What are functional skills?
Functional skills are those core elements of English, mathematics and ICT
that provide an individual with the essential knowledge, skills and understanding
that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively and independently
in life and at work. Individuals at any age who possess these skills will
be able to participate and progress in education, training and employment
as well as develop and secure the broader range of aptitudes, attitudes
and behaviours that will enable them to make a positive contribution to
the communities in which they live and work.
In the case of English this means that:
- each individual is confident and capable when using the skills of speaking,
listening, reading and writing and is able to communicate effectively,
adapting to a range of audiences and contexts. This will include being
able to explain information clearly and succinctly in speech and writing,
expressing a point of view reasonably and persuasively and using ICT to
communicate effectively
- each individual will be able to read and understand information and
instructions, then use this understanding to act appropriately and to
analyse how ideas and information are presented, evaluating their usefulness,
for example in solving a problem. They will be able to make an oral presentation
or report, contribute to discussions and use speech to work collaboratively
to agree actions and conclusions.
In the case of mathematics this means that:
- each individual has sufficient understanding of a range of mathematical
concepts and knows how and when to use them. For example, they will have
the confidence and capability to use mathematics to solve problems embedded
in increasingly complex settings and to use a range of tools, including
ICT as appropriate
- each individual will develop the analytical and reasoning skills to
draw conclusions, justify how they are reached and identify errors or
inconsistencies. They will also validate and interpret results, judge
the limits of their validity and use them effectively and efficiently.
In the case of ICT this means that:
- each individual is confident and capable when using ICT systems and
tools to meet a variety of needs in a range of contexts. For example,
they will use ICT to find, select and bring together relevant information
and to develop, interpret and exchange information, for a purpose
- each individual will be able to apply ICT safely to enhance their learning
and the quality of their work.
Functional skills in the programmes of study
The programmes of study for English, mathematics and ICT embed the knowledge,
skills and understanding necessary to develop functional skills (level 1
at key stage 3 and level 2 at key stage 4).
Links between the key stage 3 programme of
study for English and the functional skills
Links between the key stage 3 programme of study
for ICT and the functional skills
Links between the key stage 3 programme of study
for mathematics and the functional skills
Links between the key stage 4 programme
of study for English and the functional skills
Links between the key stage 4 programme of
study for ICT and the functional skills
Links between the key stage 4 programme of
study for mathematics and the functional skills
