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City & Guilds Functional Skills Certificate in English or Mathematics Level 1 & 2

Functional Skills in English and maths are practical skills that allow learners to work confidently, effectively and independently in life, including education and training. They aim to increase achievement in all learning, improve employability and provide a sound basis for progression to further study or training. They also help develop other important skills such as team work, presentation and problem solving. Functional Skills are common to all our lives.

They help make sense of daily life, from working out which deal is best value, to writing an application letter or sur­fing the Internet. They are about using English, maths and ICT in everyday situations.

They are essential for:

  • Getting the most from education and training
  • Personal development of all young people and adults
  • Developing employability skills

Functional Skills are designed to help individuals develop their English and/or mathematic skills in order to apply them in employment, academic or everyday life.

To support individuals to successfully complete their English and/or mathematic qualifications Colchester Institute offers functional skills via a number of methods to suit your learning style.

Course Info
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Other courses in this area
City & Guilds Functional Skills in English
Course Outline: flexible learning structure that can be adapted to meet your individual needs
LevelLevel 1
Level 2
Campus / Adult Skills CentreColchester
Braintree
Clacton
Dovercourt
Start DateLearners can enrol on these courses throughout the year
AttendanceFlexible attendance throughout the year
City & Guilds Functional Skills in Mathematics
LevelLevel 1
Level 2
Campus / Adult Skills CentreColchester
Braintree
Clacton
Dovercourt
Start DateLearners can enrol on these courses throughout the year
AttendanceFlexible attendance throughout the year
City & Guilds Functional Skills Certificate in English

Offered at Level 1 and Level 2 these qualifications are designed to equip you with skills such as comparing the ideas and presentation of texts, writing for a specified audience and purpose, and communicating and adapting language. They’re assessed in three units – Speaking, Listening and Communication; Reading and Writing.  They have a flexible learning structure that can be adapted to meet your individual needs and provide a progression route through to higher achievement such as GCSE.

City & Guilds Functional Skills Certificate in Mathematics

Offered at Level 1 and Level 2 these qualifications are designed to develop your ability to represent situations using mathematics, analyse calculations, solve problems and interpret mathematics to explain situations.  They’re assessed in a single, externally set test.  They have a flexible learning structure that can be adapted to meet your individual needs and provide a progression route through to higher achievement such as GCSE.

Learning Method 1: Study weekly in the classroom or over zoom

Whether you chose the online via Zoom or classroom option, sessions take place once a week for approximately 2 hours. We offer sessions Monday-Friday between 9am and 5pm and we can be flexible, to an extent, to suit your needs.

  • Fully recognised qualification for English and/or maths
  • Discover English and/or maths skills needed in everyday contexts
  • Choose to study online via Zoom or in a classroom environment
  • Exams are based at our Colchester Campus
  • Weekly sessions with one of our tutors
Learning Method 2: Study at your own pace at our Adult Skills Centres

Our Adult Skills Centres (previously known as Learning Shops) offer flexible sessions for English and mathematics, where you can choose to attend those which suit your needs.

Learners can enrol on the courses throughout the year, and sessions takes place at our Adult Skills Centres.

Classes are available for learners aged 19 or over. Learners must show an Interest in improving literacy/numeracy skills and gaining a national Level 2 qualification.

These qualifications provide recognition of achievements in reading, writing and communication and number skills in real life situations. They also have a flexible assessment structure that can be adapted to meet the needs of individual students and provide a progression route through to higher achievement. Functional Skills offer progression opportunities for entry to advanced qualifications.

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Whatever your situation, we’re here to help you overcome problems and reach your goals. We’ll help you build on your strengths, improve your skills, and find a job or career that matches your skills and personality.

To ask a question or to book your free National Careers Service Advice & Guidance session at a centre near you please contact us via the menu below.

English and maths, up to and including Level 2, will be fully-funded by the UK Government for individuals aged 19 and over, who have not previously achieved a GCSE grade A* – C or grade 4, or higher.

This means you will not have to pay tuition fees if you meet this criteria.

This applies to both GCSE English language or maths and Functional Skills English or maths (from Entry to Level 2)

Learners who want to retake their GCSE English and maths qualification because they did not achieve a grade 4 (C), or higher, will not be funded to only resit the exam.

Please get in touch with us if you are interested in enrolling onto Functional Skills programme in English and/or Mathematics.

You can contact us via the details provided on this page or submit the course enquiry form for your preferred learning method using the menu buttons in the section below.

We will then contact you and make arrangements for you to complete an assessment to determine the appropriate level for you to study at.

We will also need to confirm whether or not you are eligible to pay any course fees, and you may be asked to provide some further information about your current employment and financial status and previous learning.

Courses may also be free if you are in receipt of either Universal Credit, Job Seekers Allowance or Employment Support Allowance benefit.

Once this has been completed we will then enrol you onto your course programme.

Disclaimer

All fees, prices and funding information shown on this page are for courses starting in the 2024-25 academic year unless stated otherwise, and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change due to factors outside of our control. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.

Courses fees are generally not confirmed for September until June / July due to the above factors.

The course information describes programmes offered by Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.

The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.

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