Functional Skills English: Online
Course overview
With our professional team of expert tutors and high success rates, you will be fully equipped to develop your English skills.
Uniquely flexible, this online course is designed to fit learning around your busy life, even if you are working full-time or caring for family.
Functional Skills qualifications act as the building blocks to your future, they are available at five levels, from Entry 1 to Level 2 and are recognised by employers. Being highly fundamental, these can be used to progress onto other qualifications, like GCSEs. Functional Skills Level 2 is equivalent to a Grade 4 (C) at GCSE and is accepted by some universities.
Are you wondering what the difference is between Functional Skills and GCSEs?
Both qualifications are suitable for anyone who does not have an GCSE Grade 4 (C) qualification and would like to update their skills.
If you have not studied for some time and want to improve your confidence, Functional Skills qualifications can be a useful starting point for GCSEs, because they involve fewer hours of study and can be completed quicker.
Available start dates and hours:
- Online Fast-track 17/04/2023 to 14/07/2023
- Online Standard 20/02/2023 to 17/07/2023
Standard: You will receive one, two-hour online lesson with your tutor every week, for a period of 18 weeks. Morning sessions run from 9:30 to 11:30am, while evening sessions run from 6:30-8:30pm.
The day you attend will depend upon your level.
Fast-track: You will receive one, three-hour online lesson with your tutor every week, for a period of 12 weeks. Morning sessions run from 9:00am to 12pm, with evening sessions running from 6:00-9:00pm. The day you attend will depend upon your level.
Improving your English skills can give you the confidence to help you reach your individual goals, whether it be helping your children with their homework, progressing in your job role, or gaining further qualifications.
On this course you will work on your:
- spelling, punctuation and grammar
- reading and writing skills
- speaking, listening and communication skills
When will I study?
Our courses take place in the daytime and in the evening and are designed to fit in with work or family commitments.
How long does it take?
Our two different course durations depend upon how quickly you need to achieve your qualification, including:
Standard: You will receive one, two-hour online lesson with your tutor every week, for a period of 18 weeks.
Fast-track: You will receive one, three-hour online lesson with your tutor every week, for a period of 12 weeks.
For both types of course, in addition to your weekly online lessons, you will be expected to allocate two to three hours per week for homework. To support you in the development of your skills at your own pace, you’ll be given access to Century Tech, an award-winning learning platform!
At the end of your course, you will take Pearson accredited exams in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Your speaking and listening exam will be held online, with our own tutor. Your reading and writing exams will take place at your closest Activate Learning college campus, which includes:
- Oxfordshire: City of Oxford College, Banbury and Bicester College
- Berkshire: Reading College, Bracknell and Wokingham College
- Surrey: Guildford College, Farnham College, and Merrist Wood College
No previous qualifications are required, however, you will be asked to complete a short assessment to determine whether this course is the right level for you.
As this course is delivered online through ‘live’ teaching sessions and digital materials, you will need access to the internet from a PC, laptop or tablet.
Functional Skills courses are government-funded and free-of-charge, as long as you meet our eligibility requirements. These will be shared with you when you apply for the course.
Depending upon your starting level, you can progress to the next level of Functional Skills or GCSE English. Functional Skills English Level 2 can be used as a stepping stone to higher education.
Alternatively enrol by phone quoting BYPENGOL or ask a question
Meet the tutors
We want our learners to feel welcome, safe and at ease when attending our classes, especially if this is your first time attending an adult education class or if you're coming back to education after a break.
If you're interested in one of courses, meet our tutors first! You'll see they have similar passions and interests and, most importantly, the right qualifications to help you make the most of your time and money.
