STUDY 8 - Provision of Functional Skills-Maths and English for CTOP, students and others
- Nasreen Ali(PI),
- Britzer Paul Vincent Paul Raj(Research Fellow/PDRA),
- Paul Thompson(Project Manager)
Project: Research
Project status
Not started
Description
A background in math’s and English is required for many graduate-level jobs. Many newly admitted students to the university have not completed their GCSE or its equivalent with a passing mark. This harms graduate results and makes it more challenging to get into some courses that require it. This proposal offers a solution to this problem. By incorporating an internal Functional Skills level 2 Maths and English qualification validated by City and Guilds. The goal of functional skills is to assist individuals in gaining abilities that companies find valuable and are commonly recognised as being on par with GCSEs.
Layman's description
This project provided Functional Skills Maths and English support for CTOP participants, University of Bedfordshire students, apprentices and other learners who needed these qualifications to access or progress in health and social care education. Many university courses and graduate-level roles require a pass in Maths and English, or an equivalent qualification. However, some students and adult learners enter university or consider returning to education without having achieved these qualifications, which can limit their opportunities.
The project aimed to give learners a practical route to gaining Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English, validated by City and Guilds. These qualifications are widely recognised as being equivalent to GCSEs and can help learners build the essential skills needed for study, employment and professional development. The programme was also designed to support confidence, self-belief and adult learning, particularly for people who may have previously faced barriers in education.
The project enrolled 97 learners across English, Maths or both subjects, including University students, apprentices and CTOP community referrals. Although the project will close in September 2025 due to changes in entry requirements and lower completion rates among CTOP referrals, it provided useful learning about the demand for Functional Skills support, the challenges of engagement and completion, and how future education pathways can better support learners entering health and social care courses.
The project aimed to give learners a practical route to gaining Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English, validated by City and Guilds. These qualifications are widely recognised as being equivalent to GCSEs and can help learners build the essential skills needed for study, employment and professional development. The programme was also designed to support confidence, self-belief and adult learning, particularly for people who may have previously faced barriers in education.
The project enrolled 97 learners across English, Maths or both subjects, including University students, apprentices and CTOP community referrals. Although the project will close in September 2025 due to changes in entry requirements and lower completion rates among CTOP referrals, it provided useful learning about the demand for Functional Skills support, the challenges of engagement and completion, and how future education pathways can better support learners entering health and social care courses.
Project Information
Project Type
ResearchProject Managed By
Project Collaborators
Status
Not startedSustainable Development Goals
SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities