Adult Functional Skills English – Various Levels

Our flexible adult classes are designed around your needs. We have evening and school hours classes delivered at our campuses and in community venues across Derby. If you want to improve your English skills in a relaxed and friendly environment, then come and join us.

This course enables you to:

• Learn at your own pace in a friendly and relaxed environment
• Gain the confidence to learn and work effectively and independently
• Improve your reading and writing skills
• Build your future employability skills

The course is also available at our Joseph Wright and Roundhouse sites, on both a day-time and evening basis.  

There are no formal entry requirements to access this course and we have a variety of levels on offer to suit everyone.

All applicants will be invited to an interview and assessment session. Please allow up to 90 minutes for your assessment: it will give us an indication of your current level and learning needs. Once complete, we will discuss the most appropriate level of course for you.

Gaining this qualification will improve your competence in:

• Writing documents on complex subjects (by hand and electronically)
• Communicating (both individually and within a group)
• Understanding and following written instructions
• Accurate grammar, spelling and punctuation so that meaning is clear
• Formal letter writing
• Writing an email
• Reading and summarising information succinctly from different sources
• Creating effective presentations in different contexts

All of these skills will really help when it comes to applying for a job or for further study.

This course will be delivered on-site.

There is no specialist equipment required for this course. However, you may wish to purchase relevant textbooks to supplement your learning which your tutor will recommend.

We also recommend that you purchase an A4 writing pad (with margins), black pens, a highlighter and a folder in which to keep your work. 

At the start of the course, you will be assessed to find out what you need to learn. You will then agree an individual learning plan appropriate to your situation and needs. You will be assessed informally throughout the course to check on your progress. 

Qualifications are obtained by completing:

• A reading and writing assessment
• Speaking and listening assessments
• An individual presentation (Level 2 only)

Gaining Functional English will help you in any future course of study that you may be considering. For individuals wishing to move into higher education, Level 2 is accepted for entry to a range of courses (check with the course providers for information on specific courses).

Employers consider Functional Skills to be essential in the workplace so achievement of a Level 1/2 qualification will give you an advantage in the job market.

For a confidential chat about your own learning needs, please contact the Adult English and Maths Team on 01332 387465. 

For more information, contact the Adult English and Maths Team on 01332 387465 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk