English Functional Skills – Entry 1 to Level 2
There are three different modes of delivery.
English Pathway: Build and develop your skills with this year-long course which finishes with Functional Skills. Available at Entry 1 to Level 2. This course includes a two week project to develop your skills.
Once a week courses: In addition to attending sessions once a week, this year-long course requires you to access online learning resources between sessions to conduct independent study. Available at Level 1 and Level 2.
Fast-track: For learners who already have established English skills, but need to gain a qualification quickly. In addition to attending sessions once a week, this course requires you to access online learning resources between sessions to conduct independent study. Available at Level 2.
Course aims
- To improve your reading, writing and verbal communication skills in real-life contexts
- To set goals to help you develop the English skills YOU need in everyday life and at work
- To achieve a Functional Skills English qualification
- To help prepare you for study at higher levels
Who is this course for?
Adults (19+) who would like to develop their English skills for everyday life and work and gain a qualification.
Will I gain any qualification?
You will work towards a qualification in Functional Skills English. There are written assessments in reading and writing. There are also speaking and listening assessments, such as discussions or presentations. You will be given the opportunity to practise for the formal exams and complete coursework to further develop your skills. All our English courses embed development of study, IT and job skills to help prepare you for study at higher levels and improve work prospects.
Do I need any prior knowledge, skills or qualifications?
Your reading and writing skills will be assessed before you join the course to make sure that the course is the right level for you.
Content
By the end of the course you will be able to:
- Read and understand a range of texts
- Identify the purpose and features of different sorts of text
- Read to identify different points of view and persuasive techniques
- Consider your audience and use appropriate style and features to produce effective texts such as notes, letters, emails, blogs, reports and leaflets
- Develop your communication skills and confidence to take part in group discussions, or give talks or presentations
- Know and use strategies to improve your spelling
- Write better sentences, using accurate grammar and punctuation so that meaning is clear
What could this course lead to?
- Progression to a higher level English course which are available at Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3, Level 1 and Level 2 Functional Skills and GCSE English Language.
- Gaining employment, an apprenticeship or voluntary work.
- Other vocational study with BAES for example Customer Service, Diploma in Healthcare Support, Computerised Accounts to improve your job skills and employability
- Further study with other providers in further or higher education
How will I learn?
- Through a combination of individual work, group work, class discussions and use of e-learning tools.
- You will have an Individual Learning Plan (eTrackr) which sets targets that are personal to you and a Career Plan to help you achieve your goals for the future
- Targets will be added throughout the course to develop your English skills and support your journey to achieve long term goals
- Your tutor will give you regular feedback on what you are doing well and what you need to do to improve
What is required of me as a learner?
You will review your learning with your tutor at least once a term.
Bring along paper, pen and ring binder plus, if possible, bring your own device (smartphone or tablet) to access online dictionaries and apps to support your English learning in class. You will also need to be prepared to do some study at home between classes. If you are enrolled on a Once a Week course or a Fast-track Learning course you are also expected to spend three hours per week on independent study.
We expect all students to attend on time and attend every session. If you are unable to attend a session, you will be required to email your tutor with the reason for non-attendance and the tutor will set additional work to be completed at home.
Support if you are registered unemployed, looking for a job or a better job – Route to Work
As part of your programme of learning, we will support you to develop the skills you need to get a job or a better job, such as CV writing, application forms, interviews and working in a team. Your tutor will discuss your individual learning and development needs to agree with you which of our Route to Work short courses will best suit your needs and enrol you onto these modules.
Useful website(s)
www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/english
https://esol.britishcouncil.org/
http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-functional-skills.html
Contact details
Get in touch with the BAES Information Line by calling 0121 303 4318 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
