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

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

www.bksb.co.uk01623 413333

bksb is committed to setting the global standard for outstanding English, maths and ICT eLearning solutions; inspiring individuals of all

ages and backgrounds to embrace their true potential.

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What is bksb?bksb write, develop and supply eLearning solutions to improve English, maths and ICT skills. These are all designed around the functional skills criteria, but are also suitable for any other skills improvement programme.

bksb was originally established within a UK college and continues to operate from within education. This means that our focus is always on ensuring that the solutions we produce are, first and foremost, educationally excellent. We do not have shareholders or a private owner, so being profit-driven is not our priority. Outstanding achievement is.

bksb is the most popular functional skills solution available, established for over 19 years and used by thousands of education providers and millions of learners around the world. In the UK, an incredible 80% of colleges use bksb, along with hundreds of schools, training providers, councils, prisons and employers. So, if you decide to become a bksb user, you will be in extremely good company.

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.

In 2012/2013, over 1.2 million individual learners used bksb

40

40 million bksb assessmentshave been taken so far

92%

92% of clients renewtheir licence

19In our 19 year history,

over 25 million learners have benefitted from our easy-to-use online

assessments and learning resources

bksb is the UK’s mostpopular online Functional

Skills solution

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Contents 2 What is bksb? 4 The bksb learning solution 6 bksbLIVE 8 Powerful tracking, reporting and data analysis 10 Your questions answered 12 How do bksb licences work? 14 bksb - the whole package... 16 Our clients 18 Our website - your resource

Initial Assessmentdetermines current ability from Pre-entry to Level 3

ia

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

Diagnostic Assessmentidentifies skills gaps and produces an Individual Learning Plan

da

4

scSkill Checksto confirm competency in previous skill gaps

Learning Resourcesto develop underpinning knowledge and fill the skill gaps identified

lrRevision Scenariosto apply underpinning knowledge

rs

bksb also offer solutions for GCSE students – highlighting strengths and weaknesses to inform revision needs. Whatever path an individual is taking, we can help!

Visit our website for further details at www.bksb.co.uk

gcse

Diagnostic Assessmentidentifies skills gaps and produces an Individual Learning Plan

bksbLIVEOur flagship eLearning

platform for...

bksb customers can

upgrade to bksbLIVE completely FREE of charge.

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.

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Visit http://www.bksb.co.uk/products/details/bksbLIVE/ for a video tour and for further details of how to upgrade. Alternatively, give us a call on 01623 413333

ESOL

Learning Styles

GCSEsFunctional Skills

PLTS

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

Recruitment & Selection

Apprenticeships

Continuing Professional Development

Powerful tracking, reporting and data analysis

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Essential evidence for funding and

inspection bksbLIVE reporting

provides evidence of individual learning and progress – essential for

claiming funding and very powerful during

inspection.

Easy-to-download data

Data can be downloaded into spreadsheet format

to give you complete flexibility.

bksbLIVE provides valuable tracking, reporting and data analysis functionality for tutors and managers. This is incredibly powerful in lesson planning and learner management, as well as for providing evidence for funding and inspection.

Some of the fantastic functions available, as standard:

Learner and Group Quick Search

Student Management

Group Management

Initial Assessment Group Summaries

Detailed Diagnostic Reports

Individual Student Progress

Tracking Grids

Detailed Skill Check Reports

Learner Response Reports

Standalone Results Upload

In 2012/2013, over 1.2 million individual learners used bksb

40

40 million bksb assessmentshave been taken so far

92%

92% of clients renewtheir licence

19In our 19 year history,

over 25 million learners have benefitted from our easy-to-use online

assessments and learning resources

bksb is the UK’s mostpopular online Functional

Skills solution

In 2012/2013, over 1.2 million individual learners used bksb

40

40 million bksb assessmentshave been taken so far

92%

92% of clients renewtheir licence

19In our 19 year history,

over 25 million learners have benefitted from our easy-to-use online

assessments and learning resources

bksb is the UK’s mostpopular online Functional

Skills solution

Your questions answered...

Who are the bksb solutions suitable for? bksb is suitable for just about anyone wanting to improve their English, maths or ICT skills! It is used by schools, colleges, training providers, universities, employers, prisons, councils and a whole host of other education and employment settings.

Where is bksb used?

bksb was developed and is primarily used in the United Kingdom, but also supports teaching and learning in India, Australia, South Africa, Nigeria, Switzerland, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates.

What levels are covered by bksb?

The system adapts to each individual’s skill level, so is at the correct level for them. This means it is challenging, but not so hard that it demotivates the student. We have assessments and resources covering Pre-entry to Level 3 (Entry 1 – Level 2 for functional skills), as well as GCSE level products.

How is bksb accessed?

We believe that flexibility in education is vital, ensuring that all learners have access to learning materials suitable for their needs. As such, bksb is available as part of a fully-hosted online platform (bksbLIVE), as a standalone interactive product, or as downloadable pdf documents.

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How do bksb licences work? bksb solutions are sold on an annual licence basis. This will be based on the approximate number of learners

that will be using the assessments and resources. We will never turn off your access if you go a little over the number of learners you have paid for – we like to be flexible to meet your needs and will simply call

you if you go too far over.

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Available online, offline or on paper!

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For a FREE online trial of any of our products, visit www.bksb.co.uk

Our complete range of learning solutions:

bksb - the whole package... More than just English, maths and ICT! At bksb, we like to innovate and develop products to meet a range of needs in education – not just for functional skills.

ia Initial Assessment (English and mathematics)

da Diagnostic Assessments (English and mathematics)

lr Learning Resources (English and mathematics)

sc Skill Checks (English and mathematics)

rs Functional Skills Revision Scenarios (English, mathematics and ICT)

voc Vocational Learning Resources (English and mathematics)

pre Pre-Entry Assessment and Learning Resources

ict Assessment and Resources (ICT)

ia

bksb - the whole package... More than just English, maths and ICT! At bksb, we like to innovate and develop products to meet a range of needs in education – not just for functional skills.

esol ESOL Initial and Diagnostic Assessments

ls Learning Styles

plts PLTS

dqc Dyslexia Quick Check

gcse GCSE Screener and Diagnostic Assessment (English and mathematics)

dalr

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Our clientsbksb is the most popular and widely-used functional skills solution available. We pride ourselves on the diversity of organisations that rely on our products for developing the skills of their learners. The solution is used in a wide range of education settings, including around 80% of FE colleges and over 90% of HM Prisons. It is also used in secondary schools, training providers, employers, councils and many more.

Last year, over 1.2 million individual learners used bksb to improve their functional skills in English, maths and ICT. In our 19 year history, over 25 million learners have benefitted from our easy-to-use online assessments and learning resources.

40 90%

1.2 million learners usedbksb in 2012

40 million bksb assessmentshave been taken so far

our products are used in over 90% of HM Prisons

around 80% of FE colleges use our products

80%40 90%

1.2 million learners usedbksb in 2012

40 million bksb assessmentshave been taken so far

our products are used in over 90% of HM Prisons

around 80% of FE colleges use our products

80%

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Access case studies featuring some of our

satisfied clients

CollegesThe bksb solution is a vital component in the success of most colleges. Our products are used with learners doing functional skills, GCSEs and apprenticeships. Our vocation specific learning resources are highly motivational for learners – showing them the relevance of English, maths and ICT skills to their chosen career path. In addition, learners with Pre-entry, ESOL or dyslexia needs use bksb products to support their learning. The tracking and reporting facilities in bksbLIVE can be very powerful in managing and evidencing achievement and progression within colleges – this can be vital for funding and inspection.

SchoolsSecondary schools and sixth forms use bksb to identify and support learners’ skill gaps in English, maths and ICT. With products supporting both GCSE and functional skills, the impact on a school’s success rates can be significant. The individual and independent approach of bksb provides an outstanding system of additional teaching and learning – supplementing lessons and structured homework. Many schools also use our Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS) Solution, designed to identify and develop employability skills.

EmployersMany SMEs and large corporate employers use bksb for recruitment and selection, identifying skill levels during interview. It is also used to support apprenticeship programmes and for training and staff development. Using bksb to develop employees’ skills can help to increase productivity and staff retention.

Training ProvidersThere is a hugely diverse range of training providers across the UK, from hairdressing academies to English language courses. bksb is used to support functional skills, GCSEs for adult learners, apprenticeship programmes, Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS) and ESOL needs.

HM PrisonsPrisons use bksb assessments and resources to support rehabilitation programmes for inmates, improving confidence and giving them the skills needed for meaningful employment upon release. Education can be a key factor in reducing the likelihood of re-offending, and bksb acts as a key driver of this in the majority of prisons in the UK. bksb is compatible with the ‘Virtual Campus’ solution which facilitates restricted Internet access for inmates.

And many more!bksb can be used in just about any setting where there is a need for raising skills in English, maths or ICT. We work closely with organisations as diverse as police forces, fire services, armed forces, libraries and football clubs. 17

Our website – your resource…www.bksb.co.uk

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Find out more about the functional skills standards...

...and keep up to date with the latest functional

skills news.Browse our product range and request FREE

online trials!

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How can we help?Take a look at the bksb solutions for yourselfWe think our solutions speak for themselves, so the best way for you to make an informed decision may be to take out a free trial of our products! Prepare to be amazed...

Come and see usIf you have any questions, or would like to attend one of our free functional skills events, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Our FREE events focus on achievement in English, maths and ICT. They provide the opportunity for you and your colleagues to understand the powerful assessments, resources and reporting which make up the bksb process. The events also give you the opportunity to network with like-minded educationalists, sharing ideas and success stories for supporting and inspiring your learners.

We can visit you!We have a team of Regional Advisors based across the country (education-specialists, not sales people!), who are available to provide support and guidance. To arrange an on-site demonstration or a staff training session from a Regional Advisor, please contact the bksb team.

01623 413333www.bksb.co.uk

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

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

www.bksb.co.uk01623 413333