Functional Skills
The TQUK Functional Skills qualifications in English at Level 1 and Level 2 are qualifications regulated by Ofqual. Functional Skills qualifications are designed to provide reliable evidence of a Learner’s achievements against demanding content that is relevant to the workplace. They also provide a foundation for progression into employment or further technical education and develop skills for everyday life. The TQUK Functional Skills qualifications in English at Level 1 and Level 2 enable each 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.
Purpose of each qualification:
The purpose of all Functional Skills qualifications in English for Level 1 and Level 2 is to provide a qualification for work, study and life. The achievement of each qualification demonstrates the ability at an appropriate level to read, write, speak, listen and communicate in English, and to apply these skills effectively to a range of purposes in the workplace and in other real-life situations.
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes for each qualification Functional Skills qualifications in English at Level 1 and Level 2 indicate that Learners should be able to speak, listen, communicate, read and write clearly, accurately, confidently and with effectiveness. Learners should be able to: • listen, understand and make relevant contributions to discussions with others in a range of contexts • apply their understanding of language to adapt delivery and content to suit audience and purpose • read a range of different text types confidently and fluently, applying their knowledge and understanding of texts to their own writing • write texts of varying complexity, with accuracy, effectiveness, and correct spelling, punctuation and grammar • understand the situations when, and audiences for which, planning, drafting and using formal language are important, and when they are less important. Learners should be able to use these functional skills autonomously, applying them to a range of formal and informal contexts, in the workplace and in real life.
Entry requirements for each qualification:
There are no set age requirements for taking Functional Skills assessments but do consider learner maturity and their readiness for assessment when entering them for these tests. Formative assessments should guide your choice regarding the appropriate level at which to enrol learners.
Progression
Learners who achieve the TQUK Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1 could progress to:
- GSCE English Language • further study for general or vocational qualifications at a suitable level • further study at Level 2 (for example, the TQUK Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 2).
- Learnerswho achieve the TQUK Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 2 could progress to
- GSCE English Language • further study for general or vocational qualifications at a suitable level. Successful Learners may be able to apply for (or supplement various job roles) upon completion of either qualification.
Structure
The TQUK Functional Skills qualifications in English at Level 1 and Level 2 do not follow the typical qualification structure of other regulated qualifications. There are no regulated units in these qualifications. In order to pass each qualification, Learnerswill need to meet the requirements outlined in the assessment strategy before the qualification certificate can be awarded (as a ‘Pass’ or ‘Fail’). Assessment components, weighting and the wider assessment process are outlined in ‘Section 2: Assessment’.