Functional Skills - English Language

Please refer to EN's Entry Requirements Guide for specific advice on our Admissions Policy. This guide is supplied at interview to prospective students and is also available to Schools & Careers Advisers.

The English Functional Skills course is designed to help build your skills and confidence in English so that you can progress to GCSE English Language. We include a range of interesting units that allow you to be creative and explore ideas beyond the specification of the course. If you found GCSE English challenging, this qualification will bridge any gaps in your skills in a small class with a friendly, supportive environment.

The classes are small so there is lots of individualised help available; the emphasis is on support with your literacy – reading, writing, punctuation, speaking and listening.

You will be doing lots of reading, writing and speaking practice to build your skills and confidence in the key skills needed for successful communication.

Because the class will be small, you will receive lots of individual support from your teachers and classroom assistants who aim to be responsive to your needs. This will enable you to progress at your own pace and take tests when you are ready and as often as you need to be successful.

Assessment

Pearson Edexcel Level 1

Reading and writing tests are taken on computers and you can take them when you are ready and as often as you need to succeed. Speaking and listening is also part of the assessment and this will be assessed by your teacher during the course.

Each element of the course is worth 33%.

If you get a grade 2 or below at GCSE, or have no formal English qualification, you will study Functional Skills Level 1. Anybody who has not taken an English GCSE may be moved to a GCSE class during the first two weeks of September if assessment suggests this is the best route.

The focus is on making sure you develop strong literacy skills so that if you succeed at Level 1, you can progress to GCSE English Language (9-1) the following year.

When you are successful on this course, you will be well prepared to embark, the following academic year, to GCSE English Language.