Revision material

Includes practice assignments and assessments, revision notes and tips.

L1 Functional Skills English Revision Handout

Major update 17/5/23 written for Legacy FS in 2011 but fully updated to reflect the Reformed Functional English Content. 

This is a handout aimed at L1 Functional English learners. It contains brief guidance on exam technique for the reading exam followed by detailed, updated help with the writing exam. This has tips on maximising marks in the 7 key areas that an examiner looks at (4 areas for composition and the three SPaG areas)
Although written for Level 1 it would also serve as a useful reminder for Level 2 students 

Level
Level 1
English
Functional English reading
FE WRITING Spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG)
FE Writing composition
General
Exam tips and help

Music AQA Paper 2-style GCSE English Language exam practice

AQA Paper 2-style exam questions and non-fiction extracts. One extract is taken from Sinead O'Connor's memoir "Rememberings" (2021) and the other is from Stephen Hough's memoir "Enough: scenes from Childhood" (2023). In the real exam, Source B is always a 19th Century text, but here I've used another contemporary text, so that learners can more easily practice the exam skills of comparing two pieces of writing. In these extracts, both writers reflect upon the first time they encountered a piano.

Level
GCSE L1-5
English
GCSE Reading AO1a Identify/interpret explicit & implicit information & ideas
GCSE Reading AO1b Select & synthesise evidence from different texts
GCSE Reading AO2 Explain & analyse language & structure
GCSE Reading AO3 Compare writers’ ideas & perspectives across 2 or more texts
Context
Art Film Media Music Radio TV

GCSE Maths Angle Facts place mat

A two-sided A3 'place mat' that has the following

Level
GCSE L1-5
Maths
Properties and contructions

When I Was Ten AQA GCSE English Paper 1-style practice

An extract from When I Was Ten (Fiona Cummins 2021) with questions 1, 2, 3 and 4. AQA Paper One-style exam practice. 

Editor's Note

Another wonderful text extract from Matthew Ruddle. If you haven't read the book, I highly recommend it. 
Ideal for exam practice and revision. 

Level
GCSE L1-5
English
GCSE Reading AO1a Identify/interpret explicit & implicit information & ideas
GCSE Reading AO2 Explain & analyse language & structure
GCSE AO4 Evaluate texts critically & support with textual references

Ice Cream AQA Paper-2-style GCSE English Language exam practice

GCSE English Language Paper Two AQA exam-style texts and questions 1-4. 
Based on a contemporary source from Jay Rayner (2023) and a Victorian article (Henry Mayhew 1865).

Editor's notes
Another excellent GCSE Practice resource from Matthew with, as usual, a super choice of texts.

Level
GCSE L1-5
English
GCSE Reading AO1a Identify/interpret explicit & implicit information & ideas
GCSE Reading AO1b Select & synthesise evidence from different texts
GCSE Reading AO2 Explain & analyse language & structure
GCSE Reading AO3 Compare writers’ ideas & perspectives across 2 or more texts
Context
Catering Food Nutrition
Business & Money management

E3 C&G Floristry Functional Maths walk through from Simon HTT

Simon from Here to Teach (HTT)  has many wonderful work-throughs of Edexcel and C&G Functional Maths papers (E3 , L1, L2). Well paced with very excellent audio and video, showing clear methods and working out c. Marvellous for learners to watch over and over as many times as needed. Both non-calculator and non-calculator papers are  covered. This paper has a floristry theme but provides practice and revision for any vocational area (or indeed no vocational area!).

I recommend subscribing to Simon's channel to keep up-to-date with all his maths videos.

Level
Entry Level 3
Maths
Functional Maths - underpinning
FM Simple one step problem(s)
Functional Maths - numbers and the number system
Functional Maths - measures, shape & space
Functional Maths - handling information and data
Context
Gardening & Horticulture

Language Feature spotting (Q10 L2 Edexcel)

How to answer the language features question on the Edexcel Pearson Level 2 Functional Skills reading paper.

Editor's notes

Clearly explains what is expected in order to Answer Q10 (most sections of the slideshow also work well with FS from other awarding organisations) and how it is marked. Followed by questions for the learner (answers provided at the end) 3.5 minute slideshow. No voice over.

Level
Level 2
English
FE L2.14 Understand how textual features/devices can shape meaning for different audiences/purposes

Comparing texts (Q13 L2 Edexcel paper)

How to answer Question 13 in the Edexcel Pearson Level 2 Functional Skills English reading exam.

Editor's notes

Really detailed and helpful advice on answering this tricky question that is worth 6 points!  5 minute slideshow. No voice over

 

Level
Level 2
English
FE L2.12 Compare information, ideas & opinions in different texts, inc. how they are conveyed
General
Exam tips and help

Introduction to L2 Reading Paper (Edexcel Pearson)

Edexcel/Pearson English Functional Skills Level 2 reading exam prep.

Editor's notes

Starts with a very useful overview of the Level 2 Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills English reading exam - length, no of questions, pass mark etc. This is followed by discussion of several exam techniques such as time management, understanding instructions, etc. YouTube 4 minute slideshow. No voice over. 

English
Functional English reading
General
Exam tips and help

Language Features Glossary

A comprehensive glossary of language features with examples and the opportunity for students to think of or write their own examples.

Editor's notes

4 minute slideshow with background music. Covers 12 features and helpfully explains the purpose of each and/or why it can be effective.

Level
Level 1
Level 2
English
FE L1.12 Recognise that language & other textual features can be varied to suit different audiences & purposes
FE L2.14 Understand how textual features/devices can shape meaning for different audiences/purposes
ESOL
ESOL Rt/L1.2a Know how language and other textual features are used to achieve different purposes
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