Functional Skills

Entry Level 1 Functional Skills in Mathematics

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This course is designed to help learners gain confidence and competence in using mathematics for practical, real-life situations. It is ideal for individuals seeking to improve their numeracy for personal development, employment, or further study.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements. This qualification is suitable for learners of all ages who have not yet achieved a Level 2 qualification in maths.

Curriculum and Assessment

Learners will develop skills in:

• Using numbers and the number system
• Measures, shape, and space
• Handling information and data

Assessment is a single, externally set and marked assessment taken on paper or online, under supervised conditions.

Course Details

• Level: Level 1
• Minimum entry age: Pre-16
• GLH: 55 hours
• TQT: 66 hours
• Credit Value: Not applicable

Entry Level 2 Functional Skills in Mathematics

Description

This qualification helps learners apply mathematical thinking to solve problems in real-life and work-based contexts. It is equivalent to a GCSE Grade 4/C and is widely accepted by employers and education providers.

Entry requirements

Learners are recommended to have completed Level 1 Functional Skills Maths or demonstrate equivalent understanding.

Curriculum

Key areas include:

• Numbers and the number system
• Common measures, shape and space
• Data handling and analysis

The qualification is assessed through a single, externally set and marked assessment under exam conditions, either on paper or online.

Course Details

• Level: Level 2
• Minimum entry age: Pre-16
• GLH: 55 hours
• TQT: 66 hours
• Credit Value: Not applicable

Entry Level 3 Functional Skills in Mathematics

Description

Functional Skills qualifications should enable the learner to gain confidence in using mathematics, provide a foundation for progression into employment or further technical education and develop skills for everyday life, where the skills gained can be applied to solve mathematical problems. The purpose of Entry Level Functional Skills Mathematics qualifications are to demonstrate a sound grasp of the underpinning skills and basics of mathematical skills appropriate to the level, and the ability to apply mathematical thinking to solve simple problems in familiar situations

Entry requirements

There are no pre-entry requirements for this qualification and no minimum age requirement has been set for registration.

Curriculum

The assessment is divided into 2 sections. 

• Section A: The non-calculator section, which is first in the assessment, and contains 25% of the total marks. 
• Section B: The calculator section, which follows Section A, and contains 75% of the total marks. 

The pass mark is a combination of marks from both sections. A range of assessments are available for selection

Assessment

These qualifications are assessed via one externally set controlled assessment which is task-based and taken in a controlled environment. It is then internally assessed, internally quality assured and externally quality assured. Each assessment has been designed so that the tasks are realistic and relatable to everyday context.

Entry Level 1 Functional Skills in English

Description

This course develops practical reading, writing, and speaking skills for everyday and workplace communication. It's ideal for learners aiming to boost their confidence in English.

Entry requirements

No formal qualifications are required. The course is suitable for learners with basic English skills looking to progress to Level 2.

Curriculum and Assessment

The curriculum covers:

• Speaking, listening and communication
• Reading a range of texts
• Writing clearly and accurately

Assessment is split into three parts:

• One externally assessed reading paper
• One externally assessed writing paper
   

Course Details

• Level: Level 1
• Minimum entry age: Pre-16
• GLH: 55 hours
• TQT: 66 hours
• Credit Value: Not applicable

Entry Level 2 Functional Skills in English

Description

This course is suitable for learners who need to demonstrate strong English skills for work or higher education. It is equivalent to GCSE Grade 4/C and widely recognised by employers.

Entry requirements

Recommended for learners who have completed Level 1 or possess equivalent skills and understanding of English.

Curriculum and Assessment

The curriculum includes:

• Advanced reading techniques
• Structured and accurate writing
• Speaking and listening in various contexts
   

Assessment consists of:

• One reading exam (externally assessed)
• One writing exam (externally assessed)
• One speaking and listening task (internally assessed and externally moderated)

Course Details

• Level: Level 2
• Minimum entry age: Pre-16
• GLH: 55 hours
• TQT: 66 hours
• Credit Value: Not applicable

Entry Level 3 Functional Skills in English

Description

A key aim for Functional Skills English specifications is that they should enable the learner to develop confidence and fluency in, and a positive attitude towards, English. Learners should be able to demonstrate their competence in English by using it in real-world situations as well as demonstrating a sound grasp of basic English knowledge and skills. The purpose of Functional Skills English Entry Level qualifications are to demonstrate the ability at an appropriate level to read, write, speak, listen and communicate in English, and to apply this knowledge and these skills in familiar situations

Entry requirements

There are no pre-entry requirements for this qualification and no minimum age requirement has been set for registration.

Curriculum

Learners must achieve a ‘Pass’ grade in the 3 mandatory assessment

components:

• Speaking, Listening and Communicating
• Reading
• Writing

Assessment

These qualifications are assessed via 3 controlled assessments which cover: 

• Reading 
• Writing 
• Speaking, Listening and Communicating 

All assessments take place in a controlled environment. These qualifications are externally set, internally assessed, internally quality assured and externally quality assured. Each assessment has been designed so that the tasks are realistic and relatable to everyday context.

Level 1 Certificate/Award of Employability Skills

Description

This qualification is suitable for learners aged pre-16 and above.

This qualification aims to develop and enhance skills required for the working environment and improve learners’ confidence and communication skills in order to prepare them for employment or for a change in employment.

• Level:  Level 1
• Minimum entry age: Pre-16
• GLH: 90
• TQT: 150
• Credit Value: 15

Entry requirements

There are no pre-entry requirements for this qualification and no minimum age requirement has been set for registration.

Curriculum

To be awarded the NCFE Level 1 Award in Employability Skills, learners are required to achieve 6 credits as follows:

• 2 credits from Group A
• a minimum of 2 credits from Group B
• the remaining credits can be taken from Group B or C.

To be awarded the NCFE Level 1 Certificate in Employability Skills, learners are required to achieve 15 credits as follows:

• 2 credits from Group A
• the remaining credits can come from Group B or Group C (maximum of 7 credits from Group C).

Level 2 Certificate/Award in Employability Skills

Description

This qualification is suitable for pre-16 learners. This qualification aims to develop and enhance skills required for the working environment and improve learners’ confidence and communication skills in order to prepare them for employment or for a change in employment.

• Level: Level 2
• Minimum entry age: Pre-16
• GLH: 90
• TQT: 150
• Credit Value: 15

Entry requirements

There are no pre-entry requirements for this qualification and no minimum age requirement has been set for registration

Curriculum

To be awarded the Level 2 Award in Employability Skills, learners are required to achieve 6 credits as follows:  

• 2 credits from Group A 
• a minimum of 4 credits from Group B 

To be awarded the  Level 2 Certificate in Employability Skills, learners are required to achieve 15 credits as follows:  

• 2 credits from Group A  
• A minimum of 13 credits from Group B