In this section...
- QCF and Vocational Qualification Reform
- NVQs and SVQs
- Approvals
- Processing Apprenticeships for the CWDC
- Foundation Degrees
- Development Awards
- Diploma in Probation Studies
- 14-19 Diplomas
- Sector Qualifications Strategy
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Functional Skills in this section
- Qualification Consultations
Functional Skills
The 14-19 and Skills White Papers in England announced the introduction of new 'functional' English, mathematics and information and communication technology (ICT) qualifications for young people and adults.
It is intended that they will replace the current Key Skills and will be aimed at level 2.
Functional skills are practical skills in English, ICT and Mathematics that provide individuals with the competencies and skills to operate confidently, effectively and independently.
They have been identified by employers and educators as vital skills that can be applied across life, work and further learning.
They will be part of GCSEs, Diplomas and as standalone qualifications.
Functional skills support the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).
They are credit and unit based qualifications. Units are the building blocks of qualifications. Each unit has a credit value, level, title, and explicit set of learning outcomes and related assessment criteria.
Credit can be accumulated and transferred. Achievements are recorded on a national learner record.
They are currently being piloted in some schools presently alongside GCSE (since September 2007).
The first tranche of Diplomas which have first delivery from September 2008 are also now included in the pilot.
Evaluation is ongoing of the pilot and it is planned for the roll out nationally across schools, colleges, work-based learning and adult learning providers for teaching will be September 2010.
Eleven Awarding bodies are currently offering them with different assessments- some are task based, most resemble school papers.
The assessments will support problem solving, skills- based approaches.
Online assessments are also being developed and tested as part of the pilot.
Five SSC's have already amended their frameworks replacing Key Skills with Functional Skills with the objective that all 25 will achieve by 2010.
Other ways they will differ:-
Funding will be at the same rate as Key Skills.
Wales and Northern Ireland have a watching brief at present over the pilot, with a view to exploring alternative approaches to embedding of these in qualifications and other learning outcomes and contributing to the pilot evaluation.
More information on the pilot and evaluation can be found on the Department for Childrens, Schools, and Families website|.
To take part in the functional skills qualification criteria consultation, please visit the QCA website|.
It is intended that they will replace the current Key Skills and will be aimed at level 2.
Functional skills are practical skills in English, ICT and Mathematics that provide individuals with the competencies and skills to operate confidently, effectively and independently.
They have been identified by employers and educators as vital skills that can be applied across life, work and further learning.
They will be part of GCSEs, Diplomas and as standalone qualifications.
Functional skills support the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).
They are credit and unit based qualifications. Units are the building blocks of qualifications. Each unit has a credit value, level, title, and explicit set of learning outcomes and related assessment criteria.
Credit can be accumulated and transferred. Achievements are recorded on a national learner record.
They are currently being piloted in some schools presently alongside GCSE (since September 2007).
The first tranche of Diplomas which have first delivery from September 2008 are also now included in the pilot.
Evaluation is ongoing of the pilot and it is planned for the roll out nationally across schools, colleges, work-based learning and adult learning providers for teaching will be September 2010.
Eleven Awarding bodies are currently offering them with different assessments- some are task based, most resemble school papers.
The assessments will support problem solving, skills- based approaches.
Online assessments are also being developed and tested as part of the pilot.
Five SSC's have already amended their frameworks replacing Key Skills with Functional Skills with the objective that all 25 will achieve by 2010.
Other ways they will differ:-
- No portfolio will be required
- Task based assessment, delivered in a controlled environment, with a limited duration
- Varies depending on which Awarding Body used
- Not vocational, more applied
- Contextualised around capabilities
- Allows transferability of skills within business and community
- No proxies or relaxations against other qualifications
- Specific modules for Apprenticeship learners
- Replace Skills for Life qualifications
Funding will be at the same rate as Key Skills.
Wales and Northern Ireland have a watching brief at present over the pilot, with a view to exploring alternative approaches to embedding of these in qualifications and other learning outcomes and contributing to the pilot evaluation.
More information on the pilot and evaluation can be found on the Department for Childrens, Schools, and Families website|.
To take part in the functional skills qualification criteria consultation, please visit the QCA website|.
