Functional English

All learners in Post 16 have some functional English in their timetable. 

For Informal and Semi-Formal learners, sensory stories form the heart of pupils’ learning. Pupils explore sensory stimuli related to stories about their topic, developing their communication skills through an intensive interaction approach to learning. Communication is interwoven throughout the day in the Informal Pathway as pupils are encouraged to make choices from objects, symbols, colours and activities. The ability to voice their choices and communicate their wants and needs are highly valued as we seek to best prepare pupils for adulthood. The functional curriculum for learners with SEND focuses on improving a learner’s reading, writing, speaking and listening ability within the context of common every day and social situations. 

Some Semi Formal and most Formal learners will take external accreditation in Functional English. Functional Skills qualifications provide reliable evidence of a learner’s achievements against demanding content that is relevant to the workplace. The qualifications assess learners’ underpinning subject knowledge and their ability to apply this knowledge to different contexts. They provide a foundation for progression to employment and further technical education, and they help learners to develop skills for everyday life.

Qualification purpose

The Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills Qualifications in English at Entry Levels 1, 2 and 3 are for learners to develop understanding and skills in English.

The qualifications give learners the opportunity to:

• demonstrate the ability at an appropriate level to read, write, speak, listen and communicate in English

• apply this knowledge and these skills in familiar situations.
• achieve a foundation for further study at Levels 1 and 2.

Qualification aims and outcomes

The qualifications give learners the opportunity to:

• listen, understand and respond to verbal communication in a range of familiar contexts

• acquire an understanding of everyday words and their uses and effects, and apply this understanding in different contexts

• read with accuracy straightforward texts encountered in everyday life and work, and develop confidence to read more widely

• write straightforward texts and documents with clarity and effectiveness, and demonstrate a sound grasp of spelling, punctuation and grammar.