Maths for life and work (level 1)

What is the course about?

This course is about making sense of and using maths to become a better problem-solver, analyser and decision-maker. You will work on completing every tasks which require the use of calculations with whole numbers, understanding the relationship between fractions and decimal numbers and working with percentages. You will solve problems involving time, money and measurement, be able to measure confidently and convert between units of measurement. You will work with the properties of shapes, both 2D and 3D, read, interpret and comment on information in tables, charts and graphs and be able to construct these yourself. By the end of the course you will be confident you can approach some of the most important problems in life and work from a mathematical perspective, as well as be ready for Level 1 Functional Skills.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone can be used if you don't have a computer but please note the experience may be less optimal.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

• using mathematical principles to help solve life and work problems
• using estimations in all calculations to be confident your answers are reasonable
• check answers using methods such as reverse calculations
• solve everyday problems such as how to share £120 between 200 people by grasping the different concepts of division and multiplications
• understanding and using basic fractions to calculate e.g. different discount prices, sharing and dividing up of possessions
• calculating and using simple percentages – e.g. to work out basic tax paid or VAT
• measuring, converting units of measure and working out perimeters, areas and volume e.g. of rooms
• performing calculations using a combination of positive and negative numbers – e.g. to calculate temperature change or range
• using concepts to analyse data e.g. to find the mean (average) and identify the range of a set of numbers
• extracting, interpreting and commenting on information from tables, diagrams, charts and graphs
• recognising, using and working with ratios and scale e.g. to read maps and drawings, relate models and plans to real objects.

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

• use mathematical principles to solve life and problems
• use estimations in all calculations to be confident your answers are reasonable
• check answers using methods such as reverse calculation
•solve everyday problems such as how to share £120 between 200 people by using different concepts of division and multiplications
• use fractions to calculate portions of different quantities e.g. discount prices, sharing and dividing up of possessions
• calculate and use simple percentages – e.g.. to work out basic tax paid or VAT
• measure, convert units of measure and work out perimeters, areas and volume e.g. of rooms
• perform calculations using a combination of positive and negative numbers – e.g. to calculate temperature change or range
• use basic concepts to analyse data e.g. to find the mean (average) and identify the range of a set of numbers
• extract, interpret and comment on information from tables, diagrams, charts and graphs
• recognise, use and work with ratios and scale e.g. to read maps and drawings, relate models and plans to real objects.

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

This course is for anyone who wants to prepare for Level 1 Functional Skills and / or who wants to use maths to help solve everyday problems and issues. You should be able to use whole numbers up to 1000, add and subtract using 3-digit numbers, estimate calculations, use basic fractions and decimals, and extract some information from tables and charts.

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 your discovering how to do and 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, ruler, pencil and calculator. You will also need lined A4 paper and a folder to keep your work in. Your tutor will provide handouts. Google classroom and links to useful websites will be use to enable you to extend and practice your skills outside class.

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

After successfully completing this part you should be able move on to the next part of this course. There are many other courses you can do before, during or after this course. These include:
• Maths functional skills (level 1) / (level 2)
• Preparing for maths GCSE
• Discover the maths in the world around you: from nature to buildings (entry 3-level 1)
• The maths of games and lotteries: how to play better (level 2)
• Maths and CHATGPT: a new way of doing maths (L1-L2)
• Maths and podcasting: talk about maths (level 1-level 2)
• Bitesize maths: becoming confident with numbers and calculations (level 1-2)
• Bitesize maths: becoming confident with shapes, space and measuring (level 1-2)
• Bitesize maths: becoming confident with algebra, problem-solving and equations (level 1-2)
• Becoming data literate: how to understand and interpret the data all around you (level 1-2)
• Becoming data literate: how to present data for work or study (level 2)
• Becoming data literate: understanding data and how it is presented from pie-charts to bell curves (level 2)
• Maths for business: the essential skills to run a company and make a profit (level 1-2)
• Maths for business with Excel: the essential skills to run a company and make a profit (level 1-2)

There are classes in the communication and digital skills areas which complement the above courses. These include:
• English communication skills - for life and work (level 1)
• Workplace communication skills: letters, emails, memos, notes, meetings and presentations (level 1)
• Workplace communication skills: how to be confident and do well in interviews (level 1-level2)
• Becoming confident with digital skills: on your computer and online (beginner)
• Business administration with digital skill: how to be an administrator (foundation)
• Business administration: how to be a PA (foundation)

For more information, talk with your tutor or contact universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk / 020 4582 0423.