Thematic Review of Functional Skills by Ofqual

Ofqual yesterday published its "Thematic review of Functional Skills" - we have first analysis of this and links to download the 25 page document.

We also have a quick reminder of the many events on plus links to the £250,000+ ForSkills 10th birthday e-portfolio prize giveaway.

As always, feel free to contact Jonathan Wells, the editor of this newsletter on 0191 3055045 or jonathan@forskills.co.uk and if you'd like to comment on the new style of newsletter, including the picture to the right - please do!  

"A thematic evaluation is a review of a particular aspect of quality or standards focusing on experience and practice that cuts across programmes and institutions."  Basically this review, which is focused solely upon Awarding Organisations, is a look back at what worked and what didn't and what needs to happen to make things better!

To read the full report simply click here.  

This Ofqual report/review is about the assessment of Functional Skills, in particular English and maths at level 2.  Whilst the existence of the report has been well trailed, it is very discrete in what it covers - essentially an analysis of Awarding Organisations assessment, performance and techniques.  

If you were expecting to read about specific issues being addressed, you will be disappointed, presumably as these are confidential to each AO.  It also does not give any answers as to how the teaching and learning part of Functional Skills may change (this is the responsibility of ETF).

The context is important however.  More than 1 million Functional Skills qualifications are undertaken each year now making it the largest non-GCSE qualification and confidence levels in Functional Skills are excellent - a finding that the 2015 Annual Functional Skills Survey published last week fully supports.

The conclusion of the review is that some aspects need to be improved - awarding organisations are now making changes in four key areas:

• Improving the quality of assessment materials
• Reducing the risk of malpractice and maladministration
• Strengthening standard setting procedures
• Evaluating better how far qualifications are meeting user needs.

The majority of improvements will be in place by this summer.  Ofsted are comfortable with the AOs making these changes without formal regulatory action but they will review again in the Autumn to ensure changes are taking place successfully.

In summary, and reading between the lines, confidence in Functional Skills is excellent, the qualification works but it can be improved and Ofqual are really keen to ensure that all AOs are setting assessments that are equally rigorous. 

Click through to the report here.