Functional Skills Qualification in English

Course description

Throughout this course you will develop your speaking, listening communication skills and improve your abilities to read and write clearly, accurately, confidently and with effectiveness. You will develop these skills in a supportive learning environment with tasks adapted for different learning styles and abilities. 

Topics covered include, events happening locally, nationally, and occasionally internationally. Here are some of the areas that you will study: 

Entry 1 – Entry 3 

Speaking and listening

• Identify and extract the main information from short statements and explanations.
• Follow single-step instructions, make requests, ask straightforward questions, and respond using appropriate terms.
• Make clear statements about basic information and communicate feelings and opinions on straightforward topics.
• Understand and participate in simple discussions or exchanges with another person.

Reading

• Correctly read words and sentences.
• Understand a piece of text and pick out relevant information.

Writing

• Punctuate simple sentences.
• Find meaning of words and spell correctly words designated for your level of learning.
• Communicate information in words, phrases, and simple sentences.
• Use appropriate format and structure when writing.

Level 1 and Level 2 

Speaking and listening

• Identify relevant information and lines of argument in explanations or presentations.
• Make requests and ask relevant questions to obtain specific information in different contexts.
• Respond effectively to detailed questions and feedback.
• Communicate information, ideas and opinions clearly and accurately on a range of topics and support with evidence.
• Follow and understand discussions and make contributions relevant to the situation and the subject.
• Use appropriate phrases, registers and adapt contributions to take account of audience, purpose and medium.
• Respect the turn-taking rights of others during discussions, using appropriate language for interjection.
• Make relevant and constructive contributions to move discussion forward and adapt contributions to discussions to suit audience, purpose and medium.

Reading

• Identify, understand, and compare the main points, ideas, opinions, and details in texts.
• Recognise language and other textual features vary to suit different audiences and purposes.
• Use reference materials and appropriate strategies for a range of purposes, including to find the meaning of words.
• Understand organisational and structural features and use them to locate relevant information.
• Use knowledge of punctuation to aid understanding of straightforward texts.
• Identify different points of view, distinguish fact from opinion and identify assorted styles of writing and writer’s voice.

Writing - Spelling, punctuation, and grammar (SPaG)

• Punctuate writing correctly using a wide range of punctuation.
• Use correct grammar (e.g. subject-verb agreement, consistent use of a range of tenses, definite and indefinite articles)
• Spell words used in work, study, and daily life, including a range of specialist words.

Writing – composition

• Communicate information, ideas, and opinions clearly, coherently, and effectively.
• Write text of an appropriate level of detail and of appropriate length to meet the needs of. purpose and audience.
• Organise writing for different purposes using appropriate format and structure and convey clear meaning.
• Construct complex sentences consistently and accurately, using paragraphs where appropriate.

At the end of the course, you will be able to use these functional skills in a range of formal and informal contexts, in the workplace and in real life. You will also consolidate your learning by sitting exams in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

Course level

Various - Courses are available at different levels - an initial assessment (skills check) is required before enrolling on these courses to ensure the level is right for you.

Who is this course for?

Residents of Calderdale aged 19+ who are looking to develop confidence in English and transfer/apply these skills to everyday situations.

What do I need to bring?

• You must bring with you a notebook, pen and a folder for your work.
• You must be able to access the web-based learning platform Google Classroom during the course. To do this you will need access to IT equipment such as a smartphone, laptop, PC or tablet, and a stable internet connection. You’ll also need to install Google Chrome Browser if you do not have this already – it's free to download and use, please visit: www.google.co.uk/chrome.