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Functional Skills English

  • 1 Year | Part Time
  • Suffolk New College (Ipswich)
  • Multiple Levels | Functional Skills

Course overview

Level 1

Functional Skills in English equips learners with the fundamental applied skills needed to succeed in all aspects of life, work and learning, by developing reading, writing and spoken skills.

The course comprises of three elements; reading, writing and speaking & listening.

The reading and writing elements are assessed through examinations, which are taken at the College and marked by the awarding body (Pearson/Edexcel). Any students who are unsuccessful in passing their exams on the first attempt will be allowed to retake them in the same academic year.

For Level 1 reading you will develop knowledge and understanding of the following topics:

  • Reading, obtaining and summarising information from a variety of texts and sources.
  • Identifying the purpose of different texts and evaluating how effective the text is in achieving its purpose.
  • Looking at the point of view of the text and what meaning or bias it may have.

For Level 1 writing you will develop knowledge and understanding of the following topics:

  • Writing information in a structured, logical and persuasive way with appropriate grammar, punctuation and sentence styles (including complex sentences).
  • Using a variety of writing styles for different purposes.

The speaking and listening element of the course comprises a short presentation and discussion on a topic of your choice. The tutor will administer and assess your presentation, looking at your ability to articulate ideas and information clearly and concisely to meet the needs of your audience and to promote, debate and discuss ideas to reach a decision.

You must pass all three elements of the course to achieve your qualification.

Functional skills classes will take place once a week and be 3 hours in length.

This course is available either face-to-face or online. For the online courses, learners will need a strong internet connection and a device to access the content (including a camera and a microphone).

Level 2

Functional Skills English course is ideal for those looking to develop their knowledge, skills and confidence about reading, understanding and summarising texts, writing and presenting information in a range of styles, and relaying information clearly and persuasively.

The course comprises of three elements; reading, writing and speaking & listening.

The reading and writing elements are assessed through examinations, which are taken at the College and marked by the awarding body (Pearson/Edexcel). Any students who are unsuccessful in passing their exams on the first attempt will be allowed to retake them in the same academic year.

For Level 2 reading you will develop knowledge and understanding of the following topics:

  • Reading, obtaining and summarising information from a variety of texts and sources.
  • Identifying the purpose of different texts and evaluating how effective the text is in achieving its purpose.
  • Looking at the point of view of the text and what meaning or bias it may have.

For Level 2 writing you will develop knowledge and understanding of the following topics:

  • Writing information in a structured, logical and persuasive way with appropriate grammar, punctuation and sentence styles (including complex sentences).
  • Using a variety of writing styles for different purposes.

The speaking and listening element of the course comprises a short presentation and discussion on a topic of your choice. The tutor will administer and assess your presentation, looking at your ability to articulate ideas and information clearly and concisely to meet the needs of your audience and to promote, debate and discuss ideas to reach a decision.

You must pass all three elements of the course to achieve your qualification.

Functional skills classes will take place once a week and be 3 hours in length.

This course is available either face-to-face or online. For the online courses, learners will need a strong internet connection and a device to access the content (including a camera and a microphone).

Functional Skills courses and qualifications are nationally recognised, and often required by, employers, schools, colleges and apprenticeship providers.

As well as being recognised as a qualification in its own right, the Level 2 qualification is also recognised as being a ‘stepping stone’ to the English Language GCSE qualification.

Take the next step

If this is the right course for you click Apply!
If you want to see what else is on offer in this area feel free to view the other courses.

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