Open College Network West Midlands · RQF Level 1
Open College Network West Midlands Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Further Study (QCF)
You don’t just earn this. You learn to use it, one-to-one, on your own real work.
- LevelRQF Level 1
- Total credits25
- Guided learning62 hours
- Units in this qualification43
Awarded by Open College Network West Midlands · on the Ofqual register
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See how this course maps onto your role
Ten quick questions, one per Future Fluency, asked against this qualification rather than a generic one.
About 5 minutes · No card · Nothing to commit to
What you’ll learn
What each unit actually teaches you to do
These are the units Open College Network West Midlands registers against this qualification. It is a catalogue, not a syllabus. Which of them you take depends on the combination the qualification requires, and that is set by the awarding body rather than by us. Every unit here is regulated, and every one you earn is yours to keep.
Action Planning for Own DevelopmentReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Recognise own skills, knowledge and ability.
- Match own skills, knowledge, ability and personal requirements with possible career paths.
- Know routes available for own learning and development, in relation to possible career paths.
- Plan own development.
- Action own development.
Calculations using Fractions, Decimals and PercentagesReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Find fractions of whole number quantities and measurements.
- Use a calculator to solve problems involving fractions.
- Calculate using decimals.
- Use a calculator to solve problems involving decimals.
- Estimate answers to calculations to check that answers are reasonable.
- Calculate simple percentage increase and decrease.
- Use a calculator to calculate percentages.
Calculations with Whole NumbersReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Add whole numbers.
- Subtract whole numbers.
- Multiply whole numbers.
- Divide whole numbers.
- Check answers to calculations.
- Understand the effect of multiplying whole numbers by 10 and 100.
- Understand the effect of dividing whole numbers by 10 and 100.
- Recognise numerical relationships.
Create, Format and Manage DocumentsReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Create documents using a computer.
- Use computing software tools to format documents.
- Store and manage computer documents.
- Use ICT applications to support own learning.
Critical ThinkingReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the nature and importance of critical thinking.
- Understand the nature of assumption, bias and stereotyping.
- Understand how structure and style impact on argument.
- Form an argument.
- Ask critical questions.
DatabasesReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Enter, edit and organise structured information in a database.
- Use database software tools to extract information and produce reports.
Equality and DiversityReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the term ‘equality’.
- Understand the term ‘diversity’.
- Understand the importance of equality and diversity.
- Understand equality and diversity legislation.
Essay WritingReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Understand an essay task.
- Plan an essay.
- Research information for the purpose of essay writing.
- Present information in essay form.
Information LiteracyReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Know about information sources.
- Prepare for gathering information for a specific purpose.
- Gather required information.
- Communicate information according to purpose and audience.
Introduction to EducationReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Understand definitions of education.
- Understand what is studied in education.
- Know careers available in education.
- Know skills and qualities needed for careers in education.
- Understand different approaches to education.
- Understand principles of education.
- Know how principles of education can be applied.
Introduction to LiteratureReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Understand what is studied in litreature.
- Understand different litreary forms.
- Understand research methods used in litreature.
- Know applications for the study of litreature.
- Understand litreature in a historical or cultural context.
Introduction to BusinessReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Know the principles of business.
- Understand how business is organised.
- Understand how business may impact on the environment.
- Know how business operates.
- Understand how law and ethics relate to business.
- Understand the roles played by people in business.
- Know how computers are used in business.
Introduction to Computer StudiesReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Know about the capability of a range of computer applications.
- Solve problems using computing tools and techniques.
- Know about the place of computing in society.
- Integrate use of computers into own studies and interests.
- Know about careers available in computer studies.
Introduction to EngineeringReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Understand what engineering is.
- Understand the purpose of engineering.
- Understand how engineering may impact on the environment.
- Know methods engineers use to test designs prior to production.
- Understand what is meant by safety factors in engineering.
- Know how computers are used in engineering.
Introduction to Environmental and Land Based StudiesReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Understand what can be studied in environmental and land based studies.
- Know the different industries in land based and environmental studies.
- Know careers available in the environmental and land based sector.
- Access information on routes environmental and land based careers.
- Access information on routes into environmental and land based careers.
- Understand skills and knowledge required in a specific environmental or land based career.
- Understand personal qualities required in a specific environmental or land based career.
Introduction to Health StudiesReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Understand what is studied in health studies.
- Understand different perspectives in health studies.
- Understand the purpose of health studies.
- Know research methods used in health studies.
- Know how health research findings may be applied.
- Know careers available in health.
- Know skills and qualities needed for careers in health.
Introduction to HumanitiesReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Understand what fields the study of humanities may include.
- Understand historical and current debate in relation to the study of humanities.
- Understand methods and approaches used in the study of humanities.
- Understand how the study of humanities may impact on own life and work.
- Understand how the study of humanities may impact on cultural and global issues.
- Use methods and approaches to study an area of humanities.
Introduction to Law in the United KingdomReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the structure and jurisdiction of courts in the U.K.
- Understand the roles of personnel in the U.K. legal system.
- Understand the sources and processes of legal advice in the U.K.
- Understand key legal processes in the U.K.
- Know about career progression routes relevant to U.K. legal and related professions.
Introduction to Life ScienceReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Understand what is meant by life science.
- Know the fields within life science.
- Understand the purpose of life science.
- Understand approaches to research in life science.
- Know applications of life science.
- Know careers open to life scientists.
Introduction to Physical ScienceReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Understand what is meant by physical science.
- Know the fields within physical science.
- Understand the purpose of physical science.
- Understand approaches to research in physical science.
- Know applications of physical science.
- Know careers open to physical scientists.
Introduction to PsychologyReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Understand what is studied in psychology.
- Understand different approaches in psychology.
- Understand research methods used in psychology.
- Know applications of psychology.
- Know careers open to psychologists.
- Understand ethical considerations in psychological research.
Introduction to Social WorkReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Understand what is studied in social work.
- Understand the purpose of social work.
- Understand principles of social work.
- Understand how social work principles affect practice.
- Know careers available in social work.
- Know skills and qualities needed for careers in social work.
Introduction to SociologyReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Understand what is studied in sociology.
- Understand different approaches in sociology.
- Understand research methods used in sociology.
- Know applications of sociology.
- Know careers open to sociologists.
- Understand ethical considerations in sociology research.
Introduction to Sports StudiesReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Understand what can be studied in sports studies.
- Know careers available in sports studies.
- Access information on routes into careers in the sports industry.
- Access information on routes into careers in the sports industry.
- Understand skills required in a specific career in sports.
- Understand personal qualities required in a career in the sports industry.
Introduction to the Creative and Performing ArtsReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Understand what can be studied in the creative and performing arts.
- Understand different approaches used for creative and performing arts study.
- Know core skills needed for participation in creative and performing arts.
- Know theories and contexts related to the creative and performing arts.
- Know applications of the creative and performing arts.
- Know careers open to creative and performing artists.
Introduction to the Scientific MethodReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Understand what science is.
- Know what is meant by a scientific hypothesis.
- Understand the scientific method.
- Use the scientific method to test a hypothesis.
Measures and ShapeReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Understand times written in different formats.
- Calculate using time.
- Read temperatures.
- Understand metric units of measurement.
- Use instruments for measurement.
- Read scales.
- Recognise common 2D representations of 3D objects.
- Find the perimetres of shapes.
- Find the areas of rectangles.
Note TakingReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Understand reasons for making notes.
- Use note taking systems.
- Use notes for a specific purpose.
Oral Communication SkillsReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Speak to an audience.
- Engage in discussion.
- Understand information presented orally.
- Communicate orally in different contexts.
PlagiarismReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Understand definitions of plagiarism.
- Understand what constitutes plagiarism.
- Understand terms used in relation to plagiarism and its avoidance.
- Know how plagiarism can be prevented in own work.
Portfolio BuildingReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Understand what a portfolio is.
- Know what a portfolio can be used for.
- Build a portfolio suitable for own requirements and context.
- Build a portfolio suitable for own needs and context.
Presentations and SlideshowsReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Input and combine text and other information within presentation slides.
- Store and retrieve files.
- Use presentation software tools to structure, edit and format slides.
- Prepare slides for presentation.
Punctuation and GrammarReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Use punctuation to aid understanding.
- Use grammar to aid understanding.
Reading and UnderstandingReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Interpret source material.
- Extract information from source material for a specific purpose.
Research ProjectReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the objectives of a research project.
- Identify and use secondary data for research.
- Identify and use primary data for research.
- Generate primary data.
- Produce a research report.
- Present research.
Revision and Exam SkillsReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the purpose of academic examinations.
- Establish a study environment.
- Use revision techniques.
- Maintain personal health and well-being when undertaking academic revision and examination.
- Take an academic examination.
Setting Learning GoalsReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the purpose of own learning.
- Make learning choices.
- Set learning goals.
- Review own progress and achievement.
- Plan future learning and development.
SpellingReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Locate correct spellings.
- Understand own spelling strengths and weaknesses.
- Maintain a personal spelling programme.
SpreadsheetsReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Know different uses for spreadsheets.
- Enter data into a spreadsheet.
- Use multiple worksheets within a workbook.
- Use formulae in a spreadsheet to calculate data.
- Present data in graphical form.
- Sort and manage data in a spreadsheet.
- Print a spreadsheet.
Study ManagementReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Understand the nature and importance of study management.
- Manage own study.
- Review own study management.
Word ProcessingReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Enter, edit and combine text and other information in word processed documents.
- Structure information within word processed documents.
- Use word processing software tools to format and present documents.
Working in a GroupReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Understand characteristics of groups.
- Plan work with a group.
- Work in a group.
- Review own group working experience.
Working with Data and ProbabilityReal unit · Open College Network West Midlands
What you'll be able to do
- Extract information from data.
- Interpret information from data.
- Represent discrete data.
- Find the mean for a set of data.
- Find the range of a set of data.
- Understand what is meant by probability.
- Express the likelihood of events occurring.
- Calculate probability.
The honest bit
You’ve started things before
Most courses were built for a room full of people who aren’t you. A cohort moves on whether or not your week allowed it, and by the third week the thing you’re behind on becomes the reason you stop opening it.
There’s no cohort here, and no timetable to fall behind. Before anything starts, Zavmo asks when you’re sharpest and how long you can realistically sit down for, then builds the sessions around those answers. A bad fortnight changes your pace. It doesn’t put you behind.
And you only pay once you start learning. Searching and planning are free, and you can cancel any time — so the cost of finding out is an afternoon, not a year.
Your passport
Every credit is a stamp you keep
Level 1 credits are regulated. They don’t vanish when a subscription ends or a website closes. They travel to any employer, and Zavmo keeps the map of what you’ve earned and what’s next.
Each stamp is a real unit registered against this qualification.
Who’d teach you this
The Evidence Evaluator
Assessor
Helps you show what you can actually do, gathering the evidence that proves it as you learn.
Meet all twelve tutorsWhere this connects
Where these credits take you
A qualification is never a dead end here. See the jobs its credits open, the national occupational standards its units map to, and the future skills they quietly build.
Where this can lead
Junior Head of Legal
Your journey as a Junior Head of Legal is just the beginning. We're committed to providing the opportunities and support for you to build a truly impactful and rewarding legal career, whether that's climbing the leadership ladder or becoming a deep subject matter expert.
See the whole journey →Showing 6 roles, drawn from 11 job records mapped to this qualification.
How you’ll actually learn this
One-to-one, on your own real work
A qualification is usually something done to you: sit the class, sit the exam, hope it sticks. Here it’s the opposite. You learn it one-to-one with a companion, on your own real work, and you keep going until you can use it, not just recall it.
Applied to your work in any of these jobs
- Remember
- Understand
- Apply
- Analyse
- Evaluate
- Create
Built for Open College Network West Midlands Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Further Study (QCF)
43 units in this credential, in the order it lists them, awarded by Open College Network West Midlands.
- Action Planning for Own Development
- Calculations using Fractions, Decimals and Percentages
- Calculations with Whole Numbers
- Create, Format and Manage Documents
- Critical Thinking
- Databases
and 37 more in the full unit list below.
One to one, not one to many
No two people run this the same way
A course is written once and handed to everyone. This is assembled around you, and keeps changing as it learns you. Five things it reads, and what each one changes.
- Your actual work Every unit is taught against a live piece of your own work, not a worked example from a textbook.
- What you already know The first conversation finds your starting point, so you skip what you can already do and spend the time on what you cannot.
- The conditions you learn under Not a learning-styles quiz. The evidence does not support those. The dimensions the research does back, read once and used to shape the plan.
- How far you got last time It picks up mid-thought. The tutor knows what you said, what you struggled with, and what it asked you to try.
- Which tutor suits the moment Twelve of them, each for a different kind of thinking. The one who walks you through a first idea is not the one who stress-tests it.
See how you learn, free. Eight questions, no sign-up. A directional taster; the diagnostic inside Zavmo goes deeper and keeps adapting.
Why it sticks
Most courses stop at remembering
There’s a well-known ladder of how deeply you learn something, called Bloom’s Taxonomy. Most courses get you up the first two rungs: you remember some facts, you pass a test, you forget it. Real skill lives at the top. Judging, deciding, creating. And this isn’t a generic ladder: every rung has a named Zavmo tutor who walks you up it.
- 6CreateThe Creative Catalyst
- 5EvaluateThe Evidence Evaluator
- 4AnalyseThe Analyst
- 3ApplyThe Coach
- 2UnderstandThe Connector
- 1RememberThe Builder
Where most courses leave you Where Zavmo takes you
The value
Why the companion is worth £70 a month
You’re not paying for the units. They’re regulated, and the same wherever you earn them. You’re paying for the one thing that decides whether you actually get there: a companion that makes them stick, on your real work.
That is one-to-one on this qualification, every day, on the work you already do, for £70 a month. Your first module is free, so you can see the teaching before you pay for any of it. Billed monthly, cancel any time and billing stops.
Earned on your own work, taught to the top.
Everything you just read, learned one-to-one on the job you already do. Your first module is free, so you can see the teaching before you pay for any of it.
Build my plan, freeNo card. See how this qualification maps onto your role and meet the tutors who’d teach it, free. The learning begins when you subscribe. It’s £70 a month, billed monthly. Cancel any time and billing stops.