Course details

Course Title:

English Functional Skills Levels 1 & 2 (Fast Track)

Course Number:

SKA93003

Venue:

Allen Park Centre

Learning Area:

Level:

Start Date:

11 September 2025

End Date:

05 December 2025

Session Time(s):

13:00 - 15:30

Total Hours:

60

Class Size:

Between 8 and 15 learners

Who is this course for

FEES  almost all of our maths and English classes are fully funded meaning you will not need to pay fees. When you click apply now, use the drop down box to select the 'Full remission' option and this will zero the fees. Our staff will provide more information once you've booked your assessment.
The course is suitable for learners who wish to be recognised for their achievement of a wide range of practical English skills for use in everyday life or who would like to improve their confidence and skills with all areas of the English language.
English Functional Skills are benchmark qualifications required by many employers and recognised nationally.
Level 1 and 2 qualifications will improve your everyday English skills to a more advanced level and allow learners to progress onto higher levels of English Functional Skills or GCSE.

What are the entry requirements

To join a functional skills class at Level 1 or Level 2 you will usually have completed functional skills, Entry Level 3 or Level 1 respectively, or be working at that standard in your reading, writing and speaking and listening.
An initial assessment will be completed prior to enrolling onto this course to check prior knowledge, identify any skills gaps and ensure you join the correct level course for you. 
If English is your second language, you may be asked to join an ESOL English for Speakers of Other Languages class instead of a Functional Skills English course depending on your current level of English skills. This is because ESOL is specially designed to help improve English speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills for non-native speakers with a much greater focus on pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary building and syntax.

What will I be learning

Functional skills Level 1 and Level 2 courses enable learners to speak, listen, communicate, read and write clearly, accurately and effectively in a range of situations.
There are 3 components to the course
Speaking, listening and communication
Take full part in formal and informal discussions and exchanges that include unfamiliar subjects.
Make relevant and extended contributions to discussions, allowing for and responding to others input.
Present information and points of view clearly and in appropriate language
Reading
Identify and understand the main points, ideas and details in texts.
Compare information, ideas and opinions in different texts.
Identify meanings in texts and distinguish between fact and opinion.
Recognise that language and other textual features can be varied 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 and use organisational and structural features e.g. index, menus, subheadings, paragraphs
Infer from images meanings not explicit in the accompanying text.
Recognise vocabulary typically associated with specific types and purposes of texts e.g. formal, informal, instructional, descriptive, explanatory and persuasive
Read and understand a range of specialist words in context.
Use punctuation to aid understanding of straightforward texts.
Analyse texts, of different levels of complexity, recognising their use of vocabulary and identifying levels of formality and bias.
Writing
Write a range of texts to communicate information, ideas and opinions, using formats and styles suitable for their purpose and audience.
Communicate information, ideas and opinions clearly, coherently and effectively.
Present information in a logical sequence.
Use correct grammar, including correct and consistent use of tense.
Use format, structure and language appropriate for audience and purpose.
Ensure written work includes generally accurate punctuation and spelling and that meaning is clear in more than one type of text.
Write consistently and accurately using complex sentences.

How will I be assessed and supported

To achieve functional skills English you must pass three assessments, reading, writing and speaking and listening. These assessments are a mandatory part of the course. Assessment dates will be confirmed in due course, please note that exams assessments are fixed and may not be at the same time/day/venue as your usual class session. So, please make any necessary work or childcare arrangements well in advance to ensure you are able to attend.
At DALS, we use an Individual Learning Plan to set and review targets and provide feedback, enabling continual reflection and evaluation throughout the course. You will also receive verbal and written feedback on marked work. you will use your ILP to help track and monitor their own progress towards set goals, to support personal development and achievement.
At enrolment, it is important that you tell us if you have a learning difficulty or disability which may require support. Learners declaring a support need will be referred for an assessment. If an enhanced support need is confirmed, a Support Package will be offered, to assist your progress in your learning and development, specific to your assessed needs.

What do I need to bring?

You will need to bring basic stationery including pens, a notebook and a folder.  You will also need an English dictionary

Any additional costs?

There are no costs for the course. However, there will now be a requirement for candidates to pay for re-sits in Functional Skills exams.  This will include anyone who does not arrive for their exam in these instances you must pay for the second and any subsequent exams in the same subject.

What can this course lead to

We have lots of courses planned to ensure you have a variety of progression routes. If you are interested in another course, please ask for more information or contact us on:
Phone 01332 956565
Email DALSenquiries@derby.gov.uk
Relay UK  18001 01332 956565
On completion of this course, you could progress to
The next step in your English Functional Skills GCSE
Maths Functional Skills
Employability courses
Digital Skills courses
A vocational course

Allen Park Centre

Address:
Allen Park Centre, Allen Street, Boulton, Derby, DE24 9DE

Phone: 01332 956350

Enrol Now

Online

You can enrol onto this course now using our online secure website:
Enrol Now

In person

You can pop into any of our centres to enrol:

Village Learning Centre - Browning Street, Derby, DE23 8DN

Opening Times: Mon - Fri 9 – 4.30pm and Weds/Thurs evenings until 8.30pm.

Derby Multicultural Centre – Dairyhouse Road, Derby, DE23 8HN

Opening times: Mon - Fri 9 – 5pm and Mon/Tues evenings until 8.30pm.

Allen Park Centre - Allen Park Centre, Allen Street, Allenton, Derby, DE24 9DE

Opening times: Mon to Fri 9am to 4pm

Kedleston Road Training Centre - 184 Kedleston Road, Derby, DE22 1GT

Opening times: Mon - Fri 9 – 4pm and Mon evening until 8.30pm.

By telephone

Enquiries: 01332 956565

By Email

DALSenquiries@derby.gov.uk

You can also see more information on:

Note: Please bring evidence of eligibility for fee reduction to the first class.