Maths Functional Skills

Course overview

Students studying Functional Skills can study and
progress from Entry 3 – Level 2. At the beginning of the course, you will be
assessed to determine what level of qualification you will be working to
achieve.

Modules

• • Learners at Functional Skills Entry Level 3 are expected to become confident in their use of fundamental mathematical knowledge and skills through using numbers, common measures, shape and space and handling data, and demonstrate their understanding by applying their knowledge and skills to solve simple mathematical problems or carry out simple tasks.

• • Learners at Functional Skills Level 1 are expected to be able to count in steps of various sizes, including negative numbers; and read, write and understand positive whole numbers to one million. They can order and compare whole numbers of any size, and fractions, ratios and decimals, and recognise the effect of multiplying and dividing by powers of 10, 100 and 1000. They can identify, compare and extend a range of numerical and spatial patterns, use, understand and calculate with fractions, decimals and percentages and calculate simple interest.

• Learners at Functional Skills Level 2 are expected to be able to use numbers of any size; read, write and make use of positive and negative integers of any size; use, order and compare integers, fractions, decimals, percentages and ratios as well as recognise the value of a digit in any whole or decimal number. They can use numerical and spatial patterns for a purpose and calculate with, and convert between, numbers written as fractions, decimals, percentages and ratios.

How will I be assessed?

• • The Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics at Entry Level 3 consists of one externally-set, internally-marked and externally verified assessment. It is available as a paper-based, on-demand assessment. Each assessment comprises two sections – a non-calculator section (calculator prohibited) and a calculator section (calculator permitted).

• • The Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics at Level 1 consists of one externally assessed assessment. Each assessment comprises two sections – a non-calculator section (calculator prohibited) and a calculator section (calculator permitted).

• The Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics at Level 2 consists of one externally assessed assessment. Each assessment comprises two sections – a non-calculator section (calculator prohibited) and a calculator section (calculator permitted).

Student testimonial

“Studying English and maths in my mid thirties makes me feel like I am doing something for myself. I really disliked both maths and English at school and my grades reflected this. Fast forward 20 years and I look forward to my lessons each week. Rachel makes me feel like I can achieve anything and I am excited to pass my exams so I can reach my full potential in my career.”

“A really enjoyable and very well taught course. I am filling the gaps in my knowledge, that I have had since school which was many years ago.”

“I was nervous about taking an adult math course, but it turned out to be genuinely fun! The teacher had a fantastic way of explaining complex topics, making concepts that once seemed impossible feel incredibly simple and easy to grasp. I highly recommend it to anyone—it proves that anyone can enjoy and succeed at maths!”

Progression routes