Mathematics – Functional Skills

Board: Edexcel

About the Subject

This course is designed to teach the fundamental mathematical skills required for life in a practical or real world context. This qualification is valued by employers and a level 2 in functional skills is viewed as being equal to a GCSE grade 4 by many employers and for some University courses.

Learning Styles

As with GCSE, content is delivered through classwork, homework and regular short tests, the course will focus closely on meeting the demands of the exam.  Individual help is available in workshops to supplement the classwork, and there are materials for revision and self study on the VLE.
All students must purchase the Level 1 and 2 workbooks (available through the college for £8) which will be used in lessons.

Subject Modules and Assessment

Students must pass both a level 1 and level 2 functional skills exam. Each of these consist of an approximately 30 minute non-calculator paper and a 90 minute calculator paper. Students will be entered for Level 1 in December and Level 2 in May. There will also be resit opportunities available in June/ July if required.
Once a student has passed level 2 functional skills they are not required to study mathematics any longer. They may however move onto the GCSE maths course in the following academic year if they chose to do so (see GCSE course details)

Minimum Subject Entry Requirements

Grade U, 1 or 2 in GCSE Mathematics