Functional Skills Maths

Key topics that will be covered over the duration of your course:

Using numbers and the number system – whole numbers, fractions, and decimals

• Count, read, write, order, and compare numbers up to 1000.
• Add and subtract using three-digit whole numbers.
• Divide three-digit whole numbers by single- and double-digit whole numbers and express remainders.
• Multiply two-digit whole numbers by single- and double-digit whole numbers.
• Approximate by rounding numbers less than 1000 to the nearest 10 or 100 and use this rounded answer to check results.
• Recognise and continue linear sequences of numbers up to 100.
• Read, write, and understand thirds, quarters, fifths, and tenths, including equivalent form.
• Read, write, and use decimals up to two decimal places.
• Recognise and continue sequences that involve decimals.

Using common measures, shape, and space 

• Calculate with money using decimal notation and express money correctly in writing in pounds and pence.
• Round amounts of money to the nearest £1 or 10p.
• Read, measure and record time using am and pm.
• Read time from analogue and 24-hour digital clocks in hours and minutes.
• Use and compare measures of length, capacity, weight, and temperature using metric or imperial units to the nearest labelled or unlabelled division.
• Compare metric measures of length, including millimetres, centimetres, metres, and kilometre.
• Compare measures of weight, including grams and kilograms.
• Compare measures of capacity, including millilitres and litres.
• Use a suitable instrument to measure mass and length.
• Sort 2-D and 3-D shapes using properties, including lines of symmetry, length, right angles, angles, including in rectangles and triangles.
• Use appropriate positional vocabulary to describe position and direction, including eight compass points and full/half/quarter turns.

Handling information and data 

• Extract information from lists, tables, diagrams, and charts and create frequency tables.
• Interpret information, to make comparisons and record changes, from different formats, including bar charts and simple line graphs.
• Organise and represent information in appropriate ways, including tables, diagrams, simple line graphs and bar chart.

Solving mathematical problems and decision making

Entry students are expected to be able to use the knowledge and skills listed above to recognise a simple problem and obtain a solution. A simple problem is one which requires working through one step or process.

Exam process

• Non-calculator – 30 minutes.
• Calculator –  1 hour.

Functional Skills Maths Level 1 builds on the skills gained at Entry Level 3. The course will equip you with the confidence to use functional maths effectively in a variety of contexts.    

You will work towards preparing to successfully pass your assessment and achieve your qualification on completion. 

Using numbers and the number system

• Numbers: This includes understanding positive and negative numbers, decimals, fractions, and percentages.
• Calculations: Students will need to be proficient in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, including using methods like the column method, chunking, grid method, and repeated addition.
• Place value: Understanding place value in whole numbers and decimal numbers is crucial.
• Ratios and proportions: Simplifying and multiplying ratios are also part of this section.
• Rounding: Students will need to be able to round numbers correctly. 

Measures, shapes, and space

• Measures: This includes understanding and using different units of measurement (e.g., length, weight, volume, time).
• Shapes and space: Knowledge of basic shapes and their properties, as well as spatial reasoning, is important.
• Area and perimeter: Calculating the area and perimeter of simple shapes is also included. 

Handling information and data

• Data representation: Students will need to be able to understand and interpret data presented in various formats, such as tables, charts, and graphs.
• Data analysis: This involves drawing conclusions and making inferences from data.
• Probability: Understanding basic probability concepts is also part of this section.
• Scales and diagrams: Understanding scales and diagrams is also important. 

Exam process

• Non-calculator - 30 minutes.
• Calculator - 1 hour 15 minutes.

Functional Skills Maths Level 2 builds on the skills gained at level 1. The course will equip you with the confidence to use functional maths effectively in a variety of contexts.    

You will work towards preparing to successfully pass your assessment and achieve your qualification on completion. 

Key topics that will be covered over the duration of your course:

Using numbers

• This includes working with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, and ratios. 

Measures, shape and space

• This involves understanding and using various units of measurement, including length, weight, volume, and time. It also covers understanding shapes and their properties, and calculating areas and volumes. 

Handling data

• This involves interpreting data presented in various formats, including tables and charts, and using this information to draw conclusions and make decisions. 

Examples of specific skills covered

• Number operations: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
• Fractions and percentages: Understanding and manipulating fractions and percentages, including calculating percentage increases and decreases.
• Ratios and proportions: Understanding and using ratios and proportions in practical situations.
• Measurement: Using appropriate units of measurement for length, weight, volume, time, and temperature.
• Area and volume: Calculating the area of 2D shapes and the volume of 3D shapes.
• Data handling: Interpreting data presented in tables, charts, and graphs.
• Estimation and approximation: Using rounding and other estimation techniques to approximate answers.
• Formulae: Understanding and using simple formulae in practical situations.