Maths (Functional Skills) Level 1

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Functional Skills Maths is about problem solving, where questions are set in a contextual situation. Students are then required to decide what mathematical skills are required to progress. This will require students to develop their numeracy skills, being able to understand what information is necessary from that which is being give to them.

What will I study in Maths (Functional Skills) Level 1?

Questions given to the students should expose them to a wide variety of real-life problems, allowing them to recognise the maths in their lives around them.

Topics include Number, Shape & Measure and Data. ( Algebra is not studied on Level1 Qualifications ).

Entry Requirements

Functional Skills Level 1 Maths is a one year course timetabled for students who have previously gained a Grade 1 or 2 in their GCSE Maths exam. It is a one year Level 1 course and is equivalent to a GCSE Grade 3 to be completed ahead of the Level 2 GCSE course.

How will I learn?

In class, you will benefit from small classes allowing you more time with staff to develop your mathematical skills as well as your ability to interpret and solve problems. There will be opportunities for you to develop your understanding, practise key skills in class and develop independent learning skills. You will have 2 lessons each week and will have opportunities to see your skills progressing.

You will also be expected to complete a weekly homework. This is important to complete because it will support you in practising the skills you will need to keep alive through your maths education and will continue on the GCSE course.

How will I be assessed?

There will be assessment windows through the year, so that you will have an opportunity to work at an appropriate pace for you. You will be able to sit for the Entry Level 3 Certificate and build towards the Functional Skills 1 Exam.

These qualifications are measured as Pass or Fail so you won't receive a grade on a scale. You will have the opportunity to work towards sitting the Functional Skills Level 1 exam on completion of the Entry Level 3 Certificate.

Both Entry Level 3 and Level 1 Functional Skills consist of two parts:

EL3: non-calculator (25 minutes) and calculator (1 hour 15 minutes)

FS1: non-calculator (25 minutes) and calculator (1 hour 30 minutes)

In class, there will be quizzes and occassional mini-tests for you to see how you are doing which are used to help you grow in confidence so that you can see improvement in your skills.

Any trips?

Are there any costs involved?

It is useful to have your own equipment for lessons. You should bring your own pens and pencils, some colour like a pencil crayon or highlighter, ruler, compass and protractor. You can find maths sets which keep the equipment together if you prefer this to a pencil case, and of course, having your own calculator gives you the certainty of being familiar with your calculator. You could either buy these at your local supermarket or in the reprographics office.

FAQs

How long is the Level 1 Functional Skills 1 course?

If you pass the Level 1 Functional Skills exam in your first year at College, then you will progress onto GCSE Maths in your second year at College.

Why does the college want me to do Functional Skills 1 this year?

We will have received information from your previous school that your GCSE result is a Grade 1 or 2 so we are keen to work closely with you this year to help you improve your confidence in maths lessons. When students have completed the FS1 Maths course, they report feeling ready to study GCSE maths the following year.

Why does Cirencester College not offer the Level 2 Functional Skills course?

The college has assessed the curriculum and exam style questions for the FS2 exam and have decided that students are more likely to suceed in the GCSE exam. Questions in the FS2 exams tend to be very wordy and complicated.

What happens once I have completed the Functional Skills 1 course?

Once you have gained a L1 qualifacation in Maths, we hope that you will feel prepared for working towards and passing your GCSE in Maths. If this is before the end of the academic year, you will be able to access pre-GCSE material to further support you in having a smooth introduction to your GCSE course.

The skills that you will have studied over the Level 1 year will be needed for GCSE Maths, and will offer you a foundation to continue to build on. You will be able to use these, along with the Problem Solving skills that you have picked up. We will then study topics using Algebra, that don't appear in the Functional Skills course, and blend these with your current skills; we will advise you on how to progress from the equivalent of GCSE Grade 3 to gaining a GCSE Grade 4.

If you are returning to College in the following year, you will then study the Level 2 GCSE maths course.

How many lessons will I have each week?

You will have 2 x 90minute lessons for functional skills maths on your timetable. This may be less than some other subjects, and attedance at these lessons is important for you to make good progress.

Why do I have to study Maths?

Maths is a really important subject and the skills you learn at this level are designed to be useful in our daily lives. The Government makes the study of Maths mandatory until GCSE or completion of full time education