As it stands
For apprenticeship providers, improving first-time pass rates in Functional Skills Qualifications (FSQ) delivers cost savings and a better learner experience. It also enhances the reputation of the organisation while maximising retention and attracting new starts.
And while many tutors have raised concerns that FSQ exams are now too challenging (content was revised in 2019), Ofqual have said they have no plans to change the current offering, stating ‘…the level of demand in the reformed assessments appears to be appropriate.’
So, it seems the new content is here to stay. Perhaps a new government will carry out a further review, but this is unlikely to be any time soon – for now, tutors will have to work with what they have.
What can we do to improve first time pass rates?
The key to improving first time pass rates is having the right digital system in place. The software you use must:
- Be easy to use
- Be engaging
- Be accessible on any device
- Contain a large volume of past papers
- Provide highly accurate learner assessment
- Provide actionable insight
- Offer meaningful updates and improvements
Developed with education experts from OneAdvanced, Assessment and Learning (also known as bksb) ticks all of these boxes – and more. Read on to find out how this powerful platform can drive better results for your apprentices…
AI Precision
Assessment and Learning uses adaptive AI to present a highly precise assessment for each learner. It does this by learning from previous answers to build an almost perfect picture of each learner’s strengths and weaknesses. This means subsequent questions are tailored to specific areas of need – leaners are stretched in the right areas, while avoiding unnecessary repetition.
Maximum Engagement
Assessment and Learning can be accessed by the learner on any device – all they need is a Wi-Fi or data connection and they can practice Functional Skills from any location, at any time of day. What’s more, the practice questions use engaging video examples, with clear explanations and plenty of chance to learn in a no-pressure environment.
Meaningful Insight
With granular-level detail on attainment, the tutor can see exactly where a learner or group is struggling – this means lessons can be planned accordingly. Assessment and Learning can even be shared on in-class screens, allowing the tutor to walk through any examples with the group, and reducing the need for time-heavy lesson planning.
Vast Data
A particular strength of Assessment and Learning is the large volume of past papers it holds. The data bank contains thousands of exam questions covering all the main exam boards. This gives learners the best possible chance to practice the types of questions likely to arise in the exam.
Evidenced Progression
With Assessment and Learning, tutors get an accurate record of progression which can be used as evidence for Ofsted and other inspection bodies. At-a-glance graphs make it easy to collate reports for board members and investors, and the software integrates with other popular OneAdvanced solutions including our ILP and LMS.
Moving Forward
OneAdvanced is committed to making sure Assessment and Learning remains the number one assessment tool for learners of Functional Skills in the UK. We’re constantly looking to tweak and improve our software, making it as powerful as it can be, while delivering exceptional functionality.
Summary
With Functional Skills exams now harder than ever, getting it right first time saves significant time and money for apprenticeship providers.
Assessment and Learning helps improve first-time pass rates with highly accurate, AI-driven assessment, engaging practice questions, and enhanced mobile functionality.
The team at OneAdvanced are investing heavily in Assessment and Learning with updates and improvements designed to make sure the solution continues to deliver an outstanding experience for learners and tutors.
Are you looking to improve first-time pass rates for learners of Functional Skills? Discover the power of Assessment and Learning.