A huge collection of links to resources that can be used to support and feedback on English learning in Further Education (Functional Skills and GCSE)
Categorised by Level (FS E2, E3, L1, L2, GCSE) along with other categories such as R&D. You are invited to add what you can. Compiled and created by Nicola Milton with other contributors.
Useful resource which can be used as a little taster of GCSE for FS learners, or as a GCSE activity to challenge repetitive sentence starts, use of adverbs to begin sentences, to explore structure and language in their own writing. A way to get words onto paper and develop a narrative.
Editor's note
Level
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
English
FE L2.25 Organise writing for different purposes using appropriate format & structure e.g. standard templates, paragraphs, bullet points, tables
FE L2.27 Use language & register (e.g. persuasive techniques, supporting evidence, specialist words) to suit audience & purpose
FE L2.28 Construct complex sentences consistently & accurately, using paragraphs where appropriate
GCSE Writing AO5(a) Use tone, style and register for different forms, purposes & audiences
GCSE Writing AO5(b) Organise information using structural and grammatical features
Lesson to develop creative writing skills - 'show me, don't tell me' explores how you can paint a picture with your words without explicitly telling the reader everything that happens. Engaging slides using images and exploring physical behaviours for different emotions, ways of speaking and other adjectives to support learners in creating effective and believable characters. Slides also include 'Showing Versus Telling' examples for learners to demonstrate their understanding of the difference between them.
Level
GCSE L1-5
English
GCSE Writing AO5(a) Use tone, style and register for different forms, purposes & audiences
These three simple resources are aimed for teaching the layout features and conventions of informal and formal letter writing. There are three templates:
Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
T Levels - embedded maths or English
English
FE E3.20 Use appropriate format & structure inc. appropriate use of headings & bullet points
FE L1.24 Use format, structure & language appropriate for audience & purpose
FE L2.25 Organise writing for different purposes using appropriate format & structure e.g. standard templates, paragraphs, bullet points, tables
GCSE Writing AO5(b) Organise information using structural and grammatical features
TL - Create texts for different purposes and audiences
ESOL
ESOL: Writing - text focus (composition)
General
Generic resources for literacy, numeracy and beyond
A set of five texts about screen time, physical and sedentary activity, and sleep for Children under age 5. The texts can be used in various combinations for Functional Skills (FS) speaking, listening and communicating; reading and writing activities. Teachers can pick and choose their own texts and create related DARTs (directed activities related to text) and questions to suit. There will also be pre-prepared resources on skillsworkshop. See "See also" for links.
Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
T Levels - embedded maths or English
English
Functional English reading
TL - Synthesise information
GCSE Reading AO1a Identify/interpret explicit & implicit information & ideas
GCSE Reading AO1b Select & synthesise evidence from different texts
GCSE English Reading AO2 Explain & analyse language & structure
GCSE Reading AO3 Compare writers’ ideas & perspectives across 2 or more texts
Set of four graduated activities for preEntry up to Entry Level 2 ideal for mixed ability literacy and ESOL groups. Colour word cards provided.
Match identical pictures (Milestones 6-7)
Match or write colour words to pictures (Milestone 8 – Entry 1)
Simple cloze activity (E1-E2)
Level
M6
M7
M8
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
English
AL Ww/E1.2
AL Rw/E1.1 Have limited, meaningful sight vocabulary of words, signs, symbols
Rs/E2.3 check plausible meanings of sentences when decoding unfamiliar words
Rs/E2.2 Use sentence structure to decipher and predict meaning
Rs/E1.1 Read and recognise simple sentence structures
Pre-entry
pre-Entry Rw/M6.1 Match familiar objects to words, signs, symbols, images
pre-Entry Rw/M6.2 Recognise & read up to 5 personal words, signs, symbols
pre-Entry Rw/M7.3 Recognise & select up to ten personal words, signs, symbols
pre-Entry Rw/M8.3 Recognise & read a growing no. of words signs symbols
ESOL
ESOL Ww/E1.2b Form digits
ESOL Rw/E1.1a Recognise a limited number of words, signs and symbols
ESOL Rs/E2.1c Use sentence context to decode unknown words
ESOL Rs/E2.1b Use knowledge of simple and compound sentence structure to work out meaning
ESOL Rs/E1.1a Read and recognise simple sentence structures:
This is a lower-level version of ‘My Busy Day’ Housework by Laurence Fletcher (see below) for a basic literacy for ESOL class. Also suitable for M8-E1 literacy.
Reading comprehension, simplified cloze and sentence exercises.
Level
M8
Entry Level 1
English
AL Rt/E1.1 Read short familiar texts
Rs/E1.1 Read and recognise simple sentence structures
Pre-entry
pre-Entry General
ESOL
ESOL Rt/E1.1a Follow a short narrative on a familiar topic or experience
ESOL Rs/E1.1a Read and recognise simple sentence structures:
A brilliant 18 page student workbook originally written for Milestone 8, E1-2 ESOL students to use at the beginning of the academic year. Complete with student and tutor record pages, evaluation, and answer sheets. Includes spelling, reading, cloze exercises and comprehension, sentences, word searches and a crossword.
Another super 18 page student workbook originally written for Milestone 8, E1-2 ESOL students to use at the beginning of the academic year. Complete with student and tutor record pages, evaluation, and answer sheets. Includes spelling, reading, cloze exercises and comprehension, form-filling, sentences, word searches and a crossword.
Colours, Clothes and Fruit ) is a 43 page booklet with 23 Milestone 8 / Entry 1-2 paper-based word and sentence focus activities. These accompany our ‘describing people’ on-screen resources.
Word searches and shapes, alphabetical order, upper-lower case letters, crosswords, word fills and matching games. Answers, mapping document, teaching ideas.
