1. Family Learning Event An Introduction by Susannah Chambers (Development Manager – Family Learning, ACLS)

2. Family Learning – Contexts 1.National 2.Regional 3.Local 7 Wonders!

3. Why Are We Here? Aims and objectives of event (split into morning and afternoon workshops)

4. Itinerary Structure of day Housekeeping (toilets, fire drill) Event evaluation Post-event vision

5. Fully Functional Michael Reid will lead our morning workshop: The Functional Skills agenda Shift from Skills for Life to Functional Skills… … but Skills for Life elements are still important on the planning! Changes in assessment (beyond September 2012) Functional Skills standards (what are they and how do we apply them in family learning provision)? What are the opportunities and pitfalls to plan for at this transition point?

6. Why Functional Skills? Replacement to Skills for Life/ALAN/Key Skills 2006 Leitch review of skills 5 million adults lack ‘functional’ literacy 7 million adults lack ‘functional’ numeracy Feedback from employers and educators Alternative to GCSE Transferable skills essential for everyday functionality at work, home and independence Replace Skills for Life from 1 st September 2012

7. What are Functional Skills? Unlisted, Stand alone qualifications 30 – 45 Guided Learning Hours Ranges from Entry 1 to Level 2 in maths, English and ICT Problem based scenarios rather than 1 mark questions 25% maximum multiple choice Is still related to the Adult Literacy/Numeracy Core Curricula, testing most of the same skills

8. What are Functional Skills? Functional Skills criteria – assessments must: Provide realistic contexts, scenarios and problems Require application of knowledge, skills and understanding for a purpose Require problem solving that assess process skills and the outcome of their application in different contexts Consist entirely or predominantly of open response questions

9. Differences to Key Skills Key Skills CommunicationFunctional Skills English Portfolio (internally marked, externally moderated) Writing assessment (formal and informal e.g. letter, article, email) Multiple choice test based on specific aspects of English Reading assessment (reading documents and questions) Speaking and Listening assessments (internally marked, externally moderated) Dictionaries are allowed

10. Differences to Key Skills Key Skills Application of Number Functional Skills Maths Portfolio (internally marked, externally moderated) End assessment Calculators are allowed Multiple choice test based on specific aspects of maths

11. Our Story So Far June 2010 - Anxiety over the switch, awaiting further information September 2010 – End of national pilot - made the decision to switch Autumn 2010 – Research of AOs, various exam papers, resources, LSIS events, full staff events. Approval to deliver via City and Guilds January 2011 – All students working towards FS in all 3 subjects. April 2011 – First certifications. Development of Schemes of Work and Session Plans mapped to the core curricula was carried out during the whole process.

12. Functional Skills – Key Requirements Whole Organisation Approach - Events Rigorous initial and diagnostic assessment (ForSkills/BKSB) Individual learning plans Specialist tutors. Although no specific maths/English/ICT qualifications are necessary A well planned programme of study Encourages learners to ‘think’ Practice assessment questions

13. Assessment of Functional Skills A variety of awarding organisations to choose from Important to find the ‘right’ one for you On-demand, on-screen and paper based assessments Entry level is internally assessed and verified Levels 1 and 2 externally assessed 3 parts to English: Reading, Writing and Speaking and Listening Internal and external verification processes

14. Opportunities and Strengths Valued by employers and colleges A better qualification with more integrity Start from fresh Adapt old resources Create new and exciting resources, session plans and schemes of work A wealth of online resources to use or adapt Learner buy-in and motivation Students see the relevance Our staff and students prefer it! More achievements More effective teaching and learning Bloom’s Taxonomy

15. Potential Pitfalls Reluctance to change Choosing the right awarding organisation Seeking approval Costs associated with re-sits Lack of assessment and verification structure Insufficient initial assessment Planning Audit trail for funding purposes

16. Question comparison Skills for Life A worker has her own transport. She claimed travel allowance for using her car on 6 journeys. What is the average travel allowance she claimed last week? (1 mark) a)£5.20 b)£5.00 c)£2.80 d)£2.40 A:£2.40 B:£2.80 C:£5.20 D:£2.80 E:£8.00 F:£8.80 Total:£30

17. Question comparison Functional Skills Mary and John are deciding where to go on holiday. They would like to go to the warmest. Compare the data below. Where should Mary and John go? Show all of your working and justify your answer. (8 marks) Average Daytime Temperature in June CornwallSkegnessBlackpool 201120° C21° C18° C 201018° C15° C20° C 200919° C16° C 200818° C20° C 200720° C

18. Task The percentage handout is a good way to assess a learner’s knowledge of percentage but does not adequately assess understanding, problem solving skills or their ability to apply percentages. How can this resource be made more ‘functional’? In pairs, create a percentage resource that does assess understanding, application and problem solving.

19. Mapping Task Do not throw away your blue or green books! Using the resource you have just created, map this to the Adult Literacy and Numeracy Core Curricula. Then map it to the Functional Skills standards.