Course Code: GB00002 English Functional Skills Next course dates Start dateLocationDuration / Fees Anytime Seasiders Learning Centre / £0 Enquire now Overview Is this course for me? What will I learn? How will I be assessed? Key information Where could this course take me? What can I use functional skills for? Education & Employment Functional skills can help you access further and higher education courses e.g. engineering or paramedic etc. If you don't have GCSE's, functional skills will meet the minimum essential criteria required for most job applications. Everyday Life Functional skills equip you with the basic skills needed to take control of your life with confidence, from handling money, to formal documents. During the pandemic, functional skills has given parents extra confidence to help children with homework too. What is functional skills English? Functional skills qualifications are equivalent to GCSE's up to a grade 'C' (or current grade '4'). As an equivalent qualification, functional skills are recognised by employers across all industries and learning institutes, such as universities. At Seasiders Learning Centre for adults (19+), functional skills courses run all year round, meaning you can start at any time during the academic year. Courses are part-time with different modes of attendance available to fit around work and busy schedules. Although most courses run for 18 weeks, attendance can be as little as once a week for a couple of hours, and it is possible to complete your course earlier based on your progress! Book an Appointment Initial Advice and Guidance appointments (IAG) are designed to assess student current capabilities, discuss learning needs, options available, complete any enrolment paperwork, and assign classes and/or start dates. These appointments are important to ensure we get every learner on to the right level of study and can help every learner to succeed. Questions? - you can call us on 01253 504693 to make an appointment or book online here Close Previous Next Seasiders Gallery Previous 1 2 3 4 Next Is this course for me? School was never my thing! There are no entry requirements, so functional skills are ideal for everybody. Functional skills can help you regain the skills you need as an adult to achieve your goals, both in your career and personal life. I have a very busy lifestyle, how can I fit in time for learning? With different modes of attendance available, there are different learning options available to fit around your busy schedule. From classroom-based learning and evening classes, to flexible online distance learning. No previous qualifications or outdated qualifications? Not a problem. Whether you didn't achieve the grades you were expecting at school, or it's been a while since you have been to school or studied, functional skills bridges the skills gap and sets you on your way to achieving your goals by increasing access to more opportunities. Functional skills are also ideal for adults who don't hold a UK recognised qualification. Entry Requirements There are no entry requirements for this course, and you can start at any level. What level? During your Initial Advice and Guidance interview, we look at your previous qualifications in English and assess your current level of capability. This will tell us what level you are working at. If your assessments show your level has dropped since your last exam, don't worry, we have ways to support your learning to get you back up to speed in no time. What is the highest level I can achieve? The highest functional skills level you can achieve is a Level 2 ('C' or '4' GCSE grade equivalent). Most employers, college and university courses will ask for a 'C' or equivalent as a minimum requirement. Functional skills are recognised qualifications across most industry sectors and educational institutes including universities. If your sector needs a higher level, functional skills are the stepping stones to higher level GCSE's. English isn't my first language, can I study functional skills? Yes. During initial advice and guidance interviews all learners are assessed. If your language skills need developing further, we can refer you to our ESOL courses (English as a Second or Other Language) for further assessment. Click the link to find out more about our ESOL courses. Find out more What other levels of functional skills are there? Equivalent Grading Structures GCSE Old Grading GCSE New Grading Functional Skills Equivalent A* 9, 8 Not available A 7 Not available B 6, 5 Not available C 4 Level 2 D 3 Level 1 E 2 Entry 3 F 1 Entry 2 G 1 Entry 1 U U Pre Entry Qualification Functional Skills English is externally assessed and accredited by the awarding body. You will receive a certificate for Functional Skills English stating the level of learning achieved. Remember your functional skills certificate is proof of your qualification. Pearson Qualifications - English I'm Pre Entry level, what can I study? At Seasiders Learning Centre, we pride ourselves on the ability to accommodate every level of learning and have classes suited to each level. Our Pre Entry English classes are ideal for learners who need to gain the basics and our tutors are highly skilled at teaching at this level. Pre Entry English will give you confidence to get started and take the fear out of reading and writing. How do I fit learning around my busy schedule? We understand how difficult it is to juggle work and home life, and still carve out enough time to do the things we want to achieve. We offer different modes of attendance so that as many people as possible can access learning. Student Learning Support When you attend your Initial Advice and Guidance interview, we will ask you about any learning difficulties you may need support with. Our learning support team will discuss your individual needs and explain what support we can offer. Check out the link for learning and financial support on the Seasiders Learning Centre home page. Find out more Classroom-based learning - this is where you attend a regular face to face daytime class at Seasiders Learning Centre once a week for 2 hours. Evening classes (online) - this is where you attend a regular class online using Microsoft Teams, so internet access and a laptop at home are necessary. Blended distance learning - there are no set class times, so you can fit when you learn around your busy schedule. Again, internet access and a laptop are necessary. All learning is online and you arrange contact with your tutor for one to one or group workshops. See our Blended Learning page for more details. Blended Learning If you can't commit to a regular class time and have the self-discipline required for distance learning, click the link to find out more about how blended learning could fit in to your busy lifestyle. Find out more Book an Appointment Initial Advice and Guidance appointments (IAG) are designed to assess student current capabilities, discuss learning needs, options available, complete any enrolment paperwork, and assign classes and/or start dates. These appointments are important to ensure we get every learner on to the right level of study and can help every learner to succeed. Questions? - you can call us on 01253 504693 to make an appointment or book online here PLEASE NOTE - these appointments are for English, Maths and Computer Skills. If you require ESOL or Employability Skills, please telephone 01253 504693 to make a separate appointment. Online Bookings Student Testimonials "Coming to Seasiders has helped me improve my confidence, both in myself and ability to learn. I didn't think it was possible for me to achieve my Level 2 English and now, I'm starting a Childcare course. Without my functional skills this wouldn't have been possible" "The teachers at Seasiders are really good at what they do. I didn’t think I would ever complete a FS course but now I can’t get enough of learning. I started last year with English and I have since enrolled onto both Maths and ICT. Seasiders is a great learning centre and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to further themselves." "Getting my functional skills qualifications has really helped me grow as a person, I’ve recently started a new job and I am looking forward to moving on in my life. I want to prove to my family that I can do well." Prev Next What will I learn? Reading and Writing You will learn how to improve your writing skills, make sense of language and texts, and recognise their use both formally and informally to communicate more effectively. You will learn how to improve your spelling, use of punctuation, and grammar. Speaking, Listening and Communicating You will learn how to communicate more effectively and present arguments for discussion to develop sound ideas and opinions. Learning and Teaching Methods The course is delivered over 18 weeks, where learners will take part in regular weekly sessions using a variety of different teaching methods such as written tasks, discussion and quizzes. Classroom-based sessions are two hours a week (four hours on our fast-track sessions) and will have addition of homework or online learning each week for normally 1-2 hours. Towards the end of the course, you may get a practice exam to complete to help prepare you for the final assessment. What will I learn? Depending on your individual level of study, the complexity of the content will increase as your level of learning increases. The basic principles of reading, writing and communicating are built on as your level increases. The basis of functional skills English is to give you the competency and confidence to apply the skills you learn at work, and in your every day life from writing texts, letters, emails and filling in forms, to discussing complex issues with confidence to communicate effectively with friends, family and work colleagues. What books do I need? All we ask is that you come prepared to learn with the basics. You will need a pen, some paper and maybe a folder to keep everything in; a dictionary would also be very useful. As part of your course, you will be supplied with a textbook appropriate to your level, which you can keep at the end of the course. Functional Skills English topics include: Speaking, Listening and Communicating - Following instructions and extract relevant information from text. Use appropriate language and terms to respond to others and ask questions. Communicate facts and opinions effectively and by contributing and participating in discussions. Reading - Reading and understanding text. Writing - correct use of punctuation, spelling, and grammar to compose written phrases and sentences. Qualification If you would like to know more about the course content you can visit the curriculum website for Functional Skills English. Functional Skills English is externally assessed and accredited by the awarding body. Pearson Qualifications - English I want to progress quickly, can I do this? It's not uncommon for learners to approach us with urgency; for example, requiring a Level 2 by September enabling individuals to enrol on to other courses. Your tutor can support your progress by offering suitable resources for learning, but a quick result will depend on the extra time and effort needed to achieve your goals. Our academic year ends at the end of July and starts again fully in September so we would strongly encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment. Questions? Contact a member of the Seasiders team, who can advise you on the best route to achieve your goals. Contact us Meet The Team Our English specialist teaching team are here to help you achieve your goals. Assessments Before You Start During your initial advice and guidance interview, we will ask about any current/previous qualifications you may have. We also assess every learner using the BKSB assessment portal to establish your current level so we can place you in the right class. During Your Course Throughout your course, tutors use a range of formal and informal assessment methods. e.g. quizzes, practice tests and exams. When your tutor is confident you are ready, you will sit a formal exam. Assessment of Prior Learning Nationwide assessment portal for Functional Skills (BKSB) is used to assess your current capabilities in English. It will present you with questions on spelling, grammar, punctuation, reading and writing skills. During your initial advice and guidance interview, you will complete two assessments (so it's important to allow enough time for your appointment to complete these; giving you time to think, and do your best). Initial Assessment - this assessment will give us an overview of your level in Functional Skills English. Diagnostic Assessment - this assessment digs deeper to provide your tutor with a detailed picture of your strengths and weaknesses, so that your tutor can ensure you get the best from your course. Assessing Prior Learning BKSB Log in for Blackpool & the Fylde College. Your tutor may also use this platform to provide you with learning resources. BKSB Log in Formative Assessments Formative assessments are things like classroom quizzes. Your tutor will give these to you to complete as part of your course, and lets your tutor know how well you are learning and progressing. For example, you may be struggling with spelling, so your tutor will periodically test your spelling knowledge and capability as you learn to make sure your spelling is improving. These assessments can help to improve your learning experience and ensure you are on the right track to success. Qualification Functional skills English follows the Pearson qualification framework. You can find out more here. Pearson Summative Assessment Exams are usually taken at the end of the course. However, if your tutor feels you are ready to take an exam earlier, then it is possible to complete the course earlier than expected. To prepare you for your exam, your tutor will provide you with a 'practice exam'. Exams can take place on paper, or online, and when booked are usually held at Seasiders and staffed by an independent invigilator. Learning Support for Exams If you have requested learning support, this will be organised with you before you start the course. Extra time for exams, or extra resources are also considered and arranged well in advance of your exam date. Student Learning Support Tuition Fees, Costs and Equipment Provided you have not achieved a level higher than the one you want to apply for, Functional Skills English courses are FREE. Tuition fees would apply to anybody not eligible for funding. The finance team can provide you with further guidance regarding course fees. Extra costs from equipment are minimal with an expectation of pen, paper, dictionary, and folder. You will be provided with a free text book and resources. Financial Support Financial support is available for eligible students on low incomes. You will need to provide evidence to support your claim. For most financial support, your annual HOUSEHOLD income is considered and needs to be below the threshold (currently £25,000) BURSARY - Visit the finance page to see if you are eligible for a bursary (up to £60 per month) to help with learning costs FREE BUS PASS - You may even be eligible for a free bus pass - terms and conditions apply FREE healthy breakfast - available to all students at Seasiders FREE meals* *FREE meal vouchers are exclusive to eligible students on low household incomes attending Seasiders Learning Centre. Catering facilities at Seasiders are limited to vending drinks and snacks so, if you are eligible you will receive a meal voucher once every two weeks to spend at your local supermarket. The voucher helps with the cost of lunch on the days you attend college. See the attached documents for more details, or contact our admin team on 01253 504224 or Seasiders staff to check your eligibility and find out how to apply. Tuition Fees & Financial Support Visit our finance page for more details about adult learner tuition fees and other financial support for 19+ learners. To qualify for financial support, you will need to provide evidence of household income, such as Universal Credit statements or a P60. Click here for more details or telephone the contact number for advice. Adult Learning Fees (19+) Free Meals* How To Use Your eCheque and eVouchers.pdf Adobe PDF, 739.14 KB Voucher Links and eVoucher FAQ's.pdf Adobe PDF, 380.27 KB Learning Support Learning support can be offered to learners who are eligible. If you feel you may need additional learning support or want to find out if you may be eligible visit our student support page for more information. Learning Support Explore our student support pages for more information on learning support. Student Support Where could this course take me? Functional Skills English (Level 2) will enable you to access more employment and education opportunities. It will enable you to apply for courses needed to progress within a particular industry e.g. as a paramedic, as an engineer, in retail and hospitality etc. The list is endless! If you already have the industry skills but lack the basic skills, Functional Skills English will put you on an even footing with other job applicants and meets the requirements of most job applications. We would also recommend Functional Skills Maths too! Functional Skills English proves to an employer or university that you know how to communicate effectively. Whether it's writing a report for work, or an essay for your course. Functional skills English gives you the confidence and competency to reach for and achieve your goals. Contact us