Explain ways to embed elements of Functional Skills (ICT, Literacy and Numeracy) in your specialist area
Functional Skills are qualifications being developed by the UK Government as part of an initiative to improve the country’s Mathematics, English and Information and communication technologies (ICT) skills. Functional Skills are a development derived initially from the Basic Skills/Key Skills. They enable individuals to work confidently, effectively and independently in life.
These Functional skills are embedded as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award (D of E, which is the subject that I teach) in the following ways.
Mathematics – As part of the ‘Expedition’ section of the Bronze Award learners are expected to be able to plot co-ordinates on a map over a specific patch also calculate the area of the region to be covered. Additionally the candidates are required to produce a time-line to plot the history of the fire service.
English – The learners are required to produce a written assignment again relating to the course content, this usually addresses Fire Safety in the community.
ICT - The candidates are required to create a PowerPoint presentation relating to material in the D of E course, Further to this the students will need to research information using the internet.
Functional skills are fundamental in everyday life and will assist in developing a person’s employability and hold the gateway to well-being and prosperity. They help to make sense of daily life and enable individuals to establish for example which deals are the best for them when making a purchase, writing a letter of application or get the most from computer software at home or at their place of work.