KEY SKILLs

All members of the Temple Gate Dojo have the opportunity to gain Key Skills certification through their Aikido training, at no extra charge. Aikido training provides a highly effective teaching medium and context for the development and accreditation of: Improving Own Learning and Performance, Working with Others, and Problem Solving, which are collectively referred to as the ‘Wider Key Skills’. These units have been carefully adapted and integrated into the Aikido classes so that the courses will not only improve the quality of the student's Aikido training but also allow them to achieve certification without any further commitment of time an energy beyond that normally required just to attend training

What Are Key Skills?
"Key Skills are essential skills which people need in order to function effectively as members of a flexible, adaptable and competitive workforce. They are also invaluable in helping people function within society and for lifelong learning."
(DfES "Key Skills Explained")

The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority has identified 6 Key Skills

* Using Information Technology
* Communicating
* Use of Number
* Problem Solving
* Working With Others
* Improving Own Learning & Performance


Each of the six units was developed in consultation with employers' representatives and educational experts in response to concerns that job applicants did not have the general skills needed in effective employees. The current specifications are the outcome of extensive pilot work, evaluation. Their content takes into account findings from research, carried out over the past ten years, relating to the development, assessment and recording of such skills in a variety of education, training, employment and community contexts.

All of the units are available at four levels which stretch broadly from the equivalent of GCSE (D-G) to first degree. The intention being to offer a range of opportunity to improve the quality of learning and performance of everyone, from pupils in school to chief executives in large companies.
The development of Key Skills is central to the Government's plans for all post-16 education and training programmes. Their focus is on giving all young people the chance to attain Level 2 skills, the higher level units will provide progression and the level of skills development required by Higher Education and employers. All post-16 students are being encouraged to achieve all six Key Skills units through the signposting of their development and application in A levels, GNVQs and NVQs. Universities are also recognising the importance of Key Skills by offering further opportunities to develop them within degree programmes.