Foundation learning in action in West Suffolk Functional Skills

Mildenhall College of Technology yrs yrs Comprehensive education Comprehensive education London overspill London overspill 2 large USAF bases 2 large USAF bases

Specialisms Technology Technology Science Science Applied Learning Applied Learning

Project Outline Focus on Maths, English and IT through applied learning Focus on Maths, English and IT through applied learning Diploma Courses Diploma Courses Work Related Learning Work Related Learning PLTS PLTS

Project Activities and Approaches Initially Level 2 Initially Level 2 Now Entry Level 1,2,3 and Level 1 Now Entry Level 1,2,3 and Level 1 Embedded Embedded Discrete Discrete Staff Training Staff Training

Project Outcomes FS now part of curriculum provision at KS3 & KS4 FS now part of curriculum provision at KS3 & KS4 WRL, PLTS and principles of applied learning are now included in all SofW WRL, PLTS and principles of applied learning are now included in all SofW Improved teaching and learning Improved teaching and learning Employer links & work related activities Employer links & work related activities

Evaluation and Impact Maths and English results have improved Maths and English results have improved % % 5 A*-C including English and Maths 48% A*-C including English and Maths 48% % A*-G % A*-G 2010 Lots of staff training required – a new style of teaching Lots of staff training required – a new style of teaching

Sustainability Remain part of curriculum Remain part of curriculum Staff development Staff development Discrete v Embedded Discrete v Embedded

Conclusion & Key Messages FS – A good idea in theory but does not really deliver what they set out to FS – A good idea in theory but does not really deliver what they set out to Combination of applied learning and FS has had a positive impact on results Combination of applied learning and FS has had a positive impact on results Discrete Discrete Discrepancy at L1 and below between level of understanding and use of language required by students Discrepancy at L1 and below between level of understanding and use of language required by students

And finally…. Good teaching uses functional skills anyway as it makes it real and relevant