Functional Skills
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Functional Skills Maths and English are offered to pupils in Years 10 and above, as an alternative to studying either subject at GCSE, where it is clear that a pupil would struggle to achieve Grade 4 at GCSE.
The courses provide recognised qualifications from Pearson/Edexcel up to Functional Skills Level 2, which is accepted by many academic institutions as an equivalent qualification to GCSE Grade 4.
Functional Skills provide a solid foundation in key Maths and English Language skills. They support pupils in their GCSE and BTEC courses, hone skills for college and job applications, and empower pupils by providing them with the essential Maths and English skills for life in the wider world.
At Canbury, Functional Skills courses are available at all 2 levels (Functional Skills Levels 1 & 2) as part of a bespoke core curriculum. They are taught in a dedicated classroom in small groups.
The Functional Skills Maths courses cover a range of topics incorporating practical and academic skills:
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Number Skills:
including: fractions, decimals & percentages -
Measure:
including: weight, capacity, length, distance and temperature -
Time:
including: time plans and calculations -
Shape and Space:
including: properties of shape, angles, plans, elevations and bearings -
Data Handling:
including: tables, tallies, charts, graphs & probability
The Functional Skills English courses all follow the same 3 modules:
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Writing Skills:
including: letters, emails, reports, articles, blogs, reviews, eye witness accounts, leaflets, adverts and web forums. The module teaches spelling, punctuation, grammar and composition, incorporating both language and organisational features. -
Reading Skills:
pupils read a range of ‘functional’ texts reflecting real world scenarios to develop both their comprehension and analytical skills. -
Speaking, Listening and Communication:
pupils take part in presentations and discussions on topics of personal interest, current affairs and social issues.