Getting ready for maths functional skills (level 2)

What is the course about?

You will learn techniques to understand the non-calculator section of the functional skills Level 2 Maths requitements. You will develop your mathematical skills and knowledge to work with numbers including fractions, percentages, ratio and to work out area and perimeter. This non-accredited course (no exam) will give you the opportunity demonstrate a sound grasp of the underpinning skills and basics of maths appropriate to level 2, and to apply mathematical thinking to solve simple problems in familiar situations. By the end of the course, you will have an inhouse written assessment which will allow your tutor to progress you to the accredited course, where you can get your Functional Skills level 2 Maths qualification.

What will we cover?

We will cover a wide range of topics such as: numbers, diverse ways of solving word problems, understanding maths in daily life and how you can improve your reading skills. During these discussions and topics, we will focus on:

1. Using numbers and the number system – whole numbers, fractions, and decimals – Non calculator including mixed fractions, multiplying and dividing of decimals
2. Work out percentage increase and decrease using multiplier
3. Work out ratios including direct and indirect proportion
4. Understanding mean, mode, median and range
5. How to work out mean, mode, median and range
6. How to extract information from a graph.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

1. Be more confident in working the four operations without a calculator.
2. Know how to work with fractions, percentages and decimals without a calculator.
3. Demonstrate your ability in mathematical skills and your ability to apply the above through appropriate reasoning and decision making, to solve realistic problems of increasing complexity.
4. Introduce you to new areas of life and work so that you are exposed to concepts and problems which, while not of immediate concern, may be of value in later life.
5. Have an appreciation of the role played by mathematics in the world of work and in life.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is only for learners who do want to have a taste of the Functional skills level 2. We would advise you to do the Getting Ready for Functional skills level 2 before going straight to the accredited course. You will be able to learn different techniques on how to answer wordy maths questions and not using a calculator. Once you have completed the Getting ready and you want to do the accredited course, your tutor will be able to progress to Functional skills level 2 depending on how committed you have been and on how you have done in your summative assessment.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will learn in a supportive and welcoming environment with an emphasis on learning how to complete tasks, with guidance from the tutor. You will work on your own and with other students on different tasks, so you are always practising important in-demand life and work skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, prioritising, negotiating, collaborating and independence. You will learn in a step-by-step manner so you can complete challenging tasks in enjoyable and relaxing ways. Your tutor will also work with you individually, so you know how to improve and how to work in a way that improves your learning. You will need to do work outside the classroom and use Google Classroom to help you.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You will need a pen, a notebook, and a folder to keep your work in. Your tutor will provide handouts and worksheets.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You may want to continue your maths studies and apply for a GCSE course or consider an Access course if planning to go to University.