Free Level 1 Functional Skills English in Southwark

CostFREE
Duration7 months
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

About this course

Free Level 1 Functional Skills English Course in Southwark. Classes run at Bosco College, full-time during the day. The course typically takes 7 months and covers reading, writing, speaking, and listening at Level 1. A Level 1 functional skills english qualification is the recognised GCSE English equivalent when employers ask for GCSE English or equivalent. You'll sit a City and Guilds assessment at the end.

Who this course is for

Functional Skills qualifications are intended to support learners as they seek to improve their literacy, numeracy and ICT skills. Achieving these qualifications should increase candidates’ confidence and motivation, and the skills they gain will be valuable in the workplace or in any further learning.

What you will learn

  • You'll read and understand different types of texts, including everyday documents and longer pieces of writing.
  • You'll write clearly for different purposes, such as letters, emails, and short reports.
  • You'll use correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling in your writing.
  • You'll listen carefully and respond appropriately in discussions and conversations.
  • You'll speak clearly and confidently to communicate information and ideas.
  • You'll identify the main points and purposes of spoken and written communication.

How you will learn

You'll learn in a classroom at Bosco College, attending full-time during the day. Teaching covers reading, writing, speaking, and listening through practical tasks and exercises. Assessment is by a City and Guilds externally set and marked exam, covering reading and writing. Speaking, listening, and communication is assessed separately. You'll have an initial assessment before you start so the course can be matched to the right level for you.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Bosco 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 essential
  • Retail sales assistant: reading, writing, and communication used daily
  • Care assistant: documentation and communication with clients and colleagues
  • Warehouse operative: reading instructions, labels, and safety notices
  • Receptionist: writing emails, taking messages, and speaking to visitors
  • Teaching assistant: supporting learners requires confident literacy skills
  • Administrator: writing, reading, and organising documents every day

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Functional Skills qualification in English: the next step up, and the qualification employers and colleges recognise as equivalent to a GCSE English grade 4 (C) or above. Many job roles and further education courses ask for this level.
  • GCSE English Language: some learners choose to sit a formal GCSE after completing Level 1 or Level 2 Functional Skills.
  • Level 2 vocational qualifications in areas such as business, health and social care, or customer service, which often require Level 1 or Level 2 English alongside the main subject.

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