BBC Learning Skillswise
BBC Skillswise will be supporting the series with a number of online resources, both for learners and for tutors, which draw on images and context from each episode.
We really hope the strong messages contained in the dramas, that it’s better to ask for help and improve your skills than to suffer in silence, will inspire people to take an important and courageous step into learning.”
For learners, an activity for each episode has been created which will provide a taster of the kind of activity they may find in a classroom. Learner resources are designed to boost learner confidence and sense of achievement.
For tutors, a suite of resources to use in the classroom has been developed. These resources are designed to stimulate classroom discussion around the issues raised by the dramas.
Sue Southwood, Programme Manager at NIACE - The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education – was series consultant on Secrets And Words.
Sue says: “NIACE is pleased to support the BBC to produce such a powerful set of dramas to raise awareness about literacy. There are still far too many people in this country coping with poor reading and writing skills that affect them on a daily basis. They are seriously disadvantaged as workers, parents and citizens.
"Showing the lives of five ordinary people who, for various reasons, all share the same secret, is an inventive and original approach to reach adults who feel they are in a similar situation. This is where television proves that it’s not only entertaining, but its influence can change lives for the better."
The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) supports the education sector to improve the quality and breadth of opportunities available for all adults so they can benefit from learning throughout their lives.
Sue adds: “We know that adults who, for whatever reason, lack confidence in their reading and writing, actively avoid using their skills thereby making the problem worse as these skills deteriorate over time. They don’t ask for help and they are embarrassed to talk about it, constantly hoping that they won’t get found out. Instead their lives are narrowed as they cannot participate in everyday activities the majority of people take for granted.
"We really hope the strong messages contained in the dramas, that it’s better to ask for help and improve your skills than to suffer in silence, will inspire people to take an important and courageous step into learning. If they do, then we know they will improve their own life chances and those of their children and grandchildren.”
