualification, its suitability for your centre and administration processes so you can teach with confidence. It may also be useful for colleagues who require a refresher on the qualification and how it can be used: Getting Ready to Teach BTEC Workskills Entry 1 - Level 2 | 16th June
Should you have missed this session, a recording will be available soon after, on our YouTube channel.
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Should you have missed this session, a recording will be available soon after, on our YouTube channel.
As part of our yearly review, we would like to gather your feedback on several different aspects of our below level 2 provision including Workskills and Personal Growth and Wellbeing. As part of this we would like to offer you the opportunity to complete a short Microsoft Form to feedback to us to give your views on the things that work and the things that we could improve on in order to help us to continue to provide the best support to you when teaching our qualifications. To provide feedback please use the link below: Below Level 2 Feedback from
Join our Facebook page Please note we now have a new Facebook page up and running: Pearson BTEC Level 1 and below Facebook Group | Facebook
Please feel free to join the group to find out the latest updates and help us to grow our community. We would love you to participate.
We have recently developed Pearson resources to support you in teaching BTEC Personal Growth and Wellbeing.
These handy documents are guides created by Pearson to help support centres in delivering the BTEC Personal Growth and Wellbeing suites. Each guide contains descriptions of activities and links to a variety of external stakeholder materials that are publicly available and that you may find useful in supporting your teaching and delivery of these qualifications. The Personal Growth and Wellbeing Suite units selected also focus on the requirements for RSE and so will provide complete coverage of the RSE requirements if you are teaching in a secondary school. These guides are available for all qualification levels, and you can access each on the main qualification landing page of that qualification and level.
Here is a link to the Personal Growth and Wellbeing ones. They feature on the right under resources.
Finally, do take the opportunity to read our monthly blog. This month’s blog is all about securing community engagement in BTEC Workskills and is a valuable read: L1 and below blog
Have a great half term
Kelly Adams - Product Manager Level 1 Below Including Workskills and Personal Growth and Wellbeing.
Hello and welcome to the L1 and below blog for May 2023. Each month these blogs will feature guidance and tips to support teachers in delivering our qualifications.
This month the blog will be looking at the way in which centres can build community engagement in order to enhance the delivery of and learners experience of the BTEC Workskillls qualification offered by Pearson.
As schools and colleges strive to create well-rounded students who are equipped with valuable skills to succeed in the workforce in the future, engaging community partners can be an effective way to enhance your BTEC Workskills curriculum.
Community partnerships offer schools, training providers and colleges access to specialized knowledge, resources, and networks that can further enrich the teaching of the BTEC Workskills qualification.
In this blog, we explore the benefits of community engagement and provide recommendations on how to identify and engage potential partners.
Collaborating with community partners offers a wide range of benefits to schools, training providers and colleges that can positively impact your students.
Here are some key advantages:
Here are some suggestions for identifying and engaging partners to work collaboratively with your centre.
In conclusion, community partnerships with local businesses can bring significant benefits to schools, training providers and colleges looking to enhance their BTEC Workskills curriculum. By identifying potential partners, building relationships, and evaluating the effectiveness of the BTEC Workskills program, educational institutions can create a collaborative approach to learning that benefits both students and community partners alike, leading to greater benefits to learners as they approach adulthood.
If you are looking for more support on the Workskills qualification at Entry Level, Level 1 or 2 please do get in touch either by contacting the Pearson help desk or joining our Facebook group page. Pearson BTEC Level 1 and below Facebook Group | Facebook
Kelly Adams - Product Manager Level 1 and Below, BTEC Workskills and BTEC Personal Growth and Wellbeing.