Evaluate a Range of Ways to Embed Elements of Functional Skills in Your Specialist Area

Evaluate a range of ways to embed elements of Functional Skills in your specialist area “Skills are capabilities and expertise in a particular occupation or activity. There are a large number of different types of skills and they can be split into a number of different categories. Basic skills, such as literacy and numeracy, and generic skills, such as team working and communication, are applicable in most jobs. Specific skills tend to be less transferable between occupations. Most occupations use a mix of
Different types of skills” leitch. (2006).

Functional Skills are practical skills in English, maths and information and communications technology
The Leitch report (2006) states that a large proportion of U.K school leavers lack functional skills and illustrates the link between embedding functional skills in education and the future of the U.K s workforce and economy.

"Without increased skills, we would condemn ourselves to a lingering decline in competitiveness, diminishing economic growth and a bleaker future for all. The case for action is compelling and urgent. Becoming a world leader on skills will enable the UK to compete with the best in the world. I am optimistic."

This table illustrates a number of methods for implementing functional skills in the context of music education.

English Example writing lyric writing exercise writing an essay on your favourite musician writing a self evaluation writing a c.v
Reading Reading lyrics and poetry to use as research
Reading articles and music reviews
Reading handouts
Reading music
Speaking and Listening Giving a presentation on a chosen subject
Listening to others presentation
Group discussion
Q and A

Maths example
Representing using mathematical data research a budget and timetable for a tour
Creating a time table for rehearsals
Draw up a graph of expected personal progression throughout the course
Analysis - processing Compare budget and tour time table to other students
See how realistic and successful projected progress on graph is
Interpreting - results Create a budget and time table for a tour
Draw conclusions on how to improve on progress in personal progression graph

ICT example
Use of ICT systems Writing an essay in word
Using pro tools
Using Photoshop
Find and select information Internet research
Download mp3s
Looking up lyrics or tablature
Develop and communicate information Create power point presentation
Create website
Online marketing

leitch. (2006). leitch review of skills. Available: http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/other/0118404792/0118404792.pdf. Last accessed july 2012.

leitch. (2007). the leitch report. Available: http://www.lifelonglearning.co.uk/ln07006.htm. Last accessed july 2012.