Who is this course for?
Functional Skills qualifications in English are ideal for learners wishing to develop practical, transferable skills in English in order to work confidently, effectively and independently in life. They are suitable for a wide range of individuals and are fundamental to the successful completion of various wider qualifications and frameworks, such as Foundation Learning, apprenticeships, traineeships and T-Levels.

How do I enrol?
To apply for this course online at www.oncoursesouthwest.co.uk and simply click on the 'How to Enrol' button and complete the Enrolment Form and one of our customer service team will be in touch or call to speak to one of our friendly Learning Advisors on 01752 660713. We will ask you to come in to complete an initial and diagnostic assessment, as this will give you and us a clear idea of your ideal starting point and needs. Don't worry! This is not an exam but a means of ensuring we get you off to a great start.

Course aims
The aim of Functional Skills English qualification is to demonstrate the ability at an appropriate level to read, write, speak, listen and communicate in English, and to apply this knowledge and these skills in familiar situations. The objectives for the courses are: 1. Listen, understand and make relevant contributions to discussions with others in a range of contexts. 2. Apply your understanding of language to adapt delivery and content to suit audience and purpose. 3. Read a range of different text types confidently and fluently, applying your knowledge and understanding of texts to your own writing. 4. Write texts of varying complexity, with accuracy, effectiveness, and correct spelling, punctuation and grammar. 5. Understand the situations when, and audiences for which, planning, drafting and using formal language are important, and when they are less important.

Qualification
NCFE Functional Skills English. These qualifications are assessed in three parts: *Reading *Writing *Speaking, Listening and Communicating. Your reading and writing skills will be assessed by completing two exam papers. The speaking, listening and communicating assessment entails taking part in group discussions, one-to-one interviews, short presentations and your ability to both ask and answer questions with your fellow learners.

How will this course be delivered?
The content of the sessions will be a combination of presentations, group and individual activities, group discussions and individual support as required. Course materials will be a mix of paper-based and online resources, textbooks and, towards the end of the course, plenty of practice papers!

Will I need to study or practise outside the classroom?
Formal home learning will be set on a regular basis and feedback will be given to help you improve. There is a considerable amount of work for you to do in your own time to ensure you are successful in achieving this qualification. Please allow a minimum of two hours per week for extra study.

How will I know I'm making progress?
Your tutor will set objectives for each session and give feedback on how you are progressing. You will agree personal targets as part of your Individual Learning Plan (ILP), and you will review your targets throughout the course to check your own progress.

What will I need for the course?
You will need a pen, A4 paper and a file or folder to keep your work in one place. Access to a PC or laptop is essential for online courses and recommended, but not essential, for traditional, classroom based courses. Access at home to a dictionary and thesaurus will aid you in the tasks set by your tutor.

Progression
Look out for information regarding follow on courses. Depending on your starting point, you will be able to progress through the various levels of Functional Skills English and then to GCSE English. As a Functional Skills Level 2 qualification is the equivalent of a Grade 4 GCSE, gaining a Level 2 will also give you access to further and higher education opportunities of both a vocational and academic nature. Learning Advisors will be happy to provide you with information on your next steps after this course. Visit our website at www.oncoursesouthwest.co.uk or contact us on 01752 660713 to discuss or to make an appointment.

Career opportunities
Embarking on a Functional Skills English course will widen your opportunities for future success. At the very least, taking up our offer will provide you with a valuable addition to your CV. Entering the world of adult education is no mere feat. As adults, we all have responsibilities and commitments that did not exist when we were of school age. If you can succeed in adult education whilst honouring your existing commitments, you will provide potential employers with the evidence that you have the drive, commitment and time-management skills that are required of a member of the modern workforce.

Please Note:
Most courses attract a subsidy from the Education and Skills Funding Agency and can be used to match funding for ESF. It is a requirement of the ESFA that you complete various forms at different stages of your course, further information is available on request. Courses are subject to a minimum number of enrolments and could be cancelled if recruitment is low. In some cases, an alternative class at a different location may be offered. Room numbers are subject to change - please check when you arrive at the venue.