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COURSE OVERVIEW
Functional Skills English -; Course Overview
Our Functional Skills English course is designed to help learners develop essential English skills for work and everyday life. Our offering for Level 1 and Level 2 is split into blocks of lessons, with 2 blocks being 14-weeks long and a third being 7-weeks long. The 14-week blocks can be applied for; the third 7-week block is only available to those who have applied for the second 14-week block.
This programme provides flexible learning options, allowing students to choose between:
- Online lessons via Microsoft Teams (learners will need a PC with camera and microphone)
- Face-to-face lessons at the college
Course Structure
- Lesson Duration: 2 hours
- Schedule: A variety of session times available throughout the week, including morning, afternoon, and evening slots from Monday to Friday
Additional Study
To support learning, students are expected to complete extra study outside of lessons using our online learning platform, Century. This helps reinforce key concepts and improve overall understanding.
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for those looking to improve their English skills, gain a qualification for employment or further study, or build confidence in practical English skills..
FURTHER INFORMATION
This course is available for anyone seeking to enhance their opportunities and who qualifies for the funding requirements as set out in the Costs and Equipment section.
On receiving your application, you will be sent an email inviting you to complete an Initial Assessment.
This assessment must be completed prior to starting the course and without external assistance.
The assessment is required to ascertain your current level of learning.
Please be aware that, whilst the course you are applying for states Level 2, depending on the results of your assessment, we may advise lowering your starting level to below Level 2.
If advised to start on a Functional Skills Level below Level 1, the course will run for a full academic year.
Upon passing the exam, a certificate will be sent by post to you from the awarding body.
If sitting anything below a Level 2 qualification, the option will be provided for you to move up to the next available level (this will be offered at the college’s discretion due to the funding regulations we operate by)
The Level 2 Functional Skills award is equivalent to a GCSE 4/C and is the highest level of Functional Skills available, recognised globally.
Learners on the Functional Skills English course will be assessed through a combination of ongoing learning checks and a final exam.
Ongoing Assessment
To track progress and reinforce learning, students will:
- Complete homework assignments to practice key topics.
- Use the AI-powered learning app, Century, which adapts to individual learning needs and monitors progress throughout the course.
Final Exam
At the end of the 14-week programme, learners will sit an official exam at the college, set by Pearson. The exam consists of:
- Two exam papers:
- Reading
- Writing Total exam duration: Approximately 2 hours
- A Speaking & Listening assessment (1 hour)
Costs
To qualify for full funding of the course, you must meet the following criteria:
- Do not currently hold a GCSE grade 4/C or above
- If International you must provide proof of Right to Remain.
As well as either:
Under 19
- Be in work or voluntary placement* for 20+ hours per week.(*proof required)
Or
Aged 19+
- If unemployed, provide proof of benefits.
Equipment
You will need the following equipment:
- Pens (Black)
- Dictionary
- Notebook
Applications for each block will close 2 weeks before the start, applications after the start date will not be accepted, and a new application for the next available block will be required.
Please note that you may need to take more than one block of lessons to complete the course, and you will be expected to continue until confirmation of passing the exams.
If you would like any further information or have any questions about the course, please email:
mandefsapps@chichester.ac.uk
Before applying for the course, please make sure that the qualification meets your future plans.
If applying for any Level 3 course or above it is worth checking the entry requirements.