Stepping Into Their Shoes: The Coach Core Team’s Experience with Functional Skills Assessments

As GCSE results day approaches, it’s impossible not to think about the pressures and challenges our young people face. At Coach Core Foundation , we’re deeply committed to supporting young people on their journey to becoming confident, skilled professionals. But this year, the upcoming results day holds even more significance for us. Why? Because we decided to take on the challenge of stepping into our apprentices’ shoes by completing our own Functional Skills initial assessments and diagnostics with support from our friends at Lifetime .

The Challenge We Took On

To better understand the hurdles our apprentices face, the Coach Core team took a deep breath and dived into the world of Functional Skills assessments. We wanted to experience first-hand what it’s like for the young people we support—especially those who, for one reason or another, didn’t quite make the grade in their GCSEs.

In 2023, 30% of the young people we support didn’t pass GCSE English, 21% didn’t pass Maths, and 14% didn’t pass either. For these apprentices, the need to complete or attempt a Functional Skills qualification can feel like an additional burden on top of everything else they’re dealing with. To fully empathise, we decided to take the plunge ourselves.

A Humbling and Challenging Experience

Sitting down to take the assessments was, in a word, humbling—and a lot more challenging than I expected. In my day-to-day work, I’ve built up an array of tools and coping mechanisms to help me get through various tasks. Spell checkers, Grammarly, ChatGPT, Excel spreadsheet formulas, and, of course, the invaluable advice and guidance of peers and colleagues are all part of my toolkit. These resources have become second nature to me, seamlessly integrated into how I work.

But during the Functional Skills assessments, all of that was stripped away.

Suddenly, I was faced with questions that required me to rely solely on my own knowledge and skills—without the safety net of technology or the support of others. It was a stark reminder of just how dependent I’ve become on these tools and how daunting it can be to perform without them.

The tasks were surprisingly tough, requiring a lot of concentration and patience. As someone with dyslexia, it was a real reminder of how challenging exams can be and how I had to draw on skills I haven’t used in a long time. The experience reminded me of the uncertainty and self-doubt that many young people feel during exams, especially those who might not have passed their GCSEs.

The Importance of Accessible Education: A Step Towards Inclusivity

Given our experience with Functional Skills assessments, we’re excited about the recent changes that took effect on 1st August. The downgrading of Functional Skills requirements is a significant step forward in making apprenticeships more inclusive and accessible.

The new regulations, which followed successful pilot projects, acknowledge that not every young person will excel in a traditional academic setting. By lowering the grade thresholds for Level 1 and Level 2 Functional Skills, the change provides a more flexible approach, allowing more young people to succeed in their apprenticeships without being hindered by a single test or qualification.

This shift is crucial for those with special educational needs and disabilities, offering them greater opportunities to advance. It aligns perfectly with Coach Core’s mission to break down barriers and create opportunities for young people, regardless of their academic background. For businesses, this adjustment opens doors to a larger and more diverse talent pool!

A Brighter Path Forward

As results day looms (Thursday 22nd August 2024), we want to extend our heartfelt support to all young people awaiting their grades. We know how much work goes into preparing for these exams, and we also know that results day can be a nerve-wracking experience. Whether the results are what they hoped for or not, remember that their future is still full of possibilities.

At Coach Core, we’re here to help young people navigate whatever path lies ahead. Whether through additional support with Functional Skills or through our apprenticeship programmes, we’re committed to helping them succeed and build a bright future.

For young people who may not have received the grades they hoped for this year, it's important to remember that these results do not define their potential. We’ve experienced firsthand the challenges they face and understand the resilience required. With the right support and opportunities, these individuals can still achieve their goals. Let’s continue to offer encouragement and create pathways for their success.

Tune in to my LinkedIn and Coach Core’s profiles on results day to see how the team did!