Staff Conference 2016 – Functional Skills

Diana Muallem Tuesday 17 May 2016

Overview of Functional Skills

• Maths, English and ICT qualifications from E1 to L2• Flexible assessments, available on demand when

learners are ready- Entry level – internally marked and externally verified- Levels 1 and 2 externally set and externally marked

papers- 10 day turn around of externally marked papers

• Some contextualisation at entry level is allowed• Assessments contain real life scenarios• Extensive guidance on conduct of assessment and

marking• Can be used alongside bite size English and maths

MathematicsEntry Level - One scenario for the whole paper presented in the form of

work book with all the information provided- Workbook can be used alongside tutor mediation- Tasks can be completed on separate occasions- Centres can provide physical objects and are advised to

familiarise learners with key vocabulary- Centres are permitted to make adaptions to the assessment to

reflect the age, experience and culture of learnersLevels 1 and 2- Level 1 Two tasks of similar size each set in a different context- Level 2 Three tasks of similar size each set in a different

context

EnglishAll levels: three components- Reading- Writing- Speaking, Listening and Communication

Entry level Reading- A choice of 6 tasks. Each task comprises two short linked reading texts with

different formats and purposes- Learners must complete any 2 tasks to cover the skill standard

Entry level Writing- A choice of 6 tasks. Learners need to complete any two contrasting tasks with

different context, format and purpose

Level 1 – Reading One paper two linked reading textsLevel 2 – Reading one paper linked reading texts

Writing – Levels 1 and 2 Two tasks with different context, format and purpose

Speaking, Listening and CommunicationAt all levels learners are required to take part in two activities.

Learners must achieve all the criteria for the level across the two activities at least once.

All S,L and C assessments are pass/fail.

Centres may devise their own tasks according to clearly defined parameters – opportunity to contextualise to vocational area of study.

Timings – 15-20 mins for entry level, 30 minutes for L1 & 2. Activities may be carried out on separate occasions.

SV may visit to observe the conduct of assessments.

ICTTasks for each assessment at entry level are based around a single scenario and follow on from one another in a logical progression.

Entry level tasks have been designed in a way that enables centres to adapt them to meet local needs. This means that centres may adapt the context of a task. For example they may change the stimulus material, names and types of events but not the purpose or audience of a task. Where centres adapt a task they must use the mark scheme provided.

Extensive guidance provided on conduct of assessment including resource requirement and evidence.