FOUNDATION LEARNING
An essential
element
The first of the four pathways we focus on is Foundation Learning, where
Functional Skills forms one of the three core elements
F
unctional Skills are a vital element rather see it as being assessed and strongly “For example, students working in
of a student’s Foundation Learning identified through learning, so that students childcare might be asked to measure the size
programme at Entry Level and Level 1. recognise their relevance.” of equipment to ensure it is the right size
Each programme pathway has three elements: Foundation Learning offers students who and height for the children. So the teaching
personal and social development; subject or are working below Entry Level a progression needs to be relevant and just right so they can
vocational-level learning; and Functional award. The aim is to provide them with the see how Functional Skills apply to real-life
Skills. skills to progress towards a Functional Skills situations.”
“Foundation Learning is about having an qualification. In all, 11 awarding bodies were involved in
individual, personalised learning programme “Some may not have the aptitude to do piloting Functional Skills. As this supplement
which provides learners with opportunities such a qualification because they may have was published, qualification specifications
to build up their skills, as well as their special needs, for example,” Ms McHugh were being submitted to Ofqual, the exams
confidence and self-esteem. It is a coherent added. watchdog.
offer of learning,” explained Mal McHugh, Sandra Stalker, the QCDA’s director of Jill Stokoe, senior programme manager,
senior manager for Foundation Learning at general qualifications and life skills, said skills for life at QCDA, said the standards
the QCDA. learners can take the level of Functional for Functional Skills at Entry Level had been
Functional Skills comprises 45 guided Skills qualification that is appropriate for redrafted in recent months and had seen some
learning hours for Levels 1 and 2, and 30 to them. “It might mean they need to take the changes.
45 for Entry Level and are generally taught three different skills of English, mathematics One of the most significant was that
within vocational or subject-level learning to and ICT at different levels, depending on Functional Skills at Entry Level would be set
give them context. However, it is important where they are,” she explained. either internally or externally.
to note that the number of hours required for Ms Stalker said she believed the most Awarding bodies would set some of them,
delivery will differ according to individual effective way of teaching Functional Skills but others would be decided by the centres,
learners’ needs. within Foundation Learning was through but within the parameters laid down by the
Ms McHugh continued: “We see a combination of integrated and discrete examination boards through a proforma or
Functional Skills as being an essential learning. template.
element of a learner’s programme and they “Students need to acquire the necessary Generally, however, it was expected that
may be taught alongside the vocational offer. skills, but then they also need to know how to assessment of Functional Skills at Entry
“We would not want it to be bolted on, but apply them,” she said. Level would be carried out internally, though
4 SecEd
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