Functional Skills Update (England)

2007

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Can you answer these questions?

A coat costs £80 The coat is in a sale with 25% off What is the new cost of the coat?

In the following sentence which word is spelt incorrectly ? ‘be careful, the kettel is hot.’

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Qualification development and reform

Functional skills (FS) are a key part of educational reform programme which includes the following: • Diplomas • Foundation Learning Tier (FLT) • Existing 14 – 19 qualifications • Key Stage 3 revision • Modernisation of the exam process • Vocational qualifications reform

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What are Functional Skills?

‘Functional’ skills are practical skills in English, mathematics and information and communication technology (ICT) that allow individuals to operate confidently, effectively and independently in life.

(QCA) • Further Clarification “Functional Skills” Your Questions answered. QCA website

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Why are Functional Skills being introduced?

• Employers and educators identified these skills as vital for enabling young people and adults to have the practical skills to succeed in further learning, employment and life in modern society.

• To ensure all young people and adults are able to develop these vital skills.

• To support raised attainment.

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Headlines

QCA Stand alone pilots only

• 3 year Pilots for Maths, English and ICT • Entry 1 to Level 2 •Requirement of Diplomas • GCSE Integrated pilot postponed • Embedded into BTECs

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National benchmarks and targets for functional skills

• 14-19 • Level 2 in English, maths and ICT • Adults (Leitch agenda) • Level 1 English • Entry 3 maths • ICT – no target

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How will Functional Skills fit with the Key Skills/Basic Skills?

• FS stand-alone qualifications suitable for both young people and adults (from 2011 onwards).

• Expected to replace existing key and basic skills • key skills qualifications at levels 1 and 2.

• Basic skills qualifications in literacy, numeracy (ALAN) & ICT.

• These qualifications will remain until at least 2010 (certification until 2012).

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How will Functional Skills fit with the new Diplomas?

• Form an integral part of the Diplomas from 2008 • Will be a mandatory part of the generic learning • Learners will be required to achieve FS: • • at level 1 for Diplomas at level 1 at level 2 for Diplomas at levels 2 and 3 • Visit the Edexcel Diploma website, sign up for an e-alert www.edexcel.org.uk/diploma • Specs available at http://developments.edexcel.org.uk/diplomas/

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How will Functional skills contribute to the adult skills agenda?

• ‘ Functional’ skills for adults is crucial: • Tackle the skills gap • support employers’ needs • Confident adults interacting within their communities.

• More adult centres piloting FS next year

What about GCSEs?

• Current GCSE + FS pilots in English and ICT have been postponed by QCA • From 2010 hurdles will operate for Grade C and above • Possibility of GCSE pilots in the next year – watch this space 11

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How else will the FS the standards be used?

• Embedded into BTEC • BTEC Select Programme • linked to vocational programmes Ideas for modelling your curriculum • http://www.edexcel.org.uk/quals/alan/ri/embedding/ • Another good source http://www.totallyskilled.co.uk/awardingBody/ab.htm

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Current position

• National pilots will commence in September 2007 • Approx 1200 centres will take part in the pilots • Each awarding body will be offering different functional skills qualifications to ensure that there is coverage across levels and subjects • Stand-alone qualifications will be set and marked by awarding bodies • Centres that are a nominated FS centre and are through the Gateway can take part in the pilot

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Time line for Pilot

Sept 2007: June 2008: Sept 2008: Sept 2010:

first teaching for stand alone pilots first assessment opportunity functional skills will be included in the Diplomas functional skills for maths, English and ICT as a hurdle to achieving GCSE grade C 2011 onwards: phasing out of existing key skills and adult literacy and numeracy qualifications commences

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Functional Skills English

Assessment:

• Single paper test for reading and writing (90 mins) • Separate tests for level 1 and 2 • Reading and writing will be thematically linked. • Externally Marked by Edexcel. • Speaking and Listening internally marked (30 mins) • Guidance for speaking + listening in English in exemplar tasks. No other controlled conditions.

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Functional Skills Maths

Assessment:

• Single paper test (90 mins) • Separate tests for level 1 and 2 • Externally Marked by Edexcel. • will have free text and multiple choice questions • will be assessed in a range of contexts

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Functional Skills ICT

Assessment:

• Single computer based set test (90 mins) • Separate tests for level 1 and 2 • Externally Marked by Edexcel. • will have practical activities and free text questions • will be assessed in a range of contexts

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Functional Skills Assessment Overview

• • • • All assessment across the subjects will be no longer than 90 minutes.

• • Separate assessments for Level 1 and Level 2.

First year of pilot one assessment, June 08. More assessment opportunities thereafter.

Detailed feedback through ResultsPlus Unlimited resits

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Edexcel Pilot:

Key dates for 2007/8

• September 2007 – registration forms sent to all centres that have been offered a place.

It’s still not too late to express interest. Specifications available to centres

• November 2007 - Further support materials available to pilot centres. Sample assessments available. • March 2008 – Entries deadline for June 2008 test series • June 2008 – first assessment opportunity for English, maths and ICT: more opps. Next year • August 2008 – Results published

Edexcel Support

• Developing a series of materials and resources to build into a portfolio of support materials that will include: • Curriculum modelling for functional skills as stand alone and with other subjects • Examples, content exemplification and case studies • Practice assessment materials • Online interactive resources • Text books • Details of how to access training events and online e seminars.

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What about centres not selected to pilot from September 2007?

• Email updates and ways to be involved via our website Join our FS Support Programme. This aims to provide: • Email updates: advice & information • Briefing Pack: sample assessments, models, TSM etc • There may be opportunities to get involved with pilot training from September 2007 • Committed to supporting centres offering Adult Literacy and Numeracy as preparation for functional skills • Anticipated we can expand the pilots for 2008 and 2009 21

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What else is Edexcel doing?

• Supporting centres with ALAN qualifications • Working with Local Authorities and centres to look at models of delivery and assessment • Preparing case studies and supporting materials to share best practice • Disseminating information, as available (website, Insights, email updates) • From late October we are able to offer customised training for centres

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Preparation for FS

• Use training opportunities to support CPD for staff to think through how they might deliver functional skills • Use of Results Plus Analysis and Results Plus Skills to raise current achievement and prepare for future success • Use of Basic Skills ALAN to prepare for on-demand assessment • Consider delivery of ALAN as part of the GCSE • Consider embedding key skills delivery and assessment as part of vocational programmes

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How do I keep updated?

• Visit the Edexcel FS web site • Insights magazine from Edexcel • Register for Policy Watch updates • Sign up for email updates • Express interest in the pilots

http://developments.edexcel.org.uk/fs/

• Alternatively join our FS Support Programme. Complete the request form then hand in or fax/post .

• Contact your Edexcel regional office or curriculum development manager (if known)

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More Information

Visit these websites: • Department for Children, Schools and Families 14-19 website http://www.dfes.gov.uk/14-19/ • QCA 14-19 http://www.qca.org.uk/14%2D19/ http://www.qca.org.uk/qca_6062.aspx

• LSN http://www.lsneducation.org.uk/functionalskills/