01. Who is this course for?
The course will help you to develop confidence to develop confidence in the use of fundamental mathematical knowledge and skills to solve mathematical problems or carry out tasks in everyday practical contexts and the world of work.
The Functional Skills Maths course leads to a qualification for work, study and life in general. It develops the mathematical skills you need to solve problems in the workplace and to help you with everyday tasks like shopping, personal finance, DIY, helping children with homework and other real-life situations.
|
02. What will I learn?
You will work with your tutor to develop an Individual Learning Plan based on your interests and needs. The ILP sets out both your personal learning aims and the overall learning objectives of your course and allows you, and your tutor, to evaluate your progress and set learning goals. You will study and develop skills in number properties and operations, ratio, fractions, decimals and percentages; perimeter, area and volume, metric and imperial unit conversion, angles, properties of 2D and 3D shapes; and averages, range, charts and graphs and probability.
|
03. How will I learn?
The course activities and materials will link to everyday life and work experiences. You will work for a certificate in Functional Skills Maths at a level that suits you. Entry Level courses are 2-hours long and delivered, morning or afternoon, in a classroom over 30 weeks. Level 1 and 2 courses are 2.5 hours long and delivered either in a classroom or online over 26 weeks, with the exam daytime (morning or afternoon) and evenings. Progress will be recorded regularly in your individual learning plan through continuous assessment, target reviews, tutor feedback on homework and work in class.
To support your learning, you will have access to: BKSB, GoLearn Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle). Plus, if you are studying maths, you will also have access to MathsWatch and MyMaths.
If studying online, you will be provided with a Microsoft 365 Education account which you will use to access GoLearn VLE (Moodle), MathsWatch and MyMaths (if studying maths).
|
04. What will I need to bring?
Pen, pencil, paper or notepad and a folder to store your work. Also, maths instruments as specified by your tutor once the course starts, including a calculator and a ruler. For online courses, you will need access to a laptop or PC, a reliable internet connection with video and audio capabilities or a headset; and be a competent user of IT. Smartphones or tablets are not suitable devices to use to study these courses. Leicestershire Libraries offer FREE public WiFi and spaces to study if you do not have an appropriate space at home. If you have no access to a PC or laptop, we may be able to help.
|
05. What skills or experience do I need?
Although no previous maths qualification is required to join this course, you will need to have a good standard of English language, reading and writing. You must complete an assessment to establish the level you are working towards and attend a meeting with a member of the Skills for Life team to discuss your individual needs and the course appropriate for you. You will also need to have basic IT/Digital Skills as the assessment is completed online. If you are concerned about your English or IT skills, we recommend you speak to the assessor at your assessment meeting, as we may be able to help.
|
06. How will I be assessed?
The course follows the Department for Education subject content for functional skills mathematics and the specification for Functional Skills qualification in mathematics at Entry Levels 1, 2 and 3; Levels 1 and 2 as set by the awarding body Pearson. To achieve the qualification at each level, learners must sit and pass a live exam, which comprises two parts a non-calculator and a calculator section. Entry Level assessments take place in class time. Level 1 and 2 learners, on classroom and online courses, will attend one of our centres to take exams.
|
07. What could I do after this course?
On achieving your Level 2 Functional Skills qualification, you may want to progress further in your learning journey or career. Potential progression courses may include GCSE in mathematics. If you are not ready for the next big step, there are shorter courses including Foundation and Pre-GCSE courses. There are also preparation courses to support the transition between Entry level to Level 1 and between Level 1 and Level 2.
Functional Skills maths qualifications are recognised by employers and a Level 2 qualification. Some further education colleges and other academic institutions like universities consider Functional Skills Level 2 equivalent to GCSEs. A Functional Skills qualification at Level 1 is equivalent to a GCSE Grade 3/D Foundation and a Level 2 is equivalent to a Grade 4/C Foundation.
|
08. How will I be supported in my learning?
We aim to support all learners to succeed. Our tutors will work with all learners to meet individual needs by using a range of resources and teaching methods.
When you enrol on your course you will be asked if you have any additional learning needs or disabilities which may affect your learning. This might include physical disabilities, neurodivergent needs (e.g., Autistic Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, dyslexia, or dyspraxia, etc.), visual and auditory impairments, or a medical condition which might affect your learning. Your tutor will contact you prior to joining the course to discuss what support can be put in place.
For some learners, this may mean organising extra time in exams or arranging for a Learning Support Assistant to support your learning in class. We also offer a wide range of assistive technology such as reader pens, screen readers, large print keyboards and screens, alongside in-class resources such as coloured overlays, large-print resources and more.
|
09. Is help available with course fees?
Many of our courses are FREE to all learners. For fee-paying courses, if you are in receipt of state benefits or have a low income (£26,211.90 before deductions) you could be entitled to enrol on your course for FREE, or at a 70% Reduced Fee cost. If your course is accredited (working towards a formal qualification) your course may be FREE if you earn under £25,000 before deductions. Some exclusions apply, eligibility for fee reduction is subject to change, and you may be required to provide evidence of earnings.
If the amount you must pay for your course is over £50, we offer instalment plans which break down the cost of learning into a set number of easy monthly payments.
If you need help with the wider costs of study, such as childcare, resources, travel, and transport costs, you may be eligible to have these costs reimbursed through our Discretionary Learner Support Fund. Visit us online for more details, and to download the online application form.
|
10. How do I choose the right course for me?
If you are unsure about which course may be right for you, our team of Learning and Work Advisers are on hand to offer FREE and impartial information, advice and guidance on learning and work options available to you.
To book your free, confidential, and impartial appointment, please call FREEphone 0800 988 0308 or email LALS.LWA@leics.gov.uk.
|