Functional skills in mathematics

Overview

This course is for anyone who wants to improve their career prospects, gain access to further education, or to support their family with their maths skills. This course is also ideal for anyone simply wanting to improve their maths skills for personal reasons.

This course will teach you about the Maths you may encounter in your everyday life, including understanding numbers, calculating, time, shape and space and using data. Our curriculum follows the latest Pearson Functional Skills in Maths content (2019 reforms).

Our classes are small and welcoming, you will work with others and on your own. You will be taught by supportive and friendly tutors who provide plenty of practical help and guidance. This course will start in September and run for two and a half hour sessions each week. Courses are available in our local centres throughout Devon during the daytime or in the evenings, so you can fit study around your own requirements.

Entry requirements

If you have not yet achieved a level 2 Functional Skills qualification in Maths, or a grade 4 at GCSE, you can enrol on this course. You will first need to meet with one of our friendly team and they will ask you to do a skills check to make sure that this is the right course for you. To make an appointment with our team please contact your local Learn Devon centre.

Assessment criteria

You will take an assessment after the course ends. Even though the course is online, the assessment is taken in exam conditions at your nearest Learn Devon centre. The assessment contains two papers, which are taken on the same day, one after the other with a short break in between. For the first paper you are not allowed to use a calculator but you can for the second. Your tutor will give you your exam date near the start of the course and you must ensure that you are available on that date.

What do I need?

You will need a good internet connection and a computer/tablet or similar device to connect to the lessons. 

You will need a calculator for this course, we recommend the Casio fx-93GT PLUS but anything similar will work just as well.You will also need a simple geometry set containing a protractor, as well as a 30cm ruler.Talk to your tutor about any books that they would recommend to help you on this course.

You must be able commit to attending all of the sessions as well as completing weekly homework. Homework will be used to practice and check your understanding of topics covered and provide feedback on your progress. It is vital that you can commit to completing this each week as well as any missed sessions.

What can I do next?

Learners who successfully complete this course may wish to go on to undertake the next level up (i.e. a learner who achieves a level 1 qualification may wish to progress to a level 2). Once a level 2 has been achieved, you may wish to progress to a GCSE maths course. Some employers and colleges/universities will accept applicants with a Level 2 Functional Skills qualification instead of a GCSE.