In order to ensure that this training meets the needs of providers and practitioners, we have worked closely with the sector looking at skills gaps where practitioners and learners need support. I have had conversations with 50 providers, not including all the practitioners I speak with on social media. This helped shape the format for the events and gave us ideas for new events too.

We have also looked internally at feedback from our Standards Verifiers and our Examiners too. Examiner’s Reports are useful tools and again they help pinpoint areas of need. Finally we crunched data too. Imagine a giant version of ResultsPlus that shows all data for all the learners.

We hope all of this means this is the most up to date and relevant selection of training we have offered, including many new events offered for the first time.

Getting Ready To Teach Events

These events are aimed at new tutors or those tutors who are new to teaching Pearson. They are also an ideal refresher of the services and support we offer. They have been updated for 22/23 to ensure all the information is relevant. These events will be split by subject and level with a separate Entry Level and a Level 1/2 for both English and maths.

Lessons Learnt Events

This year there will be a separate event for English and maths. They cover everything we have learnt from marking the assessments. These must attend events fully support planning for the year as well as teaching and learning in the classroom.

Updates / Q&A Events

We will be hosting three events, one aimed at FE, one at Work-Based Learning and one at Schools. This is an opportunity to get an overview of what is happening with Functional Skills and the opportunity for providers to ask questions. These events are targeted at managers of Functional Skills provision.

Non-Specialist Tutor Events

Aimed at staff whose specialism is not English or maths, these events look at teaching techniques and resources to help you deliver successfully.

Subject Specific Events

This year we have increased the number of subject specific events to cover even more topics of importance.

ESOL, EDSQ and Digital FS Events

As well as the Functional Skills English and maths sessions, there will also be sessions on ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), EDSQ (Essential Digital Skills) and an opportunity to get involved in the reform of the new Digital Functional Skills.

Social Media Events

There will also be two online social media events in September, held on Twitter.

#skillschatwithchris will return on the 1st September between 9-11 am. A chance for you to chat directly with our Post 16 English and maths expert and ask questions before the start of the new academic year.

#stuffforseptember will also be returning with a daily update on new resources, teaching ideas and Pearson documentation.

We look forward to engaging with you across these wide range of events and activity opportunities throughout September and October.

Chris Briggs - Sector Manager Post 16 English and Maths