Functional Skills
These qualifications provide a platform to further achievement through the development of fundamental, applied skills in each key subject area. The Functional Skills qualifications are designed to assess the development of skills in practical everyday contexts and real life situations.
The qualifications have been developed following the Government's 14-19 Education and skills white paper and contribute to addressing the skills shortages identified in the 2006 Leitch Review of Skills.
NOCN Functional Skills qualifications in English, Entry 1, 2, 3, Level 1, Level 2
NOCN Functional Skills qualifications in mathematics, Entry 1, 2, 3, Level 1, Level 2
NOCN Functional Skills qualifications in ICT, Entry 1, 2, 3, Level 1, Level 2
As this qualification is administered slightly differently to other NOCN qualifications, please contact us if you are interested in offering them.
If you are already running functional skills you will be aware that processes changed in September 2011. If you are in doubt again, please contact us for further advice and guidance.
NOCN has also published a new Centre Handbook for Functional Skills dated September 2011. Please note than since the publication of this guide, learners can now be registered 7 working days before the assessment date (previously this was 10 working days).
MARKING AND ASSESSMENT
As before, Level 1 and 2, with the exception of Speaking and Listening, is externally marked. Assessments may be booked on demand. Assessment papers are booked no less than 7 working days before the planned assessment date. Assessments are then returned to us at OCN Eastern Region within 24 hours of completion. They will then be marked within the next marking period. The cut off dates are monthly throughout the year and the results will be with centres by the date indicated.
Dates for Marking Periods - including cut off and return dates
QUALIFICATION GUIDES
The qualification guides have also been revised:
FS English Entry 1, 2, 3
FS English Level 1 and 2
FS mathematics Entry Levels 1, 2, 3
FS mathematices Level 1 and 2
FS ICT Entry 1, 2, 3
FS ICT Level 1 and 2