Free Level 1 Functional Skills English in Cambridge – Coleridge Community College

CostFREE
Duration6 months
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

About this course

Free Functional Skills English Level 1 in Cambridge. Classes run at Coleridge Community College, with daytime sessions that fit around other commitments. You'll study reading, writing, speaking, and listening through everyday real-life contexts. Before you enrol, you'll complete a short initial assessment by phone so the college can confirm the right level for you. The course runs part-time over around 6 months. A level 1 functional skills english course is a recognised GCSE English alternative that many employers accept.

Who this course is for

This whole year funded course of English Functional Skills is for adults wanting to achieve a qualification in Functional Skills English (up to and including Level 2). You will study a range of English skills – reading, writing, speaking and listening – based upon real-life settings.  Do you need to update your CV? Did you not achieve your English qualification through school? Are you 19 years old or over?  Functional skills are practical skills in English that allow learners to work confidently, effectively and independently in life. These courses are not suitable for learning English as a foreign language.  The classes are generally small, delivered to suit your starting point and assessments are offered through City and Guilds after 55 hours teaching. You will need to complete an initial assessment prior to starting the course.

Entry requirements

No previous experience required.  You are required to complete an initial assessment / screening of English levels prior to enrolment on the course – please telephone the office on 01223 712340 to make an appointment.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop your reading skills using everyday texts and real-life materials.
  • You'll practise writing clearly and accurately for different purposes.
  • You'll build your speaking and listening skills in practical situations.
  • You'll learn to communicate more confidently in work and daily life contexts.
  • You'll understand how to structure written responses and check your own work.

How you will learn

You'll attend classroom-based sessions at Coleridge Community College during the day. Learning covers reading, writing, speaking, and listening through practical, real-life tasks. Assessment is through a combination of a written exam and a speaking and listening assessment, set and marked by City and Guilds.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Coleridge Community College 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: documentation and communication skills are required
  • Retail assistant: everyday English used throughout the working day
  • Administrator: writing and reading tasks are central to office work
  • Teaching assistant: supporting learners requires confident English skills

What you could study next

  • Functional Skills English Level 2: the recognised GCSE English equivalent, accepted by most employers and colleges as proof of English ability. A natural next step after Level 1.
  • GCSE English Language: available at some colleges for adults who want the formal GCSE grade.
  • Level 2 vocational qualifications in health and social care, business administration, or childcare often require Level 1 or Level 2 English alongside them.

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