LEVEL 2 FUNCTIONAL SKILLS QUALIFICATION IN ENGLISH

Objective

The primary purpose of the Open Awards Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 2 is to support you to progress to the next level of learning in this subject. It could also support your entry to employment or higher studies. The qualification was designed to help you develop your English skills in a practical, rather than academic, context.

Target Audience

This qualification is suitable for learners studying the following:

•   Apprenticeships
•   Traineeships
•   Study Program
•   Alternative to GCSE
•   As a standalone qualification

What does this qualification cover?

To achieve the qualification, you will be required to commit to approximately 55 hours of guided learning. You learn to deal with English problems that will help you develop skills across speaking, listening and communicating; reading and writing. Examples of the types of skills you will develop include:

•   • Listen, understand and make relevant contributions to discussions with others in a range of contexts;
•   • Apply understanding of language to adapt delivery and content to suit audience and purpose;
•   • Read a range of different text types confidently and fluently, applying knowledge and understanding of texts to own writing;
•   • Write texts of varying complexity, with accuracy, effectiveness, and correct spelling, punctuation and grammar;
•   • Understand the situations when, and audiences for which, planning, drafting and using formal language are important, and when they are less important.

Entry Requirements

There are no age restrictions for working towards this qualification and no specific prior achievements required. However, it may be useful to have completed an English qualification at Level 1/ Academy internal assessment.

Assessment Methods

You will be required to pass externally set and marked assessments in reading and writing which tests your ability to use English in practical settings such as:

•   • Work and education
•   • Community, citizenship and environment
•   • Family, home and social issues

You will also need to complete a controlled assessment in speaking, listening and communicating.

The amount of time allocated for each assessment is:

•   • Reading: 1 hour
•   • Writing: 1 hour
•   • Speaking, Listening and Communicating: 30 minutes

Progression Opportunities

The qualification provides a mechanism for you to recognise and develop your skills in English. Skills in this subject are highly sought after by employers. The achievement of the qualification will prepare you for progression to the next level of learning in English. Examples of this include, but are not exclusive to:

•   • GCSE English

At the same time Functional Skills can be your passport to other types of learning, for example:

An Apprenticeship This is a programme that combines practical training in a job with study. They are available in all types of sectors, from administration to horticulture, engineering to catering. All apprentices must take either Functional Skills English at Level 2 or GCSE English as part of their studies and by achieving the Level 2 qualification you will be able to evidence that you have got the ability to do this. At the same time, the achievement of the qualification will prepare you for progression to the next level of learning in English. Examples of this include, but are not exclusive to.

•   An alternative Level 2 English qualification such as GCSE (Grades 4-9)
•   Upon completion of GCSE, a level 3 qualification in English such as A Level

Key Features

Start dates	February, May & September
Registration fee	£250.00
Tuition fee	£4250.00

---

Qualification Specification