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My AccountIf you're due to sit your GCSE exams this May/June, then chances are you must be feeling extremely stressed. We can't blame you. With GCSE exams now tougher than before, we have already seen how this has impacted the performance of pupils. The results from the previous academic year have shown a 0.5% drop in students getting higher grades (e.g. A/A* or 8/9). And, we've also seen a 0.6% drop in students failing to pass key subjects like English and Maths. Now, these figures may seem insignificant, but if you consider how many students sit GCSEs throughout the UK, the percentages do add up. It has been known that attaining good GCSE grades can help you enrol onto sixth-form to study A-Levels and then go on to completing a degree at university. And to those who are worried by their poor GCSE results (especially in English and Maths), or if you are not feeling too confident in the run-up to the exams, then don't be disheartened. Students are already under so much pressure to pass their GCSEs. Schools rely on strong GCSE results to help improve their reputation. But luckily, it is not the end of the world if you don't have the best GCSE results. And that could be for whatever reason. If you have a desire to go to university, then there are plenty of alternative options for you to consider. And one increasingly popular option that you may wish to consider is to enrol on to a Functional Skills course. RELATED: Functional Skills in Maths online course RELATED: Functional Skills in English online course RELATED: Functional Skills in ICT online course
What Are Functional Skills?
Introduced in 2010, Functional Skills represent the essential skills needed for English, Maths and ICT. These qualifications help young people and adults develop these vital skills to prepare them for the world of work. Functional Skills are GCSE equivalent qualifications. And in order to complete a Functional Skills qualification, you need to complete the following two levels:
- Level 1 - Equivalent to GCSE Grade E to D
- Level 2 - Equivalent to GCSE Grade C to A*
At this time of writing, the equivalency for the new 1 to 9 grading system has not been published, yet. Students who enrol on to a Functional Skills course are expected to apply the knowledge they've learned to both familiar and unfamiliar situations. So in other words, these qualifications have a more practical approach to learning and is geared towards problem-solving in comparison to GCSEs which are more academic and theoretical. Functional Skills have become increasingly popular in recent years. Figures from UCAS taken in 2016 show that under 300,000 Functional Skills qualifications were achieved in 2010/11. This figure increased to just under one million in 2013/14.
Do Universities Accept Functional Skills Qualification as a GCSE Equivalent Qualification?
Many universities are now accepting Functional Skills as a GCSE equivalent qualification. But it is really important that you do some further research into this as each university will have their own entry requirements. The best place to check for entry requirements for a degree course at a particular university is through UCAS. Alternatively, you can also look through a specific University's prospectus via their website. But generally speaking, a Level 2 Functional Skills qualification can enable you to apply for an Access course, which is a foundation course that is completed at university (equivalent to A-Levels). On successful completion of the Access course, you will then be able to enrol on to a degree course. 
What Other Options Do I Have With Functional Skills?
Besides helping you get into university, Functional Skills can help you enrol on to an apprenticeship program and can also make you more employable. In a 2014 consultation organised by Ofqual, 70% of employers have said Functional Skills qualifications have helped them to assess the skills needed in the workplace.
How Can The Learning Station Help?
The Learning Station is a training provider based in Haringey, London that delivers a variety of courses including construction, health and social care and Functional Skills. We teach our Functional Skills courses through online distance learning. This means you can study at your own pace and at your own time. We also provide 1-to-1 tutorials through Skype or phone if learners need any assistance with any technical queries. We provide the following Functional Skills qualification:
All of our courses are accredited by City and Guilds, which is recognised by universities, colleges and employers throughout the UK. For more information, please do get in touch. Featured image: Unsplashed