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Written to look at the reformed Entry Level 2 ‘Measures, shape and space’ content, the main focus of this resource is positional vocabulary, 3D shapes and time. It also covers aspects of Number and Data. It is not recommended for the initial teaching of skills (underpinning). If used for this, ensure all the ‘maths words’ (p1) are covered in advance and supply learners with real-life materials such as counters (I use pasta or dried beans) and 3D shapes where needed.

Specifically written to focus on the reformed Entry Level 1 ‘Number’ content, these worksheets follow Sam and Dot at their workplaces during the Halloween period. The resource draws on the different question styles used by the major awarding organisations and can be used for diagnostic assessment and revision.

A reading, writing, listening and discussion task. The topic is skills at risk and the older generation. Comprehension questions focus on the gist. The grammar focus is passive voice verbs. Learners will discuss and write sentences about their skills, and will write about traditional skills that are in danger of dying out.

Angles have far greater prominence in the reformed Functional Maths content (for example 3 figure bearings are assessed at Level 1). An introductory PPT and accompanying straightforward but very useful worksheet develop underpinning skills in measuring and naming angles.  Includes a reference box on page 1 and a list of 'angle' vocabulary on page 4 (please note much of this vocabulary is not assessed in Functional Mathematics but is included for general interest).

Fully mapped to the reformed Functional Maths content. 

Reformed Functional English assessments include group discussion at all levels beyond Entry 1.  This useful, 3 page planner can be used (with varying amounts of teacher support) from E2 to L2. Covers everything from choosing a topic, jotting down initial ideas, and making extended contributions. Also describes the different roles withing a discussion and useful phrases for each role.

With detailed Functional English mapping.   

Five large A4 templates for web page, letter, article, email and a speech/talk.  They can be used in a variety of ways depending upon learner levels and lesson objectives. E.g. E1-E2 students can discuss and decide upon the text type and/or where they might see such document, E2-E3 learners can use them to plan or draft work. At L1 they could be displayed onscreen as a brief reminder to use different layouts for different purposes or for reading revision (of organisational features).

Delightful reading and writing tasks based on a very short text originally written for a motorbike-loving learner who had difficulties decoding and distinguishing between long and short vowel sounds. Includes comprehension questions and spelling / punctuation tasks. Fully mapped to the reformed Entry 1 Functional English content. This includes detailed phonic breakdown of the reading text.

These two lessons explore the Windrush Scandal. 

The video gives an opportunity to listen for gist and detail, and is followed by a focus on sentence stress and intonation.

The article gives an opportunity for learners to analyse the purpose of the text and look at persuasive techniques, and is accompanied by a vocabulary from context exercise.

This resource was created as a way to focus my learners on one person in a larger story. I believe it is a great way to get them used to using the Who, What, Why, When and Where writing method creatively. It is especially good for planning activities.

Editor's note

Although Functional English does not include creative / fiction writing this resource is still useful for general E3 and L1 planning and writing practice, and (for L2 students) as preparation for GCSE.