Course details may be subject to change and programme is subject to validation.
This course is aimed for people aged 19 years or over.
Open the door to a new job and study opportunities with English.
Develop your reading, writing and spoken communication skills and learn in a positive environment at a level that best fits you and your needs.
We run both Level 1 and Level 2 Functional Skills, where you will study on campus or engage with a blended learning model.
If you choose to study on campus, you will have one two hour lesson per week. If you choose to study online, you will have access to the same high quality teaching and resources through weekly live sessions. You will receive face-to-face tutorials every half-term, to ensure your learning needs are met.
As a New College Durham student, everyone will have access to Microsoft 365 and Teams.
Entry Criteria
There are no specific entry requirements, all applications will be considered.
You will be assigned a group based on your existing English qualifications and an initial assessment.
What are the next steps?
For Functional Skills you will be invited to a briefing session.
The briefing session will last 45 minutes and provide you with an overview of the course, its requirements, a start date and assessment measures. Following this introduction, you will be invited to enrol on the course.
Study Aims
Our Functional Skills course will prepare you to explore new employment and education opportunities.
You will develop your skills in reading, writing and spoken communication. Gaining a higher level qualification will help you to progress.
Modules Studied
You will study a range of texts and text types, learning how to analyse a range of different styles.
This course will also teach you how to write creatively, analytically and persuasively to address a number of different purposes, audiences and forms.
This Functional Skills English qualification will allow you to develop your confidence and ability. Gaining this qualification will provide you with the skills needed for everyday life and work.
The course will prepare you to use English competently in the real world, and you will gain a sound grasp of basic English knowledge and skills.
Times of Delivery
You will benefit from the flexible study options detailed below.
Tuesday 5pm-8pm Friday 10am-12am
Please note: our Tuesday lesson is a blended learning class which means you can choose to dial in remotely on Teams. This aims to allow you to fit studying English around your family and work commitments. You will attend one-to-ones and mock exams in person. There is also the option to attend the class face-to-face for teaching.
Any times indicated are based on current courses and may be subject to change in future years. Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of each course.
Teaching and Assessment
You will be assessed through the following.
You will be assessed through written exams at the end of the year. You will be assessed through a reading and writing exam, and a speaking and listening assessment. Assessments will take place when you are ready.
Most employers require English and it forms part of the standard entry requirements for higher education.
You could also progress to an Access to Higher Education course at NCD, to take the next step to studying a degree.
