English - Functional Skills

The English department offers Functional Skills English for students who are not ready for GCSE. Functional Skills English gives students the essential skills required for participation in life, learning and work. Throughout the course the students will be developing good communication skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening and they will be assessed whether they can use these skills in everyday situations.  The qualifications range from Entry Level 1, Entry Level 2 and Entry Level 3 to Level 1 and Level 2 and the students will be encouraged to progress and achieve as much as they are able. Functional Skills English provides the students with essential knowledge, skills and understanding that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively and independently within school and everyday life.

What is studied at Key Stage 4?

The students will study many aspects of English all based upon;

Speaking and listening – making an oral presentation or report.

Reading – reading and understanding information and instructions.

Writing – writing accurately so that meaning is clear.

The curriculum is designed to interest and inspire the students to analyse the techniques used in different styles of writing such as information texts and persuasive texts to help them produce their own.  The students will learn the importance of good grammar and how to use it correctly as well as studying a variety of extracts from numerous fiction and non-fiction sources.  Through presentations and debates, students will develop their voice within the classroom and learn the confidence required to make their opinions heard whilst listening to and questioning others.

Functional Skills English is a constant cycle of consolidation and learning new skills with the emphasis being on the students being capable of retaining and demonstrating their knowledge and understanding throughout the academic year. To maintain the pace of the curriculum and meet the demands of the course, students are required to change topic regularly.

Click here to download Year 10/11 Long Term Plan