Course Overview
Functional Skills English classes are available to adults (19+) at our Chippenham, Salisbury and Trowbridge campuses. You can apply for our Functional Skills courses any time from now until February 2025. Our classes start the week commencing 9th September 2024 and we accept students onto the course throughout the year up to the end of March 2025. Once you have applied, we will send through a skills check to gauge your ability and determine a suitable course for you. Once returned to us, we will be in touch to arrange an interview, either face to face or over the phone if this is not possible. Depending on the time of year, it may take up to two weeks to hear back from us, so please do not worry if you do not hear back immediately. We will discuss the campus, the day and time of the sessions and the options available to you. Subject to enrolment numbers, there may be daytime and evening classes available which are face to face. We also offer our popular distance learning option, which gives students an opportunity to work independently at home, at a time that suits them. This course is overseen by an English lecturer, who will offer support but is largely student led, using an online learning platform called Century.
What will I learn?
When you sign up to study English, we will help you develop your core skills and knowledge in reading, writing, speaking, listening and communication
Study, Assessment and Qualifications
We use the Pearson Edexcel exam board for our Functional Skills English accreditation.
The full qualification includes:
1. Speaking, listening and communication assessments (assessed by your lecturer)
2. Reading exam
3. Writing exam
The reading and writing exams will require you to come into campus, but the speaking and listening assessments can be handled remotely, if necessary.
We can book these exams throughout the year and multiple attempts are permissible.
The Functional Skills qualification is recognised as an appropriate alternative to GCSEs by many employers and apprenticeship providers, but higher education establishments may require GCSEs at grade 4 or above.
Entry Requirements
As part of the interview process, all applicants will complete a skills check.
Using the results from this and through discussion with you, we will be able to advise you about the course and qualification that is most suitable for you.
Additional Costs and Information
These courses are usually free of charge for applicants who do not have a Grade C/4 or above at GCSE, or equivalent Level 2 qualification. If you are not eligible, the course fee is £724.
You will be required to provide your own equipment which should include a folder, paper, pens and a highlighter.
A bilingual dictionary (if needed) may be used in certain circumstances, but this would need to be provided by youself.
