Functional skills in subjects

1. Functional skills in subjects

2. Aims of the session Outline the aims and objectives of the project Describe the content, structure and principles of the Functional skills in subjects booklets Consider ways to use the booklets Confirm some key features of functional skills pedagogy and leadership

3. Aim and objectives of project Aim Help all schools to implement functional skills across the curriculum Objectives Show how functional skills can be applied and developed in other subjects or contexts Support subject teachers to amend and adapt the featured plans, or their own, to suit their learners and circumstances

4. The Functional skills in subjects series 11 booklets in two ‘batches’ 28 pages each 3,000 copies each (one per school) Also available for download as PDFs Batch 1: history, modern foreign languages, religious education, geography, citizenship and music – available February 2010 Batch 2: science, design and technology, art and design, PE and PSHE education – available March 2010 The main audience will comprise: subject teachers, and senior and middle leaders in schools The focus on applied learning is relevant to teachers across the curriculum

5. What must the booklets provide? A process for planning and collaboration to implement functional skills across the foundation subjects Models of curriculum organisation for functional skills in subjects Support for teaching and learning through practical examples of planned activities Principles and approaches for implementing functional skills across the whole school

6. The writing process Subject specialists (who provided guidance for the new secondary curriculum) functional skills advisers Development over six months Balancing needs of the subject and functional skills

7. How is each booklet structured? Complements the approach for Functional Skills in Diplomas (LSIS) Title page ‘Developing Functional Skills in…’ Two page spread outlining the role of functional skills within the given subject area One page diagram outlining the learning and teaching process Two multi-page spreads of Key Stage 3 subject schemes of work A multi-page spread of a Key Stage 4 subject scheme of work One page diagram covering how to plan a subject teaching sequence that includes functional skills One page containing some useful functional skills resources

8. Planning a learning sequence Identify: the skills that learners will build the skills that learners will apply a learning context what learners already know the level of demand that is required which skills are transferable Construct an appropriate learning sequence 7

9. Principles for planning Progression to independence is the ultimate goal of functional skills Problem solving needs to be at the core of planning for functional skills The process for teaching and learning will involve building, applying and securing skills Realistic, purposeful, relevant contexts are essential for engagement and applied learning

10. Developing functional skills diagram

11. Sample booklet covers

12. Key points The booklets are starting points for action, not finished solutions They are offered for adaptation Subject teachers can use their own plans if they wish The booklets have implications for time, collaborative working and curriculum organisation

13. Tasks Familiarise yourself with the booklets. Ensure you consider the introduction as well as the planning examples Identify three key issues and/or features to emphasise in mediating the booklets to practitioners How might the booklets best support leaders and teachers to implement functional skills across the curriculum? Identify three practical ideas or approaches

14. Possible sections of an INSET day Overview of functional skills functional skills in subjects booklets Work in subject departments Plenary review

15. Support for functional skills Functional Skills Support Programme (FSSP) www.fssupport.org National Strategies e-learning modules www.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/nationalstrategies (Introduction to Functional Skills) DCSF 14–19 www.dcsf.gov.uk/14-19/ QCDA functional skills www.qcda.gov.uk/6062.aspx LSIS Excellence Gateway www.excellencegateway.org.uk/functionalskills Diploma Support Programme www.diploma-support.org

16. Queries National Strategies contacts: Lucy Roff, Oona Butler Email: functionalskills@nationalstrategies.co.uk or secondary@nationalstrategies.co.uk Telephone: 0118 918 2820 or 0118 918 2830