1. PRE - RELEASE INFORMATION For CPD Activity The Basic Principles of Functional Skills. Duncan Griffiths

2. DEFINITION Functional skills are practical skills in English, mathematics, and information and communication technology (ICT) that allow individuals to work confidently, effectively and independently in life. (Last updated 26 September 2007) http://www.qca.org.uk/qca_6062.aspx

3. TRANSFERABLE SKILLS The mathematics FS standards are essentially concerned with developing and recognising the ability of learners to apply and transfer skills in ways that are appropriate to their situation”. QCA - 26 September 2007

4. Features of Functional Skills The level of a functional skills qualification is determined by: the complexity of situations and activities the technical demand associated with these activities a learner’s level of familiarity with the task or activity the level of independence with which a learner can complete the activity

5. Assessment of Functional Skills Assessment will be based primarily on task- based scenario questions with a limited duration and delivered in a controlled environment. The assessments will use and reinforce skills-based, problem solving learning techniques. (Last updated 26 September 2007) http://www.qca.org.uk/qca_6062.aspx

6. CONTENT The content that a learner engages with for a level 2 functional task or activity, for example, could be from a range of higher or lower levels. It is the application of the content, the process skills, the outcome, and the interplay of the level differentiation factors that determine the level, and not the content in isolation. http://www.qca.org.uk/libraryAssets/media/QCA-07-3472-functional-skills_standards.pdf