Key Competencies and
Functional Skills

What’s in a word or phrase? In the United Kingdom, subject teaching that emphasises behaviours required to function effectively in the real world is referred to as ‘Functional Skills’ whereas in New Zealand it is referred to as ‘Key Competencies’. Basically, key competencies and functional skills are the core elements that provide individuals with the skills and abilities needed to

• ‘Live and learn today and in the future’
• ‘Operate confidently, effectively and independently in life, their communities and work’.

To be effective, functional skills teaching must be relevant and allow learners to engage with real situations in the real world. Learners need opportunities to:

• Apply their skills in plausible contexts or use their skills for real purposes;
• Engage with the world beyond the classroom;
• Integrate learning by linking knowledge within and between the functional areas;
• Spend time planning and developing their work;
• Make choices and decisions, think creatively and act independently;