Functional Skills Maths – Level 1

Overview

The course focuses on building essential mathematical skills required for practical use in various real-life contexts. It aims to equip learners with the tools they need to confidently apply mathematical concepts, solve complex problems, and make informed decisions.

Number and Calculation Skills: Learners will deepen their understanding of numbers and calculations through interactive activities and exercises. They will develop skills in working with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, and ratios. The course will cover advanced arithmetic operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as the application of these operations in real-life situations. Learners will also explore the relationships between different number systems and develop problem-solving strategies.

Measurement and Shape Skills: The course will enhance learners' measurement and shape skills. They will explore advanced techniques for measurement, including conversions between units of measurement and calculations involving area, volume, and surface area. Learners will also deepen their understanding of 2D and 3D shapes, including their properties, transformations, and calculations of perimeter, area, and volume. They will apply these skills to practical situations and problem-solving scenarios.

Data Handling and Problem-Solving Skills: Learners will develop advanced data handling and problem-solving skills. They will learn to interpret and analyse complex data sets presented in tables, charts, graphs, and diagrams. The course will cover statistical concepts, such as averages, probability, and correlation, enabling learners to make informed interpretations and draw meaningful conclusions. Learners will also develop critical thinking skills and problem-solving strategies to tackle complex mathematical problems in a variety of contexts.

By the end of this course, you should be able to

Whole numbers

• Read, write, order and compare numbers, including large numbers
• Recognise negative numbers in practical contexts (e.g. temperatures)
• Add, subtract, multiply and divide using efficient written methods
• Multiply and divide whole numbers by 10 and 100
• Recall multiplication facts up to 10 x 10 and make connections with division facts
• Recognise numerical relationships (e.g. multiples and squares)
• Work out simple ratio and direct proportion
• Approximate by rounding
• Estimate answers to calculations

Fractions, decimals and percentages

• Read, write, order and compare common fractions and mixed numbers
• Find parts of whole number quantities or measurements (e.g. 2/3 or 3/4)
• Recognise equivalencies between common fractions, percentages and decimals (e.g. 50% = 1/2 , 0.25 =1/4) and use these to find part of whole-number quantities
• Read, write, order and compare decimals up to three decimal places
• Add, subtract, multiply and divide decimals up to two places
• Multiply and divide decimals by 10, 100
• Approximate decimals by rounding to a whole number or two decimal places
• Read, write, order and compare simple percentages, and understand simple percentage increase and decrease
• Find simple percentage parts of quantities and measurements
• Find simple percentage increase and decrease
• Use a calculator to calculate efficiently using whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percentages

Common measures

• Add, subtract, multiply and divide sums of money and record
• Read, measure and record time in common date formats and in the 12-hour and 24-hour clock
• Calculate using time
• Read, estimate, measure and compare length, weight, capacity and temperature using common units and instruments
• Read, estimate, measure and compare the distance
• Add and subtract common units of measure within the same system
• Convert units of measure in the same system
• Work out the perimeter of simple shapes
• Work out the area of rectangles
• Work out simple volumes (e.g. cuboids)

Shape and space

• Solve problems using the mathematical properties of regular
• 2-D shapes (e.g. tessellation or symmetry)
• Draw 2-D shapes in different orientations using grids (e.g. in diagrams or plans

Data and statistical measures

• Extract and interpret information (e.g. in tables, diagrams, charts and line graphs)
• Collect, organise and represent discrete data (e.g. in tables, charts, diagrams and line graphs)
• Find the arithmetical average (mean) for a set of data
• Find the range for a set of data

Probability

• Show that some events are more likely to occur than others
• Express the likelihood of an event using fractions, decimals and percentages with a probability scale of 0 to 1

The course emphasises the practical application of mathematical skills in everyday contexts. Learners will develop skills to interpret and solve problems related to finance, statistics, measurements, and calculations. They will also enhance their ability to use mathematical reasoning and logical thinking to make informed decisions and solve practical challenges they may encounter in their personal and professional lives.

Throughout the course, learners will receive guidance and support from experienced instructors who will provide constructive feedback on their progress. They will have access to a range of learning resources, including textbooks, online materials, and interactive exercises, to enhance their learning experience.

By successfully completing the Certificate in Functional Skills in Mathematics (Entry Level 3), learners will have developed a high level of proficiency in mathematical skills, enabling them to confidently apply mathematical concepts in practical situations, pursue further education, and enhance their employability prospects.

Request More Information

Read about our Privacy Policy.