Functional Skills

What are Functional Skills?

"Functional skills are practical skills in English, Mathematics and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) that allow individuals to operate confidently, effectively and independently in life and work.”

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Functional Skills in English and Maths are essential, practical qualifications for all learners aged 14 and above.

These lessons give pupils the core knowledge, skills and understanding they need to operate confidently, effectively and independently in life and at work. They are learning tools that empower our pupils to:

Apply their knowledge to everyday life situations.
Engage competently and confidently with others.
Solve problems effectively in both familiar and unfamiliar settings.
Develop personally and professionally as positive citizens who actively contribute to society.

Functional Skills in English and Maths are available to all our Key Stage 4 pupils, regardless of their chosen learning pathway.

Functional Skills Levels

Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths are available at Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3, Level 1 and Level 2. Each subject area has a set of performance standards based on three key areas:

Maths

Representing – making sense of a situation and representing it mathematically.
Analysing – processing and using maths.
Interpreting – interpreting and communicating the results of analysis.

Functional English

Speaking and listening – making an oral presentation or report.
Reading – reading and understanding information and instructions.
Writing – writing accurately so that meaning is clear.

Functional Skills Level 1

Equivalent to: A lower range of GCSE grades, approximately D-G (1-3).
Uses: Suitable for many entry-level positions and further learning, but may not be accepted where a higher GCSE grade is required.

Functional Skills Level 2

Equivalent to: GCSE grade 4/C.
Uses: Can be used for most jobs, apprenticeships and university courses.