Contextual Resources

A poem on the theme of neighbourhoods.  Can be used as a reading and pronunciation exercise or may be extended to include a discussion around housing, traffic, local communities or recycling.

Editor's notes

Super for many levels and situations - includes suggested questions and discussion prompts.

Reading, writing and discussion activities based on one of  the Edexcel exam contexts ('Learning to Drive').  PowerPoint includes chunked texts, key vocabulary tables, a video resource, and discussion and writing prompts. Resource lends itself well for additional reading comprehension prompts and explorative discussions. 

Editor's note

The reading focus is purpose, tone and organisational / formatting features. The final task is to write an online forum entry. 

Speaking and listening, reading and writing  activities focusing on one of the possible Edexcel FS English exam contexts.  

Editor's note

With useful key vocabulary tables. The reading focus is purpose, tone and language features. The final task is to write an article about buying a new car. 

A worksheet designed for motor vehicle students studying Functional Skills level 1/2. A spreadsheet activity encouraging them to look up on the internet cost of essential tools they need and then display this in an Excel Spreadsheet. Can be adapted to other industries.

Covers:

• formula
• average
• formatting
• % discount
• adding charts

A topical resource that requires students to interpret a news infographic and calculate the difference between two times. There is also a second question for Level 2 learners on Speed, Distance, Time. As well as enabling students to practise time calculations it can lead to discussion about this controversial rail project.

Editor's notes

Really topical and interesting. With curriculum mapping. No answer sheet.

A set of Formula 1 scenarios based on the four rules of mathematics and using formulae expressed in words and/or numbers. This resource tests students’ ability to use formulae to solve problems based on a motor racing car travelling on a race track. Some of the scenarios test the students ability to convert units to get a sensible answer. I encourage my students to estimate the answers before attempting for real! Some do, some don’t …

A set of three different texts and reading comprehension activities based on the theme of learning to drive, aimed at Level 1 learners who may be working towards Level 2. Plus two related writing activities.
Editor’s note
Includes full curriculum mapping and answers.

Set of resources created by myself and colleague, David Bayne , to help students use Word, Excel and Access. We wanted students to practise for the Level 2 ICT Functional Skills exams, using a method that would be familiar to them. They all drive cars and need to get them serviced, so this seemed a suitable area to use.

One of the Level 2 Functional English Writing exam papers asked students to write a speech.

I found a speech online and showed them how to use repeated words, emphasis, subheadings and to think about their audience. I then used the Drink Aware website to create this resource to enable students to practise speech writing.

This resource could also be used to practise writing letters or emails to colleagues to encourage them to think about drink driving, and to practise other aspects of writing styles for Level 2 exams.

An original resource to generate discussion, practise reading comprehension and writing skills (formal letter). Ideal for Functional Skills Motor Vehicle students. Aimed at L1-2 although the discussion is also suitable for Entry Level.