To help you to develop the practical skills you need to use English in everyday life, Functional Skills English is ideal. Functional Skills teaches English using real-life situations in an online context you can access at anytime and anywhere you have internet connection.

When you reach Level 2, you’ll have the equivalent to a C or higher grade at GCSE, meaning that you can demonstrate your ability to understand and use everyday English at this level. Some universities will even accept a Functional Skills Level 2 qualification in place of a GCSE. This course will guide you through all of the skills you need to achieve this level and can prepare you for a Level 2 exam.

Our English course was written by qualified subject specialists who have years of experience in Further Education. Our courses have also been created to cater to all ways of learning. Whether you are a visual, auditory or kinaesthetic learner, you will be able to find content that helps you to learn in the way that you find most comfortable.

We know that everyone is individual, so our online level and skills checkers will develop a unique programme made just for you. This means that you’ll know your strengths and where you need to focus right from the start.

Choosing the specialised route gives you access to qualified teachers who will guide you through your learning, provide you with four one-to-one tutorials focussed on your unique needs, give you additional learning in areas you find difficult, and be available during office hours via email. You will be given a telephone number of your teacher who will be available for immediate support during office hours. You will also be given the option of an individual learning plan, which can help you to focus on setting yourself small targets and give you the chance to reflect on your learning. Finally, if you choose to take an exam you will be provided with up to three marked mock exams with feedback.

Syllabus

Functional Skills English includes sections on:

• Reading – This module looks at different types of layout features and how these can impact the reader; reading for information, including looking at biased pieces of work that will help you to work out how much the opinions of certain authors can be trusted. All of the reading skills that you learn will be tested in quizzes at the end of each section, ensuring that you are ready to sit your final exam, should you choose to do so.
• Writing – As well as covering the best way to write certain pieces of text, this module will also test and improve your spelling, punctuation and grammar skills, ensuring that you are ready to sit your final exam, should you choose to do so.
• Speaking, Listening and Communication – An important element of the English programme is the speaking, listening and communication (SLC) module. This module will improve your verbal communication skills and help to prepare you for your own SLC exam by showing you the best ways to prepare and also giving you examples of the correct way to use various SLC skills on a daily basis.

Study Hours

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is: 0 hrs.

The Access to Higher Education (A2HE) Consortium is a group of organisations who work together to promote and deliver excellence within the A2HE experience. By working in partnership the A2HE Education Consortium is able to call upon the significant expertise of each partner organisation to deliver the best possible learning journey and experience for our A2HE learners.

Access to Higher Education courses are ideal for learners wanting to start a university course but that have no formal qualifications. By working in partnership the A2HE Consortium is able to:

• Recruit, signpost and navigate learners through their decision to register on an A2HE programme of study.
• Provide learners with the most comprehensive Information, Advice and Guidance prior to registration.
• Provide learners with a range of funding options including; payment in full, payment using consumer credit and payment using a government backed Advanced Learning Loan.
• Give learners access to cutting edge technology to support the delivery of their A2HE programme.
• Allow learners to customise their A2HE programme so that it is bespoke to their own learning needs, challenges them throughout and delivers additional learning in areas such as Maths, English and Soft Skills (Confidence, Resilience, Team working etc.).
• Learners access high quality learning materials that are rich and engaging supported by a team of committed and talented tutors and assessors.
• Course accreditation and certification from Open College Network West Midlands, a QAA (Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education) licenced Access Validating Agency (AVA).

Who are the partners?

The Stonebridge Group (SAC) The Stonebridge Group of Training Companies is a conglomerate of 6 separate independent training providers established in 1997 and continually growing. Currently the group trains more than 70,000 learners per annum in a wide range of subjects areas from A-Levels to Web Design and IT with everything in-between. The Group currently employs almost 200 staff who work in all areas including learner recruitment, course development, course delivery, admin, finance and tutorial support Stonebridge Associated Colleges are currently a Gold Trusted Merchant with an average Service Rating of over 98% from 854 Independent Feefo Reviews. The Group specialises in training, digital marketing and learner recruitment including advice and guidance to ensure the right learners are placed on the right programme of study. Please click here for more information
Pearltech UK Ltd (PEARL) PEARL (Personalised e-Assisted Responsive Learning) is uniquely innovative Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) that delivers customised and responsive learning based on individual learner’s needs. The system is available entirely online which means that learners can access all aspects of their learning, assessment and eportfolio 24/7 and from any location in the World using a variety of devices. Pearl encourages learner development beyond academic skills and includes proprietary responsive algorithms which present different learning exercises or challenges unique to each learner. This means that every learner has the ability to customise their course and to enrich their learning experience.
Enabling Development Opportunities Ltd (EDO) EDO has been working with businesses and learners since 2007. The team of directors and staff have decades of experience in skills training. All learners are supported throughout their studies by a talented group of tutors and assessors who are responsible for ensuring that all learners on the A2HE programmes are supported in a way that makes them feel “special” and gives them the best possible chance of succeeding. As part of the A2HE Consortium, EDO are responsible for delivering the training and accessing Advanced Learning Loan (if required) funding for learners. EDO also quality assure the programmes and claim the final certificate for learners from Open College Network West Midlands on successful completion of the A2HE programme. Please click here for more information

The Advanced Learning Loan (ALL) Consortium is a group of organisations who work together to promote and deliver excellence within the ALL experience. By working in partnership the ALL Education Consortium is able to call upon the significant expertise of each partner organisation to deliver the best possible learning journey and experience for our Advanced Learning Loan learners.

Advanced Learner Loan funding is ideal for learners who are not able to fund their own learning and are seeking a government backed loan in order to do so. By working in partnership the ALL Consortium is able to:

• Recruit, signpost and navigate learners through their decision to register on a programme of study using an Advanced Learning Loan.
• Provide learners with the most comprehensive Information, Advice and Guidance prior to registration.
• Provide learners with a range of funding options including; payment in full, payment using consumer credit and payment using a government backed Advanced Learning Loan.
• Give learners access to cutting edge technology to support the delivery of their Advanced Learning Loan funded programme.
• Allow learners to customise their Advanced Learning Loan funded programme so that it is bespoke to their own learning needs, challenges them throughout and delivers additional learning in areas such as Maths, English and Soft Skills (Confidence, Resilience, Team working etc.).
• Learners access high quality learning materials that are rich and engaging supported by a team of committed and talented tutors and assessors.
• Course accreditation and certification from various Ofqual regulated Awarding Bodies.

Who are the partners?

The Stonebridge Group (SAC) The Stonebridge Group of Training Companies is a conglomerate of 6 separate independent training providers established in 1997 and continually growing. Currently the group trains more than 70,000 learners per annum in a wide range of subjects areas from A-Levels to Web Design and IT with everything in-between. The Group currently employs almost 200 staff who work in all areas including learner recruitment, course development, course delivery, admin, finance and tutorial support Stonebridge Associated Colleges are currently a Gold Trusted Merchant with an average Service Rating of over 98% from 854 Independent Feefo Reviews. The Group specialises in training, digital marketing and learner recruitment including advice and guidance to ensure the right learners are placed on the right programme of study. Please click here for more information
Pearltech UK Ltd (PEARL) PEARL (Personalised e-Assisted Responsive Learning) is uniquely innovative Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) that delivers customised and responsive learning based on individual learner’s needs. The system is available entirely online which means that learners can access all aspects of their learning, assessment and eportfolio 24/7 and from any location in the World using a variety of devices. Pearl encourages learner development beyond academic skills and includes proprietary responsive algorithms which present different learning exercises or challenges unique to each learner. This means that every learner has the ability to customise their course and to enrich their learning experience.
Dimensions Training Solutions (DTS) DTS was originally formed in 1973 and has been responsible for training thousands of apprentices and adult learners since then. DTS aim to help learners broaden their skills, gain knowledge; build on experience, to make a positive change to their career and life with dozens of apprenticeships and distance learning QCF courses that can really kick start a new career. Judged Good by OFSTED in October 2015: Just some of the reasons why DTS are a GOOD Training provider, very close to OUTSTANDING, but we don’t like to brag... Learners really enjoy their learning Effective employer involvement helps learners to link work-related activities well with their qualification Good quality workplaces, with a diverse range of clients Highly effective development of Apprentices’ English & Maths skills Employers provide a high quality working environment Consistent, high level of achievement for learners As part of the ALL Consortium, DTS are responsible for delivering the training and accessing the Advanced Learning Loan (if required) funding for learners. DTS also quality assure the programmes and claim the final certificate for learners from the relevant awarding body on successful completion of the programme. Please click here for more information

What's included

You’ll be assessed throughout your learning by our online quizzes.

When you’re ready for your final assessments, Functional Skills English has two exams - Reading and Writing – which cover all of the topics you’ll learn in realistic scenarios. These are available as online or a paper-based exams. There is also a separate assessment of Speaking, Listening and Communication. You’ll be responsible for booking your own exams and paying any associated fees, but don’t worry – we’ll give you our handy guide which shows you how to do this and a link to help you to find a provider near you.

Qualification

At the end of this course, should you decide to take the exam, you’ll have gained a Functional Skills Level 2 qualification in English. This is equivalent to a grade C or above (4 or above) at GCSE. It will enable you to go on to further education programmes and can also give you access to some universities.

If you are looking to progress and are missing that C grade then this is the programme for you.

Qualifications

Qualification: English Level 2 Functional Skills

Requirements for Entry

Great news! There are no entry requirements for the course. All you need is access to a computer or tablet and an internet connection. You can sign up right now and take our quiz and our system will generate your personalised learning programme.

Professional Membership

On completion of this course you will be eligible to join the following Professional Associations(s):

learndirect Future Skills

Future Skills is a division of learndirect responsible for creating innovate content and learning to help people succeed in core skill areas such as English, Maths and ICT. The expert Future Skills team have the knowledge and benefit of helping over a 100,000 learners successfully pass their functional skills exams. Here at Stonebridge all our functional skills learning content is provided by Future Skills. In addition if you choose to study one of our Supported or Specialised functional skills packages you will have access to a Future Skills subject matter specialist as your tutor. 

Professional Membership

On completion of this course you will be eligible to join the following Professional Associations(s):

learndirect Future Skills

Future Skills is a division of learndirect responsible for creating innovate content and learning to help people succeed in core skill areas such as English, Maths and ICT. The expert Future Skills team have the knowledge and benefit of helping over a 100,000 learners successfully pass their functional skills exams. Here at Stonebridge all our functional skills learning content is provided by Future Skills. In addition if you choose to study one of our Supported or Specialised functional skills packages you will have access to a Future Skills subject matter specialist as your tutor. 

Career Transition Partnership (CTP)

We are proud to be working with Career Transition Partnetship (CTP) as a CTP Preferred Suplier. We are able to offer ex-service personnel access to funding for our whole range of military resettlement courses.

As a CTP Preferred Supplier we are able to accept your IRTC (Individual Resettlement Training Costs) grant or ELC (Enhanced Learning Credits) for any of the following courses:

• Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA)
• Beauty Therapy (Massage Route) Dual Course
• Business Administration
• Certificate in Education and Training
• Counselling Skills
• Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator)
• Foot Health Care Practitioner
• Health and Social Care (Adults)
• Hospitality Supervision and Leadership
• Playwork (NVQ)
• Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
• Principles of Customer Service course
• Principles of End of Life Care Course
• Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools
• Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Certificate

If you are ex-service personnel and would like more information on how to claim this funding, please contact the college or speak to your Service Resettlement Advisor.

For more information on CTP, please visit www.ctp.org.uk

Study Options

This course is currently only available to be studied via the online method.

Study Hours

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is: 0 hrs.

Further Information

If you would like any further information regarding this course, please call an advisor today on 0121 392 8288 ( or email enquiries@stonebridge.uk.com

Tutor Support

With this course you will have unlimited access to your own personal tutor who specialises in their field of study. It is your personal tutor's role to ensure that you receive constructive feedback and to deal with any queries you may have. You are more than welcome to telephone, fax or email your personal tutor.

You will also have access to a dedicated and friendly team of administrators and course advisors who offer sound and professional guidance and advice when you need it. This ensures that you will never feel neglected and that you will always succeed!

Assessment Method

After each lesson there will be a question paper, which needs to be completed and submitted to your personal tutor for marking. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal tutor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course.

Student Zone

We understand that studying from home may be a new experience for you. You may even be feeling a bit apprehensive because you will not be studying in a traditional "classroom environment".

To help you overcome these concerns we have developed the Student Zone. The Student Zone, to which all of our students receive access, encourages a high level of interaction with your tutor and other like-minded students. Within this area you can:

• Access the Student Learning Community which allows you to connect with fellow students and gain the help and support you need.
• View your tutor's feedback on your marked assignments.
• View optional reading lists for your course (where available).
• Access free online games, for when you need a break from studying.
• View the study guide with plenty of useful hints and tips on how to get the most out of your course.
• Access free courses such as: Improving Learning Skills; Job Interview Skills; The Effective Learner; Goal Setting and Time Management; and Ten Tips to Complete a Good Test Paper.
• Find details on our generous Referral Programme.
And don’t forget our Facebook page where you will find tips, resources, games, competitions, and plenty of engagement and interaction from fellow students.