What are Functional Skills?
Functional Skills are a key element of the 14-19 reforms and comprise practical skills in English, Mathematics and ICT. These core elements provide people with the essential knowledge, skills and understanding to enable them to operate confidently, effectively and independently in life and at work. People who have these skills will be able to participate and progress in education, training and employment. They will also be able to make a positive contribution to the communities in which they live and work.
Functional Skills are common to all our lives. They help us make sense of daily life, for example when working out which deal is best value, writing an application letter or surfing the internet. They are about problem solving, effective decision-making, and resolving real life challenges.
Functional Skills qualifications in English, Mathematics and ICT became available nationally in September 2010.
To ensure that Functional Skills are readily accessible to the full range of learners, the qualifications are available as:
- Free-standing qualifications
- A component of Apprenticeships
Why introduce Functional Skills?
Employers and educators have identified Functional Skills as vital for enabling young people and adults to have the practical skills they need to succeed in further learning, employment and the wider society. The knowledge, skills and problem solving approaches gained from Functional Skills provide tools that can be used in work, life and further learning.
Are there multiple choice questions in Functional Skills assessments?
Entry Level Reading assessments may include a couple of multiple choice questions. There are no multiple choice questions in the Mathematics, ICT or Writing assessments.
How many Guided Learning Hours (GLHs) are allocated to each Functional Skill qualification?
There are 45 GLHs per Functional Skill.
How will Functional Skills assessments be graded?
Functional Skills will be graded as Pass or Fail.
What is the pass mark for each Functional Skill assessment?
All Functional Skills assessments have a pass mark of between 70-75%.
Do Functional Skills have credit values?
No, the Functional Skills qualifications that have been accredited since September 2010 are on the National Qualifications Framework and do not have credit values.
For further advice or information on Functional Skills please contact our Customer Enquiries team on 08707 202909 or email enquiries@ediplc.com.
