Adult Literacy, Functional English, and GCSE Resources

A rigorous and fully mapped reading assessment with mark sheet and detailed answers. This resource takes account of the changes demanded since Ofqual published its thematic review of Functional Skills in January 2015. Can also of course be used for normal classwork, revision, homework or private study. Ideal for Pancake day but could be used any time of year.

A rigorous and fully mapped reading assessment with mark sheet. Can also of course be used for normal classwork , revision, homework or private study. Ideal for Pancake day but could be used any time of year.

Based on an article on Pancake Day events in a recent edition of the Evening Standard. Includes restaurants, pancake races, charity events and competitions.

First 100 high frequency keywords typed out on excel in alphabetical order.

Editor’s note
A multitude of uses! Spelling or reading assessments / revision, making flash cards, etc.

Top Tips for English tests is a handout that can be given out to learners. It contains a reading text and questions taken from an IQ sample assessment with tips on how to answer specific questions.

It can be used as is or separated to be used as a class resource – teachers will need access to IQ’s sample assessment materials, which are freely available in the IQ website at http://www.industryqualifications.org.uk/sectors/functionalskills .

More and more vocational teachers are being asked to prepare learners for Functional Skills exams.

This resource is designed to give advice on format, style and layout; appropriate content and paragraphing which would accompany any awarding organizations exam. My college used Edexcel . Can be used for Level 1 and Level 2.

Editor’s note
This resource is ideal for all but will be especially helpful to non-specialist English teachers. Incredibly useful!

Some games to play with literacy or Functional English groups for revision.
Ideal for Entry 3-Level 2

Editor’s note
The students make the games, play them and then discuss them. A great combination!

This was produced as practice assessment material for a group of learners working towards E3 Functional English (with City & Guilds). They were struggling with producing the writing in the time allowed so we practised several short, sharp topics. Planning methods were tackled separately.

Editor’s note
Fully mapped to the E2-L1 Functional English writing criteria.

A writing activity that requires learners to write 2 emails suitable for the workplace. Tasks are loosely based on the type of writing tasks required for City & Guilds Functional English at E3. Also involves searching for a suitable gift (Argos book or web site).

Editor’s note
Fully mapped to the E2-L1 Functional English writing criteria.

An E3-L1 Functional Skills reading resource modelled on C&G assessments. The activities are based around two documents, one from the BBC news website and the other a leaflet advertising a private police service. May prompt discussion on the nature of crime, punishment and the role of the police force in society.

Students design a board game to demonstrate their learning. This can incorporate IT skills (Word template provided below) or can be done with paper, card and pens.

I originally did this with an E2E group and it proved popular. It’s an alternative to the “design a poster” task to review learning. The instructions are set out as a board game. it can be used for literacy, numeracy, ICT or ESOL.