Functional skills

What are Functional Skills?

The Functional Skills qualification is built around developing practical skills in English, Mathematics and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Functional Skills is part of the Generic Learning component of the Diploma and has been identified as being vital for building confidence and gaining the most out of work, education and everyday life.

How are they being developed?

Functional Skills has been a pilot since 2007 and will become fully accredited from 2010.

Types of assessment

Primarily assessment will be based on task-based scenario questions with a limited duration in a controlled environment. They will aim to use and reinforce skills-based, problem solving and learning techniques.

Who will benefit from Functional Skills?

Learners: giving them the opportunity to develop these vital skills, ensuring they’re well equipped for success in employment, further or higher education and life.

Higher Education: competency in these practical skills will help learners to get the most out of their studies and give them greater capacity for independent learning.

Employers: will benefit from improved effectiveness and productivity in the workplace.

What will happen to the Basic and Key Skills qualifications?

They will be accredited until at least 2010, to allow for certification until August 2012.

How are AQA-City & Guilds offering Functional Skills?

Both AQA and City & Guilds are offering Functional Skills independently and both of these are suitable for Diplomas. The AQA version is the default, but you are invited to check out both and opt for the qualification that best suits your learner’s needs. AQA-City & Guilds is the only Diploma awarding body that can offer centres a choice between Functional Skills optimised for the younger school learner and for the more adult college-based learner.

How do Centres register?

If you choose AQA Functional Skills, you can book this along with your Diploma Principal Learning and Project registration. If you choose the City & Guilds option, you will need to book this directly with City & Guilds.

Find out more: Projects; Work experience; Diploma lines of learning