Adult Functional Skills: English – Delivered Online

This course offers all the benefits of a live classroom environment without the need to travel. You can join your two-hour online class each week until you are ready to take your exam. Whilst you are welcome to attend campus to use our facilities, the only time you need to attend campus is to sit your end-of-course exams.

This course enables you to:

• Work towards a recognised, accredited Level 1 or Level 2 Functional Skills qualification
• Gain the confidence to learn and work effectively and independently
• Improve your reading and writing skills
• Build your future employability skills

There are no formal entry requirements to access this course. 

All applicants will be asked to complete an assessment. The assessment will give us an indication of your current level and learning needs. Once the assessment is complete, we will discuss the most appropriate level and type of course for you and any offer of a place will be based on this.

Gaining this qualification will improve your competence in:

• Writing documents on complex subjects (by hand and electronically)
• Communicating (both individually and within a group)
• Understanding and following written instructions
• Accurate grammar, spelling and punctuation so that meaning is clear
• Formal letter writing
• Writing an email
• Reading and summarising information succinctly from different sources
• Creating effective presentations in different contexts

All of these skills will really help when it comes to applying for a job or for further study.

You must commit to attending your two-hour class each week for 24 weeks during term time. At the end of the course you will need to attend one of our Derby City campuses to complete your exams. 

You will also be expected to complete some independent study between classes (all resources are provided).

You will need access to an electronic device (such as a PC or laptop) with a stable Internet connection

There is no other specialist equipment required for this course. You may, however, wish to purchase relevant textbooks to supplement your learning which your tutor can recommend.

We also recommend that you purchase an A4 writing pad (with margins), black pens, a highlighter and a folder in which to keep your work. 

At the start of the course, you will be assessed to find out what you need to learn. You will then agree an individual learning plan appropriate to your situation and needs. You will be assessed informally throughout the course to check on your progress. 

Qualifications are obtained by completing:

• A reading and writing assessment
• Speaking and listening assessments
• An individual presentation (Level 2 only)

Gaining Functional English will help you in any future course of study that you may be considering. For individuals wishing to move into higher education, Level 2 is accepted for entry to a range of courses (check with the course providers for information on specific courses).

Employers consider Functional Skills to be essential in the workplace so achievement of a Level 1/2 qualification will give you an advantage in the job market.

For a confidential chat about your own learning needs, please contact the Adult English and Maths Team on 01332 387465 or email enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk