Preparing_to_Teach_in_the_Life_Long_Learning_Level_3_4

Evaluate a range of ways to embed elements of functional skills in the specialist area Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) defines Functional Skills as: “those core elements of English, Maths and ICT that provide an individual with the essential knowledge, skills and understanding that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively and independently in life and at work”. (DfES 2005) Within my teaching subject of First Aid there are a number of activities and tasks used to improve the skills of the learners. Whilst many of the tasks are practical and are taught to the learners, there are also a number of elements of functional skills taught in the process. For example language/literacy is used when they are given “homework books” to read and complete. These books are used to revise over the given lesson. The students are also given a First Aid manual to read and digest as part of the course literature. Numeracy is also used when dealing with how the body reacts to blood loss. The percentage of blood loss dictates how the human body reacts which can lead to how and what first aid is given. Percentages also come into force when dealing with burn victims, the amount of skin damaged indicates how a casualty is treated and when urgent hospital care is required. ICT skills are encouraged to be used when using the several different web sites dedicated to first aid. A example of one would be www.firstaidcafe.co.uk this site is a central resource for anyone interested in first aid in the UK.