To help you to develop the practical skills you need to use Maths in everyday life, Functional Skills Maths is ideal. Functional Skills teaches Maths using real-life situations in an online context you can access at anytime and anywhere you have internet connection.

When you reach Level 2, you’ll have the equivalent to a C or higher grade at GCSE, meaning that you can demonstrate your ability to understand and use everyday Maths at this level. Some universities will even accept a Functional Skills Level 2 qualification in place of a GCSE. This course will guide you through all of the skills you need to achieve this level and can prepare you for a Level 2 exam.

Our Maths course was written by qualified subject specialists who have years of experience in Further Education. Our courses have also been created to cater to all ways of learning. Whether you are a visual, auditory or kinaesthetic learner, you will be able to find content that helps you to learn in the way that you find most comfortable.

We know that everyone is individual, so our online level and skills checkers will develop a unique programme made just for you. This means that you’ll know your strengths and where you need to focus right from the start.

Choosing the specialised route gives you access to qualified teachers who will guide you through your learning, provide you with four one-to-one tutorials focussed on your unique needs, give you additional learning in areas you find difficult, and be available during office hours via email. You will be given a telephone number of your teacher who will be available for immediate support during office hours. You will also be given the option of an individual learning plan, which can help you to focus on setting yourself small targets and give you the chance to reflect on your learning. Finally, if you chose to take an exam you will be provided with up to three marked mock exams with feedback.

Functional Skills maths includes sections on:

• Using numbers – This section covers everything from addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to decimals, fractions and percentages. You’ll look at how to solve real problems using these skills, including using ratios in recipes and in work, making decisions about purchases or working out whether your bills are correct. All of the skills you learn will be tested by quizzes at the end of each section, ensuring that you are ready to sit your final exam, should you choose to do so.

• Measure, shape and space – This section contains a wide range of topics from time to speed, distance to area and weight to temperature. You’ll look at how to solve problems involving time to plan your day-to-day or work life, and how to use your understanding of shape and area to do anything from read a map to plan a house renovation. Our quizzes will check that you’re able to use these skills in different situations, making sure that you’re ready for your final exam, should you choose to do so.

• Handling data – This section looks at working with data. You’ll learn about charts and graphs, how to summarise and present information that you’ve found, and how to understand information that other people are sharing with you. You’ll also look at probability and how likely certain things are to happen. You’ll learn how to spot patterns and see how even data and statistics can be biased. Our quizzes on topics such as averages, probability and interpreting charts and graphs will help you to make sure you’re ready for your final exam, should you choose to take it.

You’ll be assessed throughout your learning by our online quizzes.

When you’re ready for your final exam, Functional Skills maths has just one assessment which covers all of the topics you’ll learn in realistic scenarios. The assessment is available as an online or a paper-based exam. You’ll be responsible for booking your own exam and paying any associated fees, but don’t worry – we’ll give you our handy guide which shows you how to do this and a link to help you to find a provider near you.

Qualification

At the end of this course, should you decide to take the exam, you’ll have gained a Functional Skills Level 2 qualification in Maths. This is equivalent to a grade C or above (4 or above) at GCSE. It will enable you to go on to further education programmes and can also give you access to some universities.

If you are looking to progress and are missing that C grade then this is the programme for you.