From September 2010 Functional Skills in English, Maths and ICT will be explicit in the GCSE criteria as well as an integral part of the diploma and other 14-19 qualifications
The QCA document Developing Functional Skills states that the development of Functional Skills “responds to concern from employers that young people are leaving school without the foundation in the basics they need in the workplace. Functional skills will be incorporated into GCSEs, will be a component of the new Specialised Diplomas and will also be offered as a stand-alone qualification for adults.”
There are five levels of Functional Skills: Entry Level 1, 2 and 3 then Level 1 and 2.
For most centres Functional Skills is some way off (the current year 8 will be the first students involved) but those involved in Diplomas or a Consortium may need to start to consider where and how Functional Skills will be delivered.
A timeline for the implementation of Functional Skills can be found here
The nature of the pilot means that Functional Skills is constantly changing. Devon LDP will keep centres up to date with developments through this website, subject leader meetings and a Functional Skills newsletter
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