English Functional Skills (Level 1)

What is the course about?

Our Functional skills English Level 1 course will support you in developing your reading, writing and communication skills for both work and education.

What will we cover?

We will cover a range of topics needed to do well on Functional Skills Level 1. These will include how to:

• communicate information, ideas and opinions clearly and accurately
• express opinions and arguments and support them with evidence
•follow and understand discussions and make relevant contributions
• identify and understand the main points, ideas and details in written texts
• distinguish between fact and opinion
• recognise different types of vocabulary such as formal, informal, instructional, descriptive, explanatory and persuasive
• use a range of punctuation correctly e.g. full stops, question marks, exclamation marks, commas, possessive apostrophes
• use correct grammar e.g. subject-verb agreement, consistent use of different tenses
• spell words used most often in work, study and daily life, including specialist words
• write consistently and accurately in complex sentences, using paragraphs where appropriate.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

The course prepares you to pass the Pearson English Functional skills Level 1 qualification. It has three key units.

Unit 1: Speaking, Listening and Communication

The skills you will practise for this unit include:

• Identifying information and responding to questions
• Communicating, expressing opinions and using effective language
• Contributing to discussions and adapting contributions to suit audience, purpose and medium


Unit 2: Reading

The skills you will practise for this unit include:

• Distinguishing fact from opinion
• Comparing information, ideas and opinions
• Using a dictionary and thesaurus to understand a range of specialist words in context and how to research them
• Comparing and contrasting different texts
• Identifying features and devices used in a text


Unit 3: Writing

The skills you will practise for this unit include:

• Using correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar
• Applying formal and informal language in different texts
• Writing to argue, persuade, advise, inform and describe
• Organising writing using the correct layout, format and structure for various texts such as emails, reviews and letters

Each unit has an exam, the speaking and listening exam is conducted at the end of the unit and the reading and writing exam takes place at the end of the course.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an accredited course, so you must sit the exam and complete the qualification. If you do not want to do the exam, please apply for the ‘Getting Ready for Functional Skills English Level 1 course.' You need to be working towards Level 1 during your initial assessment. You also need to be able to commit to atteding your classes every week and have the time and dedication to work outside the classroom.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will learn in a supportive and welcoming environment. The tutor will help you discover rules and features of the English language. You will work on your own and with other students. You will learn in a step-by-step manner so you can complete challenging tasks in enjoyable and relaxing ways. Your tutor will also work with you individually, so you know how to improve. You will need to do work outside the classroom and use Google Classroom to help you.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You will need a lined A4 writing pad or notebook, a pen, a folder for assignments and any other appropriate stationery. You will be expected to maintain a course folder of handouts and your assignments. You will also submit work through Google Classroom, so you will need access to a computer. If you are on a low income, you may be able to apply to the Bursary Fund for help with the costs of the course (e.g. fares, books, materials).

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Once students have achieved their Level 1 Functional Skills English qualifications, they can progress onto the Level 2 Functional Skills course or GCSE English.