Functional skills maths and English are an alternative to GCSEs for learners who have not already achieved them.

Functional skills are equivalent to:

Entry-level 1-3 = Below GCSE level

Level 1 = GCSE grades 1-3 (D-G)

Level 2 = GCSE grade 4 (C)

English

English skills can be defined as: Writing, Communicating, Listening, Reading, Grammar, Reading comprehension, Speech, Vocabulary, Pronunciation, Note taking, SPAG, Language techniques, using a dictionary, and more.

Speaking skills – when you speak, you get to know your mistakes and can improve further.

Reading skills – helps to improve vocabulary and concertation levels.

Writing skills – helps to know what we are writing, and the spelling of words.

Maths

Maths provides a way of thinking that can apply to everyday situations. For example, basic arithmetic is necessary for budgeting and managing finances. Percentages and fractions are often used in cooking and measurements.

It helps to develop important problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. These skills are more important than ever in today’s increasingly complex world.

It includes: Averages, Decimals, Fractions, Percentages, Area, Perimeter, Charts, and more.

BKSB

We use the BKSB platform for initial and diagnostic maths and English assessments. All learners will have their own personal BKSB account. Tutors will use diagnostic assessments to view the areas of functional skills that their learner needs support with.

Login – bksbLIVE (bksblive2.co.uk)

Remote Webinars via Teams

These are available for any current functional skills learners to register and attend, regardless of the level being studied.

There will be 4 webinars for maths (number, measure, statistics, and test prep), and 4 webinars for English (SPAG, Reading, Writing and test prep).

Each webinar will each take place 3 times a year and will last for 2hours.

The timings will be either 9:30-11:30am or 2:30pm-4:30pm.

Please see available timings and dates below. If you are a current VTS learner and would like to attend one or more of the below functional skills webinars, please contact your VTS tutor.

Maths:

English:

Entry-level Functional Skills Workshops

These workshops are aimed at learners who are working at entry-level 3 or below in functional skills.

All workshops are in-person at one of our VTS offices.

Please see available timings and dates below. If you are a current VTS learner and would like to attend one or more of the below functional skills webinars, please contact your VTS tutor.