Functional Skills English Level 1

Course Title: A6919 - Functional Skills English Level 1

Brief course description:

Unlock the power of communication with this accredited 8-week Functional Skills English Level 1 course, delivered three times a week.

Designed for learners who want to build practical English skills for everyday life, work, and further education, this course leads to a nationally recognised qualification awarded by Pearson Edexcel.

You’ll learn how to interpret a variety of texts such as articles, instructions, and formal reports and how to write clearly and effectively for different audiences and purposes, including emails, letters, and structured documents. You’ll also explore grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary, along with literary techniques like similes and metaphors to enhance your expression.

In addition to written communication, the course focuses on verbal interaction. You’ll practise participating in discussions, expressing your views confidently, and responding appropriately tokills that skills that are vital in both personal and professional settings.

At the end of the course, you’ll sit the Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills English Level 1 exam, giving you the opportunity to gain an accredited qualification that can support your progression into employment, further study, or everyday life challenges. By the time you complete the course, you’ll feel more confident, capable, and ready to take the next step.

 

Objectives:

1. Speaking & Listening: Engage in structured discussions and presentations by listening attentively, responding appropriately, and making relevant contributions in formal settings meeting the criteria for effective verbal communication and interaction.

2. Reading: Demonstrate the ability to identify main points, ideas, and details in a variety of texts. Distinguish between fact and opinion, and interpret meaning using context aligned with Level 1 reading comprehension and analysis standards.

3. Writing: Communicate clearly and effectively in writing across multiple formats (e.g. letters, emails, reports), using appropriate structure, tone, and vocabulary. Apply accurate paragraphing and varied sentence forms to meet Level 1 written communication criteria.

4. Proofreading & Editing: Review and refine written work by correcting spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Ensure consistency in tense, subject-verb agreement, and article usage supporting the Level 1 requirement for accuracy and clarity in writing.

5. Digital Literacy: Use digital tools to produce, save, and submit written work across devices, reflecting the practical application of English skills in modern contexts as encouraged by Pearson’s integrated approach.

6. Personal Progression: Set and work towards a meaningful goal related to career or further study, using English skills to support planning, communication, and self-presentation reinforcing the real-world relevance of Functional Skills qualifications

 

Entry requirements:

You will need to hold a level 1 qualification in ESOL or be able to demonstrate language at the required level. This means you will be able to compose a range of texts, both formal and informal, give a presentation, take part in discussions, read or listen and understand a wide range of real-world texts.

Equipment required:

Please bring to every lesson:

• A folder
• Pens & pencils
• Lined A4 paper
• A smartphone (if you have one)
• A reusable water bottle

We will give you the WIFI details in the first lesson.

If you do not have access to a smart phone or a computer, speak to your tutor.

You will also need a personal Gmail account to access the Google classroom, which will be used for submitting coursework and accessing course materials. If you do not have a Gmail account speak to your tutor.

What courses can I go on to:

There are other courses you can do after or at the same time as this course:

• Getting ready for Functional Skills English Level 1 & 2
• ESOL level 2
• Functional Skills English Level 1 & 2
• Functional Skills Maths Level 1 & 2
• ESOL English Grammar in Practice level 1/ 2
• Functional Skills Maths Level 1/2
• Digital Skills Entry 3/Level 1
• Digital Skills in the workplace: Using Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Please ask your teacher for more information or contact Functional Skills email: functionalskills@towerhamlets.gov.uk

What examination is there:

You will undertake the Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills Qualification in English at Level 1.

There are four components that you must pass to gain the qualification.

• Speaking & Listening: Communicate ideas clearly, respond to questions, express opinions with evidence, and participate effectively in group discussions.

• Reading: Use reference tools, understand text structures, infer meaning from images, and apply punctuation and vocabulary to aid comprehension.

 

• Writing: Produce well-structured texts using appropriate formats, complex sentences, and accurate paragraphing within set word limits.

 

• Spelling, Punctuation & Grammar: Apply correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling—including tense, articles, and subject-verb agreement—for clear, precise writing.

The exam is taken at The Shadwell Centre at the end of the course therefore, you MUST attend all your classes.

How will I know I am making progress:

At the start of the course, your tutor will talk with you about which parts of your English you need to practise most and help you create an individual learning plan. Throughout the course, you will have a tutorial meeting to discuss your strengths, areas for improvement, and any problems you may have. You will keep a folder with your work, which will help you review your learning outside of class. Your tutor will give you regular feedback on your class work and homework to help you improve. To make progress, you need to attend all your classes and do work outside of class.

You will lose your place if your attendance is less than 80%.

Other info:

One of our aims is to help you make progress in work or future studies. We also want to help you participate in your communities and become an active citizen. In our classes, you will develop important skills that employers value and that will help you in everyday life. Here’s what you will learn:

• Communication Skills: You will learn to speak and write more clearly and confidently. This includes practising conversations for work, writing emails, and filling out forms.
• Decision-Making: You will learn how to make good choices by evaluating different options and thinking critically about situations.
• Teamwork: You will learn how to work well with others.
• Problem-Solving: You will develop the ability to identify problems and find effective solutions, useful in both work and daily life.
• Time Management: You will practice managing your time effectively, including setting goals and meeting deadlines.

By improving these skills, you will increase your chances of finding a job, advancing in your career, and becoming an active member of your community.

Extra support

We can help you if you tell us you have a learning difficulty, disability or other support needs. Please tell us when you enrol or in your first class.