Free Level 1 Functional Skills English in Dunstable – Weatherfield Academy
CostFREE
Duration9 months
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding body
About this course
Free Level 1 Functional Skills English Course in Dunstable. Classes run at Weatherfield Academy, full-time during the day. You'll need to have completed Entry Level 3 Functional Skills English before starting. The course builds the applied English skills that employers and colleges look for, covering reading, writing, and communication at Level 1. It runs over 9 months. Level 1 Functional Skills English is widely treated as a stepping stone toward the Level 2 qualification, which is the recognised GCSE English equivalent.
Who this course is for
These Functional Skills qualifications allow candidates to demonstrate the fundamental applied skills in English that help people to gain the most from life, learning and work. Candidates should be entered for either Level 1 or Level 2 when they can demonstrate all the skills standards outlined at that level. The specifications have been developed in consultation with practising teachers and subject associations. AQA’s Functional English qualifications have a clear component structure with reading, writing and speaking, listening and communication being assessed in separate tests or tasks. This means that candidates can take the components in different examination series or all in the same series. There are unlimited re-sit opportunities for candidates who do not achieve the required level at the first attempt. AQA’s Functional Skills qualifications are available four times each academic year in November, January, March and June. This gives you the flexibility to plan your course to meet the needs of your curriculum and candidates. AQA’s tests and tasks are based on a range of real life texts, contexts and scenarios in a skills based approach to Functional English.
Entry requirements
Completion of Entry 3 Functional Skills English
What you will learn
You'll read and understand different types of texts, including everyday documents and longer passages.
You'll identify the main points and purposes of written material.
You'll write clearly for different audiences and purposes.
You'll use grammar, punctuation, and spelling accurately at Level 1 standard.
You'll plan, draft, and check your own writing.
You'll take part in discussions and communicate information clearly in spoken English.
How you will learn
You'll study in a classroom at Weatherfield Academy, with full-time daytime sessions across the week. Learning covers reading, writing, and speaking and listening. Assessment is through external tests set by Pearson Edexcel, covering reading and writing components. Speaking and listening is assessed separately. You must pass each component to achieve the full qualification.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Weatherfield Academy will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Customer service assistant: clear written and spoken English is a core requirement.
Retail sales assistant: reading, writing, and communication used daily.
Warehouse operative: workplace documents and instructions require solid reading skills.
Care assistant: recording notes and communicating with colleagues and clients.
Receptionist: writing emails, messages, and handling written enquiries.
Teaching assistant: supporting learners requires confident English at this level.
What you could study next
Level 2 Functional Skills qualification in English: the natural next step. Level 2 is the recognised GCSE English equivalent and is required by many employers and further education courses.
GCSE English Language: some learners use Level 1 as preparation before sitting a formal GCSE.
Level 2 vocational qualifications in health and social care, business administration, or customer service often require Level 1 or Level 2 English alongside them.
