Functional Skills English Level 2 – Speaking, listening and communication
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• In order that the criteria can be demonstrated by any one individual, within a group
situation, the timing of the discussion may vary according to the size of the group.
• It is suggested that 3-10 minutes be allowed for the presentation in Activity 2.
• The combined total for both activities must not exceed 30 minutes.
• Preparation time for discussions may occur outside of teaching time.
Additional access and inclusion guidance
Additional guidance on access and inclusion for functional skills speaking, listening
and communication
Speaking, listening and communication within Functional Skills qualifications are defined as
non-written communication, normally conducted face-to-face.
In exceptional circumstances, assessment may take place remotely, provided that the
medium through which remote assessment takes place:
• does not create barriers to achievement and success
• enables candidates to demonstrate achievement against the full range of standards
using the full range of permitted strategies, and
• meets the security requirements specified in criterion 58f of 'The statutory regulation of
external qualifications' (QCA/04/1293).
The term 'speaking, listening and communication', as used by these standards, is intended to
be interpreted in a broadly inclusive way and is not intended to create any unnecessary
barriers to candidates with speech or hearing impairment.
The needs of individual candidates will vary but, as guidance, the term should be interpreted
as meaning communication, discussion and presentation that:
• can include use of sign language (eg British Sign Language, sign-supported English)
provided this is made accessible to all participants in the discussion. (It is recognised
that BSL is a language in its own right and not a form of English. BSL is, however,
permitted as an alternative to English for the assessment of speaking, listening and
communication where BSL is the candidate's normal way of communicating in the
contexts described by the standards). No other languages are permitted as alternatives
to English;
• can include access to augmentative speech equipment and such software as constitutes
the candidate's normal way of working;
• does not depend solely on the use of written language or require the individual/s with
whom the candidate is communicating to be able to read (as these skills are covered by
the requirements for reading and writing.
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