Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What support materials are available for developing functional skills in schools?
- What topics are covered by the support materials?
- What materials are available to support functional skills for teachers across the curriculum?
- What materials are available to support teachers new to functional skills?
- How can I access training in functional skills appropriate for schools?
- How is it best to approach planning to support the development of functional skills?
- What are the principles that should guide planning for functional skills?
Please consult Frequently Asked Questions: Functional skills on the 14-19 Reform site to find the answer to any further policy questions.
Q. What support materials are available for developing functional skills in schools?
A. A range of support materials are available that address the needs of schools. These materials take the form of e-learning modules and other web-based support. They can be used by individuals and groups of teachers or could be adapted for use in larger training and can be accessed from the National Strategies website.
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Q. What topics are covered by the support materials?
A. The materials cover a range of topics including:
- Introduction to functional skills course
- From skills building to applying
- Teaching functional skills within real, purposeful and relevant contexts
- Assessing progress
- From Entry Level to Level 1
Q. What materials are available to support functional skills for teachers across the curriculum?
A. The ‘Functional skills in subjects’ materials are designed to support teachers across the curriculum. A specific set of materials is available for each of 11 subject areas including subject-specific planning examples illustrating the way pupils’ skills can be developed by the teaching in that subject.
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Q. What materials are available to support teachers new to functional skills?
A. The ‘Introduction to functional skills’ material is designed to support teachers and schools developing their approach to functional skills teaching.
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Q. How can I access training in functional skills appropriate for schools?
A. Local authorities are providing training and support for schools in their area. Contact the 14-19 lead or the Strategy Manager in your LA to find out what support is available locally.
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Q. How is it best to approach planning to support the development of functional skills?
A. Subject leaders will need to consider progression towards functional skills achievement in 2012. Key to achieving this is providing opportunities for the development and purposeful application of functional skills across KS3 and KS4. The functional skills criteria are an essential starting point for this work.
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Q. What are the principles that should guide planning for functional skills?
A. Functional skills should not be regarded as an add-on but seen as integral to progression and achievement. It is also necessary to make skills development explicit within the curriculum for pupils. This is reinforced by the renewed frameworks which emphasise functionality. LA training has a strong focus on processes to support planning that include functional skills.
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