Free Level 1 Functional Skills English in Gateshead – Gateshead College Baltic Campus
CostFREE
Duration6 months
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modeFlexible
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding body
About this course
Free Functional Skills English Level 1 in Gateshead. Classes run at Gateshead College Baltic Campus, with daytime attendance and flexible study to fit around your life. The course covers reading, writing, and speaking and listening in everyday contexts. It typically takes 6 months. There are no specific entry requirements, and you'll have an initial assessment so the centre can plan your learning at the right level. When employers ask for GCSE English or equivalent, a level 1 functional skills english qualification is a recognised step toward that standard.
Who this course is for
If you would like to improve your English skills and achieve higher than a GCSE grade 4 (C), this course will help you build the skills you need in real life, every day contexts. There are three assessments, reading, writing and speaking & listening.
Entry requirements
There are no specific entry requirements
What you will learn
You'll read and understand texts used in everyday life, such as letters, forms, and notices.
You'll write clearly for different purposes, including emails, messages, and short documents.
You'll develop your speaking and listening skills for practical situations.
You'll organise your writing so it makes sense to the reader.
You'll identify the main points and purposes in written material.
You'll use grammar, punctuation, and spelling accurately enough to communicate clearly.
How you will learn
Classes are classroom-based at Gateshead College Baltic Campus, with flexible daytime attendance. You'll be assessed in three separate components: a reading assessment, a writing assessment, and a speaking and listening assessment. All three must be passed to achieve the full qualification.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Gateshead College Baltic Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Customer service assistant: clear written and spoken English is expected
Receptionist: reading, writing, and communication are core to the role
Care assistant: records, reports, and daily communication require solid English
Retail assistant: reading instructions and writing notes are part of the job
Warehouse operative: safety notices and written records require English skills
Teaching assistant: supporting learners means strong everyday English
What you could study next
Functional Skills English Level 2: the GCSE English equivalent that many employers and colleges require. A natural next step after Level 1.
GCSE English Language: available at some colleges for adults who want the traditional qualification.
Level 2 vocational qualifications in health and social care, business, or childcare, many of which require Level 2 English alongside them.
