Functional Skills English Level 2

Functional Skills English gives you transferable reading, writing and communication skills to reach the next step of your career.

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  • Overview
  • What you'll learn
  • Extra info
  • FAQs

Are you ready to change your world?

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All Oxbridge home learning courses are delivered to a high-quality standard with full access to course materials. If you prefer a printed copy of your course material, choose our print option. Note: extra charges will apply.

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Overview

Do you wish you could communicate more effectively? Do you sometimes struggle to understand the true meaning behind what other people say, or things that you read? Our NCFE Functional Skills English Level 2 course (previously known as Key Skills Level 2 English) is specifically designed to improve your abilities in four main areas: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Not only will you gain new knowledge and skills, but you’ll also learn how to apply everything you’ve learned to practical tasks such as letter writing and constructing persuasive written arguments. Best of all, when you study Level 2 English online with Oxbridge you’ll be able to study in your own time, at your own pace, using a range of engaging learning materials.

Why study Functional Skills English Level 2?

  • You can show higher education institutions and employers that you’ve developed the transferable communication skills you need to succeed.
  • You can study in your own time, at your own pace, via laptop, phone, or tablet
  • You can retake units at any time to strengthen your knowledge and prepare for your exams
  • You can sit your exams entirely online!

What you'll learn

Unit 1 - Speaking and Listening
  • Follow narratives and lines of argument.
  • Communicate information, ideas and opinions clearly and effectively, providing further detail and development if required.
  • Use language that is effective, accurate and appropriate to context and situation.
Unit 2 - Reading
  • Use a range of reference materials and appropriate resources (e.g. glossaries, legends/keys) for different purposes, including to find the meanings of works in straight forward and complex sources.
  • Follow an argument, identifying different points of view and distinguishing fact from opinion.
  • Identify difference styles of writing and writer’s voice.
Unit 3 - Writing
  • Punctuate writing correctly using a wide range of punctuation marks (e.g. colons, commas, inverted commas, apostrophes and quotation marks).
  • Spell words used in work, study and daily life, including a range of specialist words.
  • Communicate information, ideas and opinions clearly, coherently and effectively.

Extra info

Awarding Body

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NCFE is the leader in vocational and technical learning committed to powering a more intelligent education eco-system. We combine over 170 years of experience with deep insight into what is needed and what works.

From world-class qualifications and content to new assessment methodologies, from innovative technology platforms to partnership opportunities with our network of expert collaborators – NCFE galvanises the education sector to shape the most innovative solutions for individual learning needs.  In doing this, we’re working for a fairer education system for all learners to power inclusivity and choice.

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Course Outcome

At the end of this course, successful learners will be awarded a formal certificate of achievement by NCFE CACHE. The training courses have been designed specifically to meet the needs of learners who prefer to study from home. You can read more about NCFE here.

How is this course assessed or examined?

This course is designed for distance learning study. To successfully pass the course, you’ll complete a series of practice papers and, with your tutor’s approval, your final exams.

Exams cost just £95 when you choose to sit them online, or to sit them in person here at Oxbridge.

Find out more about the online exam process here.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course, however, it is recommended that you have an intermediate ability to read and write English.

FAQs

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How long do functional skills take to complete?

You have up to six months to complete a functional skills course at level one or two or a bundle covering both. However, our students generally complete these courses in two-to-four months. As you can see, you are given plenty of time to get through whichever functional skills course you opt for.

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Do I need to complete a Level 1 Functional Skill before starting Level 2?

No. If you already have some knowledge in your chosen area of study you are welcome to enrol straight onto a Level 2 Functional Skills course. You do not need to complete a Level 1 Functional Skills course before starting Level 2.

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Do Universities accept functional skills?

Most UK Universities accept level 2 functional skills qualifications in place of GCSEs, with a level 2 functional skills qualification recognised as a direct equivalent to a GCSE grade C and above.

It’s often course-dependent, so we advise that you check with your intended university or future provider that they are happy to accept Functional Skills courses, just to be sure.

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What is Functional Skills Level 1 equivalent to?

All Level 1 Functional Skills courses are equivalent to a GCSE English grade 1 to 3 (previously D to G).

Level 2 Functional Skills are equivalent to a GCSE grade 4 (previously grade C).

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How many times can you take functional skills courses?

As many times as required. While the structure of our courses and the support of our expert tutors means that most students pass first time, all functional skills courses can be taken and retaken as many times as needed.

Where courses have individually graded units, if just one unit is failed, you only need to retake that unit in order to gain your certification.

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Do employers like functional skills?

Yes, functional skills qualifications look good to employers. While GCSEs are the “standard” employers ask for, many will happily accept functional skills qualifications in their place.

This is due to the courses’ focus on teaching real-world problem-solving skills.

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Should I enrol on a Level 1 or Level 2 Functional Skills course?

This is entirely up to you. If you already have some knowledge in your chosen area of study, you may wish to start with Level 2. If you’d prefer to begin with the basics, then you may choose to start with a Level 1 Functional Skills course.

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Why study functional skills with Oxbridge?

You can study any of our functional skills courses online in the comfort of your own home, at your own pace, making it the perfect option if you have a full-time job or specific family commitments.

When you invest in a functional skills distance learning course, you’ll gain access to expert tutors who are on hand to help every step of the way. We take pride in the quality of our courses and have a fantastic student pass rate.

If you’re unsure which level you should take first, speak with one of our learning advisers. They’ll love to help.

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What comes under functional skills / core skills?

Functional skills courses cover either MathsEnglish or ICT. You can also invest in bundles such as maths and English combined. All subjects are separated into two levels, although you don’t have to take a level 1 course to progress onto level 2.

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Are key skills the same as functional skills?

Key skills and functional skills refer to the same set of qualifications. While they are often used interchangeably, today “key skills” are officially known as “functional skills”. Functional skills were first introduced in 2010 and formerly replaced key skills in 2012.

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What is a functional skills qualification?

Functional skills teach students specific competencies that can be attributed to daily life. Although level 2 functional skills qualifications are given the same merit as a GCSE course, it can be argued that these are even more important, as they don’t operate on theoretical knowledge but on ways to navigate real-world situations.

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Courses Taught by Experts

Sarah

Education and Childcare

My 30-year stride in education started with childminding, to working with pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. I then tutored in a national reading programme and went on to become a Higher-Level TA. I’m elated to say I graduated with a First-Class BA Honours Degree when I was 50 – living proof that it’s never too late to chase your dreams!

Sarah

Faye

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Beginning my career as an early years practitioner inspired me to step into the world of teaching. I have since elevated my skillset through a range of qualifications including L3 in Assessing Vocational Achievement, L3 in Education & Training and L4 in Internal Quality Assurance. I’m a big kid at heart; I love Disney movies and also dabble in photography.  

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Kelly

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I always knew that a career focused around helping people achieve their goals was perfect for me. That’s why I became a tutor. I love to see my student’s confidence flourish as they progress through their courses. It’s important to help them fit their learning goals around their personal commitments so they have the best chance of success! 

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Penny

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Marine biology, jellyfish conservationist, hairdresser, fitness instructor… I have an eclectic backstory! Art is my passion and one of my proudest moments was achieving my Masters in Fine Art. I then requalified as an Art teacher to share my knowledge with my students. For most of my career, I’ve supported vulnerable students with additional needs such as SEMH and SEN.

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Laura

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For 10+ years, my passion for helping learners develop and grow has driven my career as a teacher. To help me progress even further, I am currently studying to achieve the IQA award. I love reading and I’m a self-professed Harry Potter fan. Talk to me about all things history, rock music, tattoos and true crime podcasts. 

Laura, tutor
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Are you ready to change your world?

We appreciate being bold is easier said than done. This is why the team at Oxbridge aim to help you feel confident and rest assured in taking your next steps. Our friendly, knowledgeable Learning advisers are always on hand to offer you the best guidance.