Last updated: 04 Oct 2007

Personal, learning and thinking skills

QCA has developed a framework for describing personal, learning and thinking skills (PLTS) that applies to all young people aged 11-19. The skills are embedded within the Diploma so that they form an integral part of teaching and learning.

The aims of the curriculum are that young people should become successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens. The development of PLTS is an essential part of meeting these aims. PLTS have considerable impact on young people's ability to enter work and adult life as confident and capable individuals who can make a positive contribution.

The personal, learning and thinking skills framework

The framework comprises six groups of skills:

• independent enquirers
• creative thinkers
• reflective learners
• team workers
• self-managers
• effective participators.

These generic skills, together with the functional skills of English, mathematics and ICT, are essential to success in life, learning and work.

For each group, a focus statement sums up the range of skills and qualities. This is accompanied by a set of outcome statements that are indicative of the skills, behaviours and personal qualities associated with each group.

Each group of skills is distinctive and coherent. The groups are also interconnected and learners are likely to encounter skills from several groups in any one learning experience. For example, independent enquirers set goals for their research with clear success criteria (reflective learner) and organise their time and resources effectively to achieve these (self-manager). To develop independence, learners need to apply skills from all six groups in a wide range of contexts.