Boost: Skills for life & learning

What will I study on the course:

This course is based around a Level 1 qualification designed to build confidence and directly support improved attainment in GCSE Maths and English for students who are at Working Towards in English & Maths in Year 9. The course will strengthen core numeracy, literacy, science, and digital skills, while explicitly reinforcing the knowledge, skills, and confidence required for a basic pass in GCSE Maths and English.

How is the course assessed:

Assessment will be through Functional Skills accreditation for Literacy and Numeracy if appropriate, as well as supporting the completion of the Certificate of Applied Computing. This will involve assessments that evidence speech, writing, reading and numeracy as well as passing modules online in digital education at Level 1.

  • Internally assessed
  • Portfolio-based
  • No high-pressure exams

Core Content

Unit 1: World Numeracy

Focus: Functional numeracy aligned with GCSE Maths foundations

Key Content:

  • Number operations (integers, decimals, fractions, percentages)
  • Ratio and proportion (GCSE-relevant)
  • Measurement and unit conversions
  • Basic algebra (expressions, simple equations)
  • Handling data (charts, averages, probability)
  • Financial maths (budgeting, wages, bills)
Unit 2: English Communication & Literacy

Focus: Functional literacy with strong GCSE crossover

Key Content:

  • Reading for meaning (fiction & non-fiction)
  • Vocabulary building and comprehension strategies
  • Writing clearly for different purposes (emails, stories, reports)
  • Grammar, punctuation, and spelling
  • Speaking and listening (presentations, discussions)
  • Structuring paragraphs and extended responses
Unit 3: Science Thinking Like a Scientist

Focus: Applied science skills linked to everyday life

Key Content:

  • Scientific enquiry and investigations
  • Basic biology (health, the human body, environment)
  • Basic chemistry (materials, reactions, states of matter)
  • Basic physics (energy, forces, electricity)
  • Interpreting data and graphs
  • Science in the real world (climate, health, technology)
Unit 4: Digital Tech for Learning & Life

Focus: Digital literacy and independent learning skills

Key Content:

  • Using digital tools for learning (documents, presentations)
  • Online research and evaluating sources
  • Digital maths & English tools (revision apps, calculators)
  • Cyber safety and digital wellbeing
  • Creating digital content (slides, posters, short videos)
  • Introduction to basic coding or logic (optional)

Post-16 courses:

This course provides clear progression pathways to:

  • GCSE Maths & English at Grade 4+, allowing students to progress to Level 3 courses at college or Apprenticeship pathways.
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