Qualification Purpose

The Functional Skills Qualifications in English at Entry Levels 1, 2 and 3 are for learners to develop understanding and skills in English. The qualifications give learners the opportunity to:

• demonstrate the ability at an appropriate level to read, write, speak, listen and communicate in English
• apply this knowledge and these skills in familiar situations.
• achieve a foundation for further study at Levels 1 and 2.

The Functional Skills Qualification in English at Levels 1 and 2 are for learners to develop understanding and skills in English. The qualifications give learners the opportunity to:

• gain a qualification for work, study and life
• demonstrate the ability at an appropriate level to read, write, speak, listen and communicate in English
• apply these skills effectively to a range of purposes in the workplace and in other real-life situations.

Awarding Body: Pearson/ City & Guilds

Qualifications aims and outcomes:

The qualification gives learners the opportunity to:

• Listen, understand and make relevant contributions to discussions with others in a range of contexts
• Apply their understanding of language to adapt delivery and content to suit audience and purpose
• Read a range of different text types confidently and fluently, applying their knowledge and understanding of texts to their own writing
• Write texts of varying complexity, with accuracy, effectiveness, and correct spelling, punctuation and grammar
• Understand the situations when, and audiences for which, planning, drafting.

Programme Delivery:

Centres are free to offer these qualifications using any mode of delivery (for example full-time, part-time, evening only, distance learning) that meets learners’ needs. Whichever mode of delivery is used, centres must make sure that learners have access to specified resources and to the subject specialists delivering and assessing the units.

There are various approaches to delivering a successful Functional Skills qualification. The section below outlines elements of good practice that centres can adopt in relation to learner recruitment, preparation and support, training and assessment delivery, and employer engagement.

Prior knowledge, skills and understanding

No prior knowledge, understanding, skills or qualifications are required for learners to register for this qualification.

Progression Opportunities:

Learners who achieve Functional Skills Qualifications in English at Entry Levels 1 to 3 can progress through the levels (from Entry 1 to Entry 2 and Entry 2 to Entry 3), and to Functional Skills Qualifications in English at Levels 1 and 2 or further English study, such as GCSE.

Learners who achieve the Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1 can progress to a similar qualification at Level 2. Learners who achieve the Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 2 can progress to a GCSE in English or similar qualifications. Both qualifications offer learners the opportunity to develop their English knowledge and skills as part of an Apprenticeship or in employment.