Mathematics: 

• Use of number and the number system

• Use of measures, shape and space

• Handling information and data

English: Students will be covering:

•  Reading and Comprehension

•  Writing

•  Spoken Language

Unit Awards: Students will be covering a range of different units each with their own objectives and outcomes. These may be at Entry Level, Level 1 or Level 2.

There is a vast catalogue of thousands of units to choose from and these will be designed based on the needs and interests of each cohort. 

Common units will include a mixture of employability skills, life skills and personal, social and health education (PSHE). There are opportunities to earn certificates for learning related to hobbies. Please use the following link to see a range of courses on offer through AQA: https://www.aqa.org.uk/programmes/unit-award-scheme/unit-search

Mathematics: AQA booklet, Teacher’s own resources

English: AQA booklet. Teacher’s own resources

Mathematics

AQA Level 1 and 2 Functional Skills in Mathematics are linear. 

Learners must sit both papers in the same series. 

For both levels, 25% of the total marks are allocated to the assessment of underpinning skills and 75% of the total marks are allocated to the assessment of problem solving.

Paper 1 - Non-Calculator

• Written exam: 30 minutes

• Paper based

• 20 marks

• 25% of the AQA Level 1 and 2 Functional Skills in Mathematics

• Set and marked by AQA

Questions

• Section A: Underpinning Skills: A mix of multiple choice and short response questions

• Section B: Problem solving: Short response questions

Paper 2 - Calculator

• Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Paper based

• 60 marks

• 75% of the AQA Level 1 and 2 Functional Skills in Mathematics

• Set and marked by AQA

Questions

• Section A: Underpinning Skills: A mix of multiple choice and short response questions

• Section B: Problem solving: Short response questions

English

AQA Level 1 and 2 Functional Skills in English are modular. Learners can sit all three assessments in their chosen level in different series, but they must pass all three to gain the qualification.

Paper 1 - Reading

• Written exam: 1 hour

• Paper based

• Level 1 - 26 marks

• Level 2 - 30 marks

• 33.3% of the AQA Level 1 and 2 Functional Skills in English

• Set and marked by AQA

Questions: A mix of question styles, including multiple choice and short response

Paper 2 - Writing

• Written exam: 1 hour

• Paper based

• Level 1 - 27 marks

• Level 2 - 30 marks

• 33.3% of the AQA Level 1 and 2 Functional Skills in English

• Set and marked by AQA

Questions: Two writing tasks, including 12 marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar. Learners must not have access to dictionaries or any spelling or grammar aid.

Non-Exam Assessment: Speaking , Listening and communicating.

All the scope of study statements for Speaking, listening and communicating at the appropriate level

• Tasks set by centre in line with AQA guidelines

• Marked by centre using pass criteria

• 33.3% of the AQA Level 1 and 2 Functional Skills in English

Questions

• One presentation task

• One discussion task