Free Entry Level 3 Functional Skills English in Dover. Classes run at Woodpecker Court. You'll start with an initial assessment to confirm Entry Level 3 is the right level for you. The course covers reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills you use in everyday life and work. It runs full-time during the day and typically takes 12 months. An entry level functional skills english course like this one is a recognised step toward Level 1 and Level 2, which is the GCSE English alternative that many employers accept.
Who this course is for
The curriculum is reflective of the needs of the student, the bespoke nature of Woodpecker Court enables a degree of flexibility to ensure that we remain holistic and focused upon their learning journey. Many of our students have had a previous fragmented education, our envisaged end point for them is when they are deemed to be resilient, reflective, responsible as well as respectful while being academically functional for both life and onward destination. We encourage our students to be reflective every day throughout their learning journey. We achieve this by implementing opportunities where students can reflect on their day by running a morning and afternoon briefing based under our parachute. From a teaching and learning perspective, it is essential lesson planning includes the use of starter and plenary activities to highlight key points of learning, which will encourage students to retain knowledge. Students who embark on a learning journey at Woodpecker Court will become flexible in their working nature. The curriculum offers opportunities to learn new skills within our bespoke environment working closely with our animals, caring for the woodland, and learning how to be take responsibility for the provision and greater community. We build resilience in all of students, whether that be working in a range of challenging weather conditions, to being taught how to overcome mistakes with woodwork projects in our workshop, to undertaking a range of sensitive PSHE qualifications. Students will be given guidance to see positives in every challenge they face. The curriculum aspires to set “there is no ceiling...seek the stairs” approach for every student and any barriers they face are seen as an opportunity to learn. The curriculum provides opportunities for students to stretch and challenge themselves, no matter how big or small the outcome.
Entry requirements
EL2
What you will learn
You'll read and understand everyday texts, signs, and written information.
You'll write clearly for practical purposes such as forms, messages, and short notes.
You'll spell and punctuate common words accurately.
You'll listen and respond to spoken instructions and conversations.
You'll speak clearly to share information and ask questions.
You'll build the English skills needed for daily life and further study.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions at Woodpecker Court, with teaching tailored to your needs. Learning is flexible and focused on your individual progress. Assessment is through tasks that reflect real-life reading, writing, speaking, and listening situations. You'll be assessed when you and your tutor agree you're ready.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Woodpecker Court will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Warehouse operative: following written instructions and safety signs
Care assistant: communicating clearly with clients and colleagues
Cleaner or caretaker: reading schedules and completing basic paperwork
Kitchen assistant: following written recipes and hygiene instructions
Delivery driver's assistant: reading addresses and completing delivery notes
What you could study next
Functional Skills English Level 1: the next step up, covering more complex reading and writing tasks.
Functional Skills English Level 2: the GCSE English alternative recognised by employers and colleges. Many job applications and further training courses ask for this level.
ESOL qualifications: if English is not your first language, ESOL courses develop communication skills alongside Functional Skills.
