Course overview

Develop skills to help you read, write, and communicate in English with confidence. Improved language skills open doors to work and study opportunities and help you learn key skills for employment. Level 1 functional skills courses are not like learning English at school. They’re created by adults for adults, and aim to teach you practical English skills through real-life situations. Strengthen your writing skills and learn reading techniques to help you tackle everyday situations at work or while studying. This adult English course helps you develop your language skills through real-life situations. Functional Skills level 1 is a government-funded accredited English course for adults. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades A*-C, or 4-9. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course.

Course description

What we’ll cover

  • Make contributions to discussions with others in a variety of contexts and use a range of expressions and idioms to convey your ideas.

  • Listen to presentations about various topics and be able to identify the key points and ideas.

  • Recognise different language features that are used in texts to achieve a specific purpose.

  • Write texts with correct punctuation, spelling, and grammar.

  • Communicate your ideas and information clearly, coherently, and logically in written texts.

Level 1 functional skills English courses teach you essential English skills employers look for. These skills can also help you excel in your studies.

When you finish the level 1 functional skills English course, you will have assessments in three areas. They are: Speaking, listening, and communicating, Reading, and Writing.

After, you can progress to level 2. There are “get ready” courses between each level to help you prepare for the next course.

Before you can enrol on this course, you’ll need to do a skills check. Don’t worry, this isn’t an exam. It’s for us to make sure you get on the right course for your level.

Our friendly team will contact you to start your skills check as part of your booking.

What to expect

This level 1 English course for adults takes around 70 hours to complete.

English functional skills courses are accepted as a GCSE equivalent for many jobs and courses. At level 2, they can help you do an apprenticeship, higher education course, or go to University.

Functional skills English courses are ideal for flexible learning. You can choose to take an in-person or online functional skills course. You can also do assessments online if you like.

To take this English course you need to have a digital device such as a computer or tablet. You’ll also need an internet connection. This is so you can access our digital learning platform, Canvas.

The WEA is an experienced adult English course provider. We want you to get the most out of your studies and open doors to opportunities. Our tutors and staff will help you with any needs you might have.

The WEA is committed to providing accessible adult education. Please let us know if you have any special requirements to do this course.

Most of our courses are free for most of our learners. Please note that you need to reach the end of the enrolment process to see the discounts.

What financial support is available?

We don't want anything to stand in your way when it comes to bringing Adult learning within reach so if you need anything to support you to achieve your goals then speak to one of our education experts during your enrolment journey. Most of our courses are government funded but if you don't qualify or need alternative financial help to access them then let us know.

What other support is available?

All of our digital content, teaching and learning activities and assessments are designed to be accessible so if you need any additional support you can discuss this with the education experts during your enrolment journey and we will do all we can to make sure you have optimal access.

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