DCSF response from AoC who said functional skills were a bit too hard.

DCSF: The requirement to gain functional skills qualifications is one of the strengths of the Diploma. It is clear that young people need these skills in order to be able to operate in the workforce and employers are demanding them. We have to ensure that young people get every opportunity to develop and demonstrate these skills.

In order to meet the aim set out in the 14-19 Qualification Strategy of securing functional skills across all the qualification routes we are pursuing strategies to ensure that, for all young people, functional skills are achieved at the same level as the main programme of study for all young people, functional skills are achieved at the same level the main programme of study. This includes looking further at GCSE and ensuring the Report Card incentivises attainment by all.

All schools will be teaching functional skills from September 2010 when it is incorporated into the KS4 curriculum. We recognise that FS requires a different approach to teaching and learning to bring about the changes necessary for success in the qualifications and that is why we are providing extra support to schools and colleges to help them bring about this change.