1 Functional Skills Update

2 Qualification development and reform Functional skills (FS) are a key part of educational reform programme which includes the following: –Diplomas –Foundation Learning Tier (FLT) –Existing 14 – 19 qualifications –Key Stage 3 revision –Modernisation of the exam process –Vocational qualifications reform

3 What are Functional Skills? Functional skills are practical skills in English, mathematics and information and communication technology (ICT) that allow individuals to operate confidently, effectively and independently in life. (QCA) For further clarification on Functional Skills Visit your questions answered on the QCA website

4 The White Paper also stated that: Achievement of GCSE English, Maths and ICT at grade C or above will not be possible without achievement of the relevant functional skill at level 2 Achievement of functional skills will be a requirement for achievement of the Diplomas Functional Skills will be available as a stand-alone qualification

5 Why are they being introduced? To address employers concerns that young people and adults are not achieving a firm grounding in English, Maths and ICT ( Education and Skills White Paper)

6 Employers and educators identified these skills as vital for enabling young people and adults to have the practical skills to succeed in further learning, employment and life in modern society. To ensure all young people and adults are able to develop these vital skills. To support raised attainment.

7 QCA Stand alone pilots only 3 year Pilots for Maths, English and ICT Entry 1 to Level 2 Requirement of Diplomas GCSE Integrated pilot postponed Embedded into BTECs

8 National benchmarks and targets for functional skills –Level 2 in English, maths and ICT Adults (Leitch agenda) –Level 1 English –Entry 3 maths –ICT – no target

9 How will Functional Skills fit with the Key Skills/Basic Skills? –FS stand-alone qualifications suitable for both young people and adults (from 2011 onwards). –Expected to replace existing key and basic skills key skills qualifications at levels 1 and 2. Basic skills qualifications in literacy, numeracy (ALAN) & ICT. –These qualifications will remain until at least 2010 (certification until 2012).

10 How will Functional Skills fit with the new Diplomas? –Form an integral part of the Diplomas from 2008 –Will be a mandatory part of the generic learning –Learners will be required to achieve FS: at level 1 for Diplomas at level 1 at level 2 for Diplomas at levels 2 and 3

11 Functional Skills and GCSEs The intention is that a pass in Functional Skills at level 2 will be a requirement for the awarding of the GCSE (English, Maths and ICT) at grade C or above, when the revised qualifications are introduced in September 2010.

12 What about GCSEs? Current GCSE + FS pilots in English and ICT have been postponed by QCA From 2010 hurdles will operate for Grade C and above Possibility of GCSE pilots in the next year watch this space

13 Current position –National pilots will commence in September 2007 –Approx 1200 centres will take part in the pilots –Each awarding body will be offering different functional skills qualifications to ensure that there is coverage across levels and subjects –Stand-alone qualifications will be set and marked by awarding bodies –Centres that are a nominated FS centre and are through the Gateway can take part in the pilot

14 Time line for Pilot Sept 2007: First teaching for stand alone pilots June 2008: First assessment opportunity Sept 2008: Functional Skills will be included in the Diplomas Sept 2010:Functional Skills for Maths, English and ICT will be an hurdle to achieving GCSE grade C 2011 ……: Phasing out of existing key skills and adult literacy and numeracy qualifications commences

15 More Information Visit these websites: Department for Children, Schools and Families QCA LSN

16 Ideas for modelling your curriculum edding/ Another good source y/ab.htm More Information

17 What else can I do to prepare? Have a look at the FS standards on the QCA website: The standards are being used by awarding bodies to develop the FS pilot qualifications but will be of interest to a wider audience

18 Why should you join a pilot? Get ahead Opportunity to shape and influence the new qualifications to ensure what is develops provides you with the best possible solution to meet your needs and those of your students

19 The Dates for Functional Skills training are: Day 1 & Day 2 Tuesday/Wednesday 04 th & 5 th of March 2008 Day 3 Wednesday 14 th of May 2008 Day 4 Monday 30 th of June 2008

20 Exam Board Qualifications AQA EDEXCEL OCR

21 AQA Functional Skills Unitised structure – flexibility, resits – vital when Level 2 FS hurdle applied to GCSE English - 3 assessment units ICT - 2 assessment units Maths - 1 assessment units (2 components)

22 AQA English Assessment –reading externally set multiple choice, 45 minutes –writing externally set task testing writing to inform/persuade, 45 minutes –speaking and listening internal assessment of presentation and discussion

23 AQA ICT Assessment - externally set test multiple choice, sentence completion, matching pairs, ordering and searching, 1 hour - externally set task at screen using data files (modelled on Key Skills Level 3 test), 1 hour 30 mins

24 AQA Maths Assessment –Externally set written paper, non calculator, 40 minutes –Externally set written paper, with calculator, with pre-release materials, 1 hour

25 Edexcel Functional Skills English Assessment: Single paper test for reading and writing (90 mins) Externally Marked by Edexcel Separate tests for level 1 and 2 Reading and writing will be thematically linked.. Speaking and Listening Internally marked (30 mins) Guidance for speaking + listening in English in exemplar tasks. No other controlled conditions.

26 Edexcel Functional Skills Maths Assessment: Single paper test (90 mins) Separate tests for Level 1 and 2 Externally Marked by Edexcel. Will have free text and multiple choice questions Will be assessed in a range of contexts

27 Edexcel Functional Skills ICT Assessment: Single computer based set test (90 mins) Separate tests for level 1 and 2 Externally Marked by Edexcel. Will have practical activities and free text questions Will be assessed in a range of contexts

28 OCRs Functional English assessment Two components: Reading and Writing OCR set and marked Comprising 2 scenario- based tasks Duration 60 minutes Levels 1 & 2 Controlled, supervised conditions Learners will be able to use a Word Processor to complete tasks Speaking and Listening Centre assessed OCR moderated L1 – short discussion L2 – short discussion and short presentation

29 OCRs Functional Maths assessment OCR set and marked assessment Comprising 3 scenario-based tasks Duration 75 minutes (Levels 1 & 2) Controlled, supervised conditions Will be able to use a calculator

30 OCRs Functional ICT assessment OCR set and marked assessment Comprising 3 practical tasks using a computer Duration between 75 minutes (Level 1) and 90 minutes (Level 2) Controlled, supervised conditions Will be able to use software help facilities