Contextual Resources

This free Functional Skills English workbook explores the topical question: Should shops be allowed to refuse cash? Learners begin by reading a balanced information article before completing a range of reading activities and a practical transactional-writing task in which learners write a formal email to a supermarket manager.
Reading skills covered include:
• Retrieval questions
• Fact, opinion and bias
• Purpose, audience and language analysis
• Comparing contrasting viewpoints

A free rhyming dictionary that tutors can use when building phonics, spelling and vocabulary activities. Every perfect rhyme is checked by hand, so word lists don't fill up with the wrong-stress and nonsense matches that computer-generated sites routinely offer. Near rhymes are labelled separately and sit on an adjustable dial, which helps with sound-pattern work where an exact rhyme is too narrow. It also finds rhymes hiding inside longer words, useful for syllable and stress practice.

Free UK guide explaining GCSE results, English and maths resits, private entry and when Functional Skills may be an alternative. It is written for 16-year-olds and parents, and no TheLearnDen account is required.

Editor's notes

Useful reading, especially for parents and students that are unfamiliar with UK post-16 educational options.

Free reviewed videos, lessons, worksheets, practice, games and parent guides for UK Maths, English and Science from Year 1 to Year 10, including GCSE foundations. Search by year, subject or topic. No TheLearnDen account is required.

Editor's notes

Bring Functional Skills Maths into a familiar real-life setting with this print-and-go café maths challenge. Learners work with realistic menus, prices, customer orders and special offers while developing confidence with everyday money calculations.

Activities include: