Ascentis Level 1 Extended Award in English (Stepping Stones to Functional Skills)

Qualification Overview

This Level 1 suite of Awards in aspects of English is aimed at adults and young people who wish to improve their English skills. The Awards are intended to aid progression, either to further study through the new English Functional Skills or GCSE English qualifications. The individual stand-alone units have been mapped to the Adult Literacy Core Curriculum and reflect the requirements of the reformed English Functional Skills details of which can be found here. A Level 1 Certificate in English is also available. This is suitable for those who wish to improve all aspects of their English skills.

There are several features of these qualifications that make them very appropriate for their target learners:

• Small Award-sized qualifications are available as well as unit certificates
• Relatively short units, each of 20/40 guided learning hours – bite-sized learning
• Can be delivered either as a classroom-based course or as a blended learning programme
• Assessed by completion of Ascentis-designed assessment – no portfolio of evidence required
• Verification and certification can be offered throughout the year, allowing maximum flexibility for centres

Aims

The aims of the suite of qualifications are to enable learners:

• To gain underpinning grammar, punctuation and spelling skills
• To develop their reading and/or writing skills
• To improve their communication skills in speaking and listening
• To prepare for Functional Skills in English at Level 1 or GCSE English
• To develop the skills required to move into the world of work or work-based learning

Target Group

These qualifications are aimed at a range of learners, including:

• Adults who wish to develop and demonstrate their skills in English
• Young people aged 14–19 who wish to develop and demonstrate their skills in some aspects of English Language

Assessment

The qualification is assessed through an assessment to be taken under supervised conditions. Guide times are provided for each assessment. The assessment is internally assessed and verified by the centre and then externally verified by Ascentis.