bksb Brochure

EVERY LEARNER HAS POTENTIAL.MAKE SURE THEY HAVE THE SKILLS TO REALISE IT.

English, maths and ICT skills are the foundations which underpin learning and achievement in almost every area of life. Whether they are part of functional skills, key skills or simply maximising their abilities, they provide the opportunity for every learner to realise their potential.

PAGE What is bksb?

Functional skills explained

The bksb solution

bksbLIVE

What we can offer

Schools

FE Colleges

Training Providers

Employers

Functional Skills Events

How we can help

How to get in touch

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bksb is the UK’s leading solution provider for functional skills development. Trusted by thousands of organisations and millions of learners, the bksb products provide your organisation with a truly outstanding tool for developing the functional skills of your learners, plus lots more besides.

Each learner is treated as an individual, taking assessments which identify their current level and specific skill gaps.They can then access a huge range of learning resources to improve in the areas that need most help. This approach motivates learners by minimising repetition of those areas in which they are already confident.

Many people, from all walks of life, are held back because of a lack of the fundamental English, maths and ICT skills needed to function in the modern world. bksb supports organisations and individuals to raise their skills, improve their confidence and fulfil their potential.

Your assurance of quality is that the bksb solution is endorsed by City & Guilds as an outstanding tool for developing functional skills.

WHAT IS bksb?

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Free trialEnglish, mathematics and ICT are the essential elements of functional skills which enable individuals to work confidently, effectively and independently in life.

Functional skills are not simply about knowledge in these subjects but about knowing when and how to use this knowledge in real-life situations. Learners need to adapt and apply what they have learned to suit different situations that they face. Functional English, mathematics and ICT help people to reinforce skills in communication, problem solving, listening and time management.

For those aged 14-19, functional skills feature within the four qualification routes of GCSEs, Apprenticeships, Diplomas and Foundation Learning. They are also available as qualifications for adults. Learners are assessed at Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2.

Better functional skills will help to raise standards in education and improve employment prospects and further learning for all learners, regardless of age or ability.

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS EXPLAINED

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Initial Assessment

determines current ability from

Pre-entry to Level 3

Diagnostic A

ssessment

identifies skill gaps and produces an Individual Learning Plan

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Skill Checksto confirm competency in previousskill gaps

Functional Skills Scenarios

to apply underpinning knowledge

THE bksb SOLUTION

The bksb process facilitates and drives a whole-organisational approach to achieve outstanding skills development. This is underpinned by a comprehensive tracking, group-profiling and data-management system, providing invaluable evidence for inspection and funding.

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THE bksb SOLUTION

als to work confidently, bksbLIVE is our fully-hosted online platform that provides one central point of access for all bksb assessments, learning resources and data analysis. Learners can access their own learning area anywhere and at anytime, whilst tutors have access for tracking, reporting and managing.

bksbLIVEOUR EXCITING NEW

ONLINE SOLUTION

• Easy integration into your existing enrolment database• In-depth tracking and reporting• Encourages a learner-centric culture for continuous improvement• Supports functional skills standards• Recommended and endorsed by City & Guilds

bksbLIVE bksb customers can

upgrade to bksbLIVE completely free of charge.Visit www.bksb.co.uk/prodbksblive.aspx for a video tour and for further details of how to upgrade. Alternatively, give us a call on 01623 413333.

WHAT WE CAN OFFERbksb provide the widest range of skills development products available. We can support you with solutions for developing underpinning knowledge and solutions for practising the application of that knowledge in the problem solving of everyday scenarios. In addition, we develop outstanding products for everything from ESOL to preferred learning styles.

Our current range, which continues to expand all the time, comprises:

English & Mathematics

Initial Assessment for Pre-Entry – Level 3

Diagnostic Assessments for Entry 1 – Level 3

Learning Resources for Entry 1 – Level 3

Vocational Learning Resources

Skill Checks


ESOL Assessments and Learning Resources

Assessments and Learning Resources for Pre-Entry

ICT

Initial Assessment for Entry 3 – Level 2

Learning Resources for Entry 3 – Level 2


Other Products And Services

Learning Styles Assessment and Tutor Support Pack

Dyslexia Quick Check

PLTS Initial Assessment and Employability Assessor

Full tracking and group profiling tools

Best practice and bespoke training

On-site technical consultancy

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WHAT WE CAN OFFER

IMPROVESATTAINMENT IN

ENGLISH, MATHS AND ICT

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English, mathematics and ICT skills are the foundations which underpin learning and achievement throughout school and into further education and employment. They are also vital for communicating and operating confidently, effectively and independently in life.

bksb provide outstanding online solutions which focus on just the skill gaps of each individual student. This is made possible by the fact that the Individual Learning Plan produced by the bksb diagnostic assessment instantly links in to learning resources covering theory, examples and activities – the latter are self-marking which enables the teacher to concentrate on any additional learning support. A comprehensive range of reports are available for teachers to easily manage the process. This can lead to significant improvements in attainment rates for GCSEs, functional skills, apprenticeships, or whichever qualification is being taken. bksb is highly cost-effective and has been proven to raise overall standards in schools.

Quarrydale Foundation School has focused on use of the bksb software as part of its drive to raise attainment, particularly in English and mathematics. Impact of the software can be seen as Quarrydale is one of the most improved schools in Nottinghamshire in regard to A*- C English and maths results, with a 22% increase in the first year of use.

Jon Crone, Headteacher at Quarrydale School, said: “Students found the software user-friendly and the direct linkage between the learning resources and ‘gaps’ in knowledge helped enormously. The key to the software in my opinion is the ability for it to be managed, maintained and most importantly to be useful to a wide range of colleagues (not just English and Maths specialists) and I believe wholeheartedly that it will progress from strength to strength following from the recent commitment that ‘good’ English and maths grades will be needed to progress through our education system.”

Visit www.bksb.co.uk or call 01623 413333 for a no-obligation online trial or visit from one of our Regional Advisors.

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bksb is used by around 80% of FE colleges to support their functional skills improvement programmes. A bksb Initial Assessment is typically used at interview stage to ascertain current levels for functional skills. This ensures that learners are placed on an appropriate course. Learners then progress on to the diagnostic assessments during induction to identify their skill gaps before accessing learning resources at their own pace over the course of the year to improve in these weak areas.

This complete solution ensures that learners are placed on the correct course (improving retention), that they are treated as an individual (improving motivation), and they develop the skills that they were previously missing (improving achievement).

The Manchester College, one of the largest in the country, uses bksb via the Internet and intranet across 23 campuses. The learner-centric bksb approach motivates and builds the confidence of learners, as well as ensuring that they have the necessary skills to succeed on their course and in their future careers.

Using data from bksb, The Manchester College are able to produce comprehensive reporting and analysis of achievement levels. This information is vital for internal quality procedures, as well as providing statistical information to government departments and for inspection.

Connie Vitello, Initial Assessment, ALS and Assistive Technologies Co-ordinator at The Manchester College said: “Achievement and success rates are high as all learners are placed on the correct level of course. The bksb diagnostic assessment ILP clearly identifies a learner’s weak areas, so that they can upskill the relevant areas required. The bksb learning resources greatly assist learners in upskilling their weak areas - thus achieving on the course. We are not aware of any other product which will provide the range and quality of learning and reporting for the students and the college.”


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bksb CAN SUPPORT COLLEGES TO

INCREASE

RETENTION, MOTIVATION AND ACHIEVEMENT

bksb is used by hundreds of training providers in a diverse range of settings and vocational areas across the country. This is due to the outstanding assessments and resources we can offer to support such a wide range of courses. Whatever the course a learner is undertaking, the bksb assessments and resources provide an outstanding solution for developing the English, maths and ICT skills which are so vital to support their progress. The bksb online solution focuses on just the skill gaps of each individual student, instantly links to interactive learning resources and then confirms their competency. This unique, self-marking process improves skills, builds confidence and ensures the learner can dedicate as much time as possible to the vocational path they are following.

Care Training have been running the bksb functional skills packages since 2010. This was initially run as a pilot programme with tutors for them to experience the learner journey themselves. Bruce Sheeran, Foundation Learning Manager at Care Training, said:

“The feedback from tutors was positive without exception and all have bought in to using the bksb tools and resources as an integral part of the learner journey. Since rolling the programme out to our learners, we have seen a marked improvement in test passes and noted that our learners engage with their online learning resources far more readily and frequently than before. Through the use of our learner evaluation forms, we have established that our students enjoy being able to access their learning materials at home as well as in the centre. Another huge, time-saving advantage is the self-marking individual learning plan (ILP).”


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GOOD FUNCTIONAL SKILLS SHOULD

UNDERPIN

ALL TRAINING COURSES

ENGLISH, MATHSAND ICT SKILLS

CAN HELP INCREASE

PRODUCTIVITY, STAFF MORALE

AND PROFITS

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Functional skills are practical skills in English, mathematics and ICT that allow individuals to operate confidently, effectively and independently in life and work.They are relevant to all jobs and industries, running alongside the specific skills of the job to make people more effective, all-round employees. Functional skills help businesses improve efficiency while increasing the value of employees and boosting morale.This increases productivity and adds to the competitive edge. Whether this is using English skills to communicate more effectively with customers or colleagues, maths skills to calculate measurements or price discounts, or ICT skills to find information on the Internet or write an email, better functional skills enable employees to be a more valuable asset to your organisation. Up-skilling your workforce has many other benefits including filling skills gaps, minimizing staff turnover and reducing workplace accidents. Furthermore, developing existing employees is more cost-effective than hiring new ones, so your business can save on recruitment costs too!

bksb’s online, self-marking solution for improving functional skills can become a key tool in your people development strategy. Visit www.bksb.co.uk or call 01623 413333 for a no-obligation online trial or visit from our National Advisor.

EMPLOYERS

als to work confidently, Regular free events are held to showcase how bksb could help your organisation achieve outstanding results for functional skills. Due to the ever increasing demand for the bksb assessment solutions, we open our doors on a regular basis for education and training providers and employers. Held in Nottinghamshire, these events will allow you and your colleagues to see all bksb products, and discuss wider issues with our experienced team. The Functional Skills Events involve:

bksb FUNCTIONAL SKILLS EVENTS

Improve your understanding of functional skills and howto raise achievement of your learners

• An understanding of the key concepts of functional skills, without an overload of peripheral information • A demonstration of the outstanding online platform bksbLIVE, which provides a truly learner-centric approach to assessment and development • An understanding of how this solution can be fundamental to your functional skills success

To book your place, please visit www.bksb.co.uk/events.aspx or get in touch using the contact details on the reverse of this brochure. We very much look forward to meeting you!

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HOW WECAN HELP

Free trialSign up for a free, no-obligation online trial. This will give you and your colleagues access to all the bksb software for a limited period.

bksb visitBook a visit from your bksb Regional Advisor. They can show you our simple solution for successful skills development.

Functional Skills EventsOur free Functional Skills Events provide a great opportunity to discuss the latest news in functional skills, to understand how bksb can form a vital part of your skills development strategy, and to share ideas with like-minded colleagues!

e-NewsletterA regular e-Newsletter with news from bksb and the wider national skills landscape. A great way to keep up-to-date with bksb innovations and offers.

Follow @bksbUK on Twitter for news, updates and exclusive promotional offers.

YouTubeVisit our YouTube channel for a growing range of help videos and presentations.

English & MathematicsInitial Assessment for Pre-Entry – Level 3Diagnostic Assessments for Entry 1 – Level 3Learning Resources for Entry 1 – Level 3Vocational Learning ResourcesSkill ChecksFunctional Skills ScenariosESOL Assessments and Learning ResourcesAssessments and Learning Resources for Pre-Entry

ICTInitial Assessment for Entry 3 – Level 2Learning Resources for Entry 3 – Level 2 Functional Skills Scenarios

Other Products And ServicesLearning Styles Assessment and Tutor Support PackDyslexia Quick CheckPLTS Initial Assessment and Employability AssessorFull tracking and group profiling toolsBest practice and bespoke trainingOn-site technical consultancy

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Call01623 413333

Clickwww.bksb.co.uk

[email protected]

Call01623 413333

Clickwww.bksb.co.uk

[email protected]

Twitterwww.twitter.com/bksbUK

Facebookwww.facebook.com/bksbUK

bksb’s YouTube Channelwww.youtube.com/bksbUK

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bksb is the UK’s leading suite of assessments and resources for maths, English and ICT.Like thousands of organisations and millions of learners around the world, the bksb solutioncan help to raise your achievement levels for:

Functional Skills, Key Skills, GCSEs ,Diplomas, Apprenticeships, 14-19 Improvement, ESOL, Core Skills, Essential Skills, IELTS,Foundation Learning, NEET Learners, PLTS, Employability Skills, CPD

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bksb Brochure