Functional Skills English

A fabulous set of scaffolded reading/writing tasks – written for E2-E3 ESOL but absolutely ideal for Entry 2-3 (and higher) Functional English. The reading is based on three different topical texts on this emotive subject (spring 2010).
The writing involves writing a letter to your MP – a frame is provided for E2 writers. Get your college/students involved in this now!
With full details of relevant Functional English criteria.
Please also download the related PowerPoint (see below).

An unusual and very useful exercise written for preparation for work students who were nervous of taking messages and writing down information. It also provides useful reading and comprehension practice for all Entry Level learners and will prompt discussion on the importance of asking the right questions and writing down messages.
Ideal for Entry Level work skills students and for underpinning Entry 2 Functional English. Fully mapped to E2 Functional English crieria and the Skills for Life curriculum.

A series of tasks designed as both an embedded literacy / Functional English assignment and also as a model to assist Art and Design students who had to make a portfolio describing various types of fabric.
It would be of interest to other learners who enjoy fashion subjects, leading to an extended project on silk in the fashion industry. Includes reading, watching a video, discussion, research and writing.

Investigate the possibility of a college stocking fairly traded products in its canteen. Covers many reading, writing, ICT, numeracy, speaking and listening skills inc. data handling, report writing, creating charts and questionnaires, giving a presentation, etc. Ideal for embedding all three functional skills (or literacy, numeracy and ICT) especially for business students.

An excellent practice paper that could also be used as an initial assessment. Covers speaking, listening and communication; reading and writing. Ideal for all those providers now switching from adult literacy to Functional English.

A great 3 hour Key Skills Communication / Literacy Level 1 / Functional English lesson plan for Painting & Decorating students. Also includes cards for hands-on planning and discussion (in small groups) and work sheet / writing frame for drafting a job program for a 3 bedroom house.

A substantial resource designed to encourage students to tackle large projects in bite sized pieces. Originally used with E2E learners but suitable for all age groups. Aimed at E3- L1, it covers many literacy and numeracy topics and also requires some IT and research skills. Also used for L1 Key Skills IT portfolios and would now (2010) make an ideal Functional Skills project.