What is the purpose of this qualification?
The purpose of this qualification is to develop learners’ ability to read and understand written texts in a range of familiar and unfamiliar contexts. It enables learners to identify main points and specific details, recognise the purpose of different types of text and use a range of reading strategies to support comprehension.
What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?
The aims and objectives of the qualification are to enable learners to develop confidence and competence in the application of essential English reading skills, supporting progression to higher-level study, training or employment.
The objectives of this qualification are to enable learners to:
• read, follow and understand a variety of instructive, descriptive, explanatory and persuasive texts by extracting main points and specific details
• identify different purposes in different types of text and recognise how language is used to instruct, explain, describe and persuade
• identify how textual features are used for specific purposes
• use reading strategies to support understanding and wider comprehension
How is this qualification different from other, similar qualifications?
This qualification is part of a suite of English qualifications it allows learners to progress through a framework of English units and qualifications from Entry 1 to Level 2.
Learners can progress:
• towards a GCSE in English
• towards a Level 1 or Level 2 Functional Skills qualification in English
• to further study including to a Gateway Qualifications vocational qualification
• to an Apprenticeship programme
Which sector does this qualification support?
This qualification is designed to help learners to develop the English reading skills needed in a wide range of job roles.
What are the English and maths progression options?
On completion of this qualification, learners will be equipped with the knowledge and understanding to locate and understand information, identify how texts are used for different purposes, and use reading strategies to support understanding.
Successful completion of the Level 1 Award In English – Reading could allow learners to progress onto:
• Functional Skills Qualifications in English at Level 2
• GCSE English
• other qualifications from the suite of English skills qualifications offered by Gateway Qualifications
• further study, including a Gateway Qualifications vocational qualification
A full in-depth careers information, advice and guidance session should be completed for learners before, during and after completion of learning, finding them the most appropriate progression pathways unique to them and based on their ability and aspirations.
Progression & entry requirements
There are no specific prior skills/knowledge learners must have for this qualification, however, learners should have a basic proficiency in the English language.
Centres must ensure that learners have the correct information and advice when selecting qualifications to ensure that the qualification will meet their needs.
Centres must ensure that this qualification suits the age and abilities of their learners by ensuring that learners can meet the relevant literacy, numeracy, digital, and health and safety requirements of the qualification.
Learners enrolled on this qualification should not undertake another qualification at the same level with a similar title or content, as this could impact funding eligibility due to duplicated learning.
Centres are responsible for registering learners via the Gateway Qualifications’ online registration portal Quartz. Learner registration guidance is available on our website, Registering learners.
