The Functional Skills qualifications are designed to provide practical skills in English, Mathematics and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). These qualifications are currently being piloted and will eventually replace Key Skills in Communication, Application of Number and ICT, and Basic Skills in Literacy and Numeracy.
Functional Skills will be available to all learners aged 14 and above.
A test and trial of the qualifications took place last year to inform the development of the qualification standards and potential assessment methods.
Pilot stage
Following on from the tests and trials, we’re now running a 3 year pilot of the qualifications to make sure they’re effective and relevant to learners and that the assessment methods are appropriate and fit for purpose. This pilot has been organised by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA).
The first year of the pilot has been carried out with 23 of our centres in England, including schools, colleges and private training providers. These centres have been piloting Functional Skills English at Levels 1 and 2.
Next steps
We’re now planning ahead for the second and third years of the pilot. We plan to introduce the Maths and ICT qualifications, as well as broadening the levels of the qualifications we’re offering to include Entry Level.
Therefore if you’re interested in working with NCFE as an External Contractor for Functional Skills, there may be an opportunity for you to join us.
Click on the following links to find out more:
We might be able to invite other centres to join the pilot from September 2008. At the moment we’re compiling a list of centres that are interested in being involved, so if you’d like to add your name or find out more information, please send an email to prepforlifework@ncfe.org.uk.
Functional skills (FS) pilot programme – data collection and information sharing
QCA have issued a statement on data collection and information sharing, available from the QCA website here.
Please use the links at the top right of this page to access information on assessment, guidance on using the Functional Skills and Functional Skills and the Diplomas.
If you have any questions or would like more information about NCFE’s Functional Skills pilot, please contact Rebecca Brenard on 0191 239 8043, or email prepforlifework@ncfe.org.uk.
Page author Rebecca Brenard rebeccabrenard@ncfe.org.uk Aug 2007