Functional Skills English

Six task sheets written as embedded literacy resources for Entry Level core NOCN module: Introduction to diversity in society.

• What is diversity?
• Recognising diverse groups
• What is discrimination?
• Responding to discrimination
• Effects of discrimination
• Tupac – Changes

Although aimed at Entry 2-3 most of the sheets could also be used in higher level groups and make marvellous discussion prompts.

An E3-L1 Functional Maths, English and ICT task first used with learners at Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme. Plan and cost a restaurant meal for 20 officials (originally held at Frank and Benny’s, Chingford, but you will need to provide menus from a favourite local restaurant or chain) and then present your results in a spreadsheet..

A set of posters / cards / checklists designed to prompt discussion, check learning and keep a record of student progression. Designed for Entry Level Functional Maths and English learners in an FE setting but suitable for all levels and subjects.
This resource was inspired by discussion on the NCETM (National Centre for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics) site about “understanding versus doing” and I would like to thank the forum members for their ideas and feedback.

A fabulous and very topical study pack for Level 2 Functional English students. Covers all aspects of Functional English and is fully mapped to the Functional Skills criteria.
13 tasks covering reading, writing and discussion. Includes: spelling, dictionary work, formal and semi-formal letter writing, surveys and graphical information, reading comprehension, punctuation and paragraphing, and summarising. With teaching notes and several exemplar answers.

An outstanding 30 week scheme of work for Level 1 Functional English (one 3hr lesson per week). With Key Skills, adult literacy (Skills for Life) and Functional English mapping. Detailed content fully covers all speaking, listening and communication; reading; and writing criteria. With equality and diversity notes, Every Citizen/Child Matters, differentiation and more.

A substantial set of resources for BTEC Sport students. Based on a Functional English lesson given on Sport Relief day (but suitable for any time of year as it is based on the Back Up charity for spinal cord injuries – not Sport Relief). Includes

A 4 week scheme of work for OCN E3 Garden Horticulture. Great example of embedding aspects of all three Functional Skills into a vocational course. 4 × 2 hour sessions covering identifying weeds and vegetables; sowing seeds, bulbs and tubers; and preparing growing beds.
With detailed E3 Functional Maths,English and ICT mapping charts showing embedding of measuring, internet searching, reading instructions, writing plant profiles, etc.

Great set of reading; writing; and speaking, listening and communication tasks aimed at E3. Based loosely on the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest but are suitable for future years as the reading text is a general history of the contest and the speaking and writing tasks are not specific to 2010.
Includes reading questions, dictionary and alphabetical order work, discussion and asking questions, and writing prompts. Fully mapped to the Functional English criteria. Although topical this resource provides useful practice and revision at any time of year.

Fabulous set of resources – aimed at E2-L1 Functional English but some activities are also suitable for E1 and/or L2.
10 different sets of resources encompassing a range of teaching strategies and covering many aspects of reading, writing, and discussion. A detailed mapping document is included.
Includes the following activities/topics:

This is a topical lesson, looking at the Japanese tsunami disaster and its coverage in the media.

It introduces students to identifying facts and opinions. It also allows students to discuss their own views (appropriately) about this disaster. Students are also given the opportunity to write their own newspaper article based around the facts of the events.