Consultation - Draft Regulatory Criteria for Functional
Skills (England)
Date published: 1 June 2009
Response due: 31 August 2009
Summary
The functional skills standards were originally drafted in 2006
by QCA, working in partnership with subject associations, employers
and awarding organisations. Following the consultation, QCA and
awarding organisations conducted a six-month trials phase to
identify effective approaches to assessing these functional skills
standards. This trial phase recommended a predominantly
situational, task-based assessment model that allowed candidates to
apply their knowledge, skills and understanding in real-life
contexts.
This skills-based approach to assessment is now subject to a
three-year pilot programme (September 2007 – September 2010).
The draft regulatory criteria are based upon the experience and
evidence accumulated during this extensive, collaborative
development phase.
Views are sought on the content and assessment of the functional
skills in English, ICT, and Mathematics.
Next steps
Semta did not respond directly to this consultation, but will be
lobbying for more clarity on this issue, and equality between
the different routes for young people (academic, Diplomas and
apprenticeships).
Documents and Links
QCA website on the
consultation
Semta represents the views of our employers across government
and the media. If you are an employer in the science,
engineering, or manufacturing technology sectors we welcome your
views at policy@semta.org.uk
7 September 2009