Course details

Who is this course for

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.

The course is also suitable for learners 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.

What are the entry requirements

An initial assessment will be completed prior to enrolling onto this course to check prior knowledge and ensure you join the correct level course for you.

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 Level, learners must pass 3 assessments, which includes 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. Therefore, you should 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 (ILP) to set and review targets and provide feedback, enabling continual reflection and evaluation throughout the course. Learners will also receive verbal and/or written feedback on marked work. Also, the learners will use their 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 and 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?

Any additional costs?

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 telephone our Helpline on 01332 956565 or DALSenquiries@derby.gov.uk.

On completion of this course, you could progress to:

GCSE English Language
Functional Skill Maths
Digital Skills courses
Employability courses

Village Learning Centre

Address:
Village Learning Centre, Browning Street, Derby, DE23 8DN

Phone: 01332 956340

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:

• Fees & Reductions

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