Functional skills English (Level 1/Level 2)

Overview

This is an English language course where you are able to gain a Level 1 or Level 2 Functional Skills English qualification. It is ideal for adults who need English for employment, training or progression.

You will develop practical reading, writing and spoken communication skills for everyday life, work and further study. You will learn what makes texts effective and how to find and use different kinds of information. You will practise writing clear, well-structured texts (such as emails, letters, reports or reviews) using accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar. You will also build confidence in speaking, listening, presenting ideas and contributing to discussions.

Classes are face to face, small and welcoming. You’ll work with a group and on your own. You’ll be taught by friendly, experienced English tutors who use a wide range of learning resources to support your progress and provide practical guidance. Your tutor will also suggest homework to develop your skills further. Sessions will take place at the Retreat (Salvation Army) in Ilfracombe.

Entry requirements

This course is free. To enrol, you will first need to talk to one of our friendly Learning Advisers. They will arrange a meeting and give you some simple tasks to carry out to make sure that this is the right course for you and your skill level. To make an appointment with our team, please contact your local Learn Devon centre.

Assessment criteria

Your tutor will give you spoken and written feedback to help you make progress, and you will both use an Individual Learning Plan to keep a record of your learning. There will be three exams. The speaking, listening and communicating exam will be carried out during your class with your tutor. However, the reading and writing exams take place once a month in our centres, and you will need to attend them outside of your class.

What do I need?

You need to attend sessions regularly and take part in class activities.

Access to the internet at home can be helpful for extra practice and learning resources.

You will need a pen and a notebook or A4 folder to keep your work organised. Highlighters and access to a paper English dictionary would also be useful.

What can I do next?

You can make progress by taking Pearson Functional Skills English qualifications up to Level 2 (a Learning Adviser can explain this to you when you speak to them). When you are successful at Level 2, you can take an English GCSE qualification. Learn Devon are also able to offer courses in Digital Skills, Maths and Skills & Development.

Funding information

This course is being funded by the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (DTCCA). To be able to provide you with this opportunity we need to ensure that you are eligible for funding and have to collect personal data for government monitoring of funding. You must live in Devon and have been normally resident in the UK for the past 3 years and have a legal right to receive this funding. In addition to this you must NOT have previously achieved a grade 4 (C) or above in this subject and take part in an initial assessment to discover your current level. If you are not eligible for any reason, we will have to charge you fees to be able to provide this learning opportunity.