Course Details

Who is this course for?

Ready to improve your confidence with Maths? Whether you're returning to learning, looking for work, progressing in your career or preparing for further study, Adult Education in Gloucestershire's Functional Skills Maths courses can help you unlock new opportunities. Available across Gloucestershire, these nationally recognised qualifications are designed for adults and focus on the practical Maths skills you use every day and that employers value. From improving your confidence with numbers and problem-solving to developing practical Maths skills for work and everyday life, you'll gain the tools needed to achieve your personal, educational and career goals. Take the next step towards a brighter future with the support of experienced tutors and a course designed to fit around adult learners.

Course aim

Build your confidence! Improve your opportunities! Achieve your goals! Functional Skills Maths will help you develop the practical mathematical skills needed for everyday life, employment and further study. You'll build confidence working with numbers, measurements, percentages, data and problem-solving while learning how to apply Maths to real-life situations gaining the confidence to use Maths effectively in a wide range of personal and professional situations. A nationally recognised* Level 2 qualification can open doors to: • New job opportunities • Apprenticeships • Further and Higher Education • Career progression • Increased confidence in everyday life Start your journey today with Adult Education Gloucestershire and gain the skills employers and education providers value. *Level 2 Functional Skills Maths is equivalent to GCSE Maths Grade 4 (C) and is recognised across employment, apprenticeship and education sectors.

Course length

Achieving a qualification doesn't have to mean a huge time commitment! Our Functional Skills Maths courses are delivered through weekly 2-hour classes making it easier to fit learning around work, family and other commitments. When can I start? • September Courses– Classes run from September to February with exams scheduled in February. • February Courses– Classes run from February to July with exams scheduled in July. You will learn in a supportive environment alongside other adult learners, building your skills and confidence week by week. Your tutor will guide you throughout the course and ensure you are fully prepared for your assessments. Course timetables will be shared before your course start date and bespoke learning opportunities may also be available where demand and availability allow.

Entry requirements

Adult Education in Gloucestershire welcomes learners of all abilities and offers courses from Entry Level 1 through to Level 2. Before you start, we will assess your current skills and eligibility to ensure you are enrolled on the most suitable level for your needs and future goals. All Functional Skills qualifications are assessed and awarded on a Pass or Fail basis, providing a clear pathway for progression to the next level, employment, apprenticeships or further educational study. You do not need any previous qualifications to join a Functional Skills Maths course, however you must be aged 19 or over on or before 31 August of the current Academic Year to be eligible and you must also reside in England on the first day of learning.

What will I learn?

Functional Skills Maths is all about developing practical skills that you can use in every day. Through a range of realistic activities, you'll learn how to: • Calculate confidently using whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percentages • Solve everyday mathematical problems involving money and budgeting • Understand and use ratios, proportion and scale • Work with measurements including length, area, volume, weight and time • Interpret and compare information presented in tables, charts and graphs • Collect, analyse and use data to make informed decisions • Apply mathematical reasoning to real-life situations at home and work • Use Maths to solve practical problems linked to employment and daily living By applying your learning to real-life situations, you'll build valuable skills that will increase your confidence, support your career ambitions and will help you take the next step towards further learning or employment.

How will I learn?

Learning with Adult Education Gloucestershire is different from school. Our courses are designed specifically for adults, creating a supportive and welcoming environment where you can learn at your own pace and build confidence every step of the way. Our tutors use a variety of teaching methods, practical activities and learning resources to help you develop your Maths skills in ways that relate to everyday life, work and further study. You will receive ongoing guidance, feedback and support throughout your course to help you achieve your learning goals. We are proud to work with highly experienced tutors and have successfully supported learners from a wide range of backgrounds as well as partnering with employers to deliver English and Maths qualifications specifically for their workforce. Whether you are returning to learning after a break, looking to improve your career prospects or wanting to gain a recognised qualification, Adult Education in Gloucestershire will support you every step of the way. What can I expect: • Free courses for eligible learners*. • Weekly 2-hour classes designed to fit around work, family and other commitments • Friendly and experienced tutors who understand the needs of adult learners • A supportive learning environment where you can ask questions, develop new skills and gain confidence • Opportunities to meet new people and learn alongside others with similar goals • Flexible learning options, including courses at venues across Gloucestershire** and selected online learning opportunities * Subject to eligibility criteria ** Venue availability may vary by course and location

What will I need to bring?

Getting Ready for Your Functional Skills Maths Course There is no need to buy anything special before you start. If you can, please bring a notebook and pen and any device you feel comfortable using such as a phone, tablet or laptop. You may find it helpful to bring examples of Maths tasks from everyday life or work that you would like help with. These could include payslips, utility bills, personal budgets, invoices, measurements, work schedules or other documents involving numbers and calculations. Most importantly, bring a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. We look forward to supporting you on your journey.

What can I do next?

Completing a Functional Skills Maths course can open the door to a wide range of progression opportunities. Depending on your starting point, you may be able to progress to: • A higher level Functional Skills Maths qualification • Vocational and technical training programmes • Apprenticeships • Further education courses • Employment opportunities where strong numeracy and problem-solving skills are valued Employers and training providers recognise Functional Skills Maths as an important qualification because it demonstrates the practical numeracy and problem-solving and analytical skills needed in the workplace. The skills you develop can support career progression, increase confidence in professional settings, and help you achieve your personal and professional goals. Start your journey today with Adult Education Gloucestershire and gain the skills employers and education providers value!

Will I gain a qualification?

By successfully completing your Functional Skills Maths course and passing all required assessments, you will achieve a nationally recognised Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills Maths qualification. This qualification is designed to demonstrate the practical Maths skills that employers, training providers and education providers value and recognise. Passing a Functional Skills Maths Level 2 qualification is equivalent to a GCSE pass at Grade 4 (previously Grade C).

How will I be assessed?

To achieve a Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills Maths qualification, you will need to successfully complete and pass assessments that measure your practical Maths skills in real-life contexts. The assessments are designed to test how effectively you can use Maths for everyday situations, work-related tasks and further study. Non-Calculator Assessment As part of your qualification, you will complete a non-calculator assessment that demonstrates your ability to perform mathematical calculations independently. This assessment may include: • Working with whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percentages • Using mental arithmetic and written methods • Solving practical mathematical problems • Interpreting information and selecting appropriate approaches • Demonstrating confidence with everyday calculations Calculator Assessment You will also complete an assessment where a calculator may be used. This assessment focuses on applying mathematical skills to realistic situations and may include: • Number and financial calculations • Measures, shape and space • Ratios, proportion and scale • Interpreting and analysing data • Solving multi-step real-life problems • Using mathematical reasoning to reach conclusions Achieving Your Qualification To gain the full Functional Skills Maths qualification, you must successfully pass all required assessment components at your chosen level. Once achieved, you will be awarded a nationally recognised qualification that demonstrates your ability to use Maths effectively in everyday life, work and further study. Support Every Step of the Way Your tutor will help you prepare for each assessment through learning activities, practice exercises, feedback, and guidance throughout the course. The aim is not only to help you pass the qualification but also to develop the confidence and real-world Maths skills that can support your future success. Every assessment is an opportunity to showcase what you have learned. With commitment, practice, and support, you can achieve a qualification that recognises your skills and helps you take the next step towards your personal, educational and career goals.

Apply now

Believe in your potential, embrace the challenge, and take pride in every achievement along the way. Your Functional Skills Maths qualification is more than a certificate; it is recognition of the skills, commitment and determination you have shown to invest in your future. Read some of our following learner stories explaining their Functional Skills Maths experiences BETH Setting the scene - During a work meeting it was mentioned they may be testing our Maths. I found out a colleague was doing the Functional Skills Maths course for free. I was aware if I wanted to train further in my career I would need a Maths GCSE and although I wasn’t sure it was a comparable level, Functional Skills Maths felt like a good option to start. Without this course, my ability to train in the NHS would reach a standstill. What advice would they give to others? - A Maths GCSE or Functional Skills Maths at Level 2 is a requirement for multiple courses I have been interested in but unable to apply for. Before this course I couldn’t do almost any element of calculation, fractions could have been a foreign language, it really just goes on. Now I know the methods to make sense of these things. It’s incredibly liberating. I actually feel that overcoming this obstacle as made me feel more empowered in other areas of my life too. Passing this course was genuinely one of the best achievements of my life! I feel just elated to have this sorted. DORCAS Setting the scene - Dorcas enrolled in Functional Skills Maths Level 2 and the course was delivered online through Adult Education in Gloucestershire. She began these courses in 2021 to meet the entry requirements for studying Adult Nursing at University. A pass in both Maths was essential for her to pursue her dream career. What advice would they give to others? - Dorcas encourages anyone facing similar challenges to keep going and never give up. She says: “Nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself and surround yourself with people who support and encourage you. Every failure brought me closer to success. Keep pushing your dream is worth it.” SARAH Setting the scene - Sarah joined the Functional Skills Maths course having not completed any public examinations at school due to serious mental health difficulties. Sarah was very anxious about the prospect of sitting Maths exams and she had no formal Maths qualifications. What advice would they give to others? - ‘Go for it! I found it very encouraging being able to see how the skills learnt on the Functional Skills course can be utilised in everyday life which wasn't always apparent with GCSE study. It is much easier to learn and retain the information when it is relevant! It was also really helpful being able to discuss different methods of working things out, so you could choose a way that suits you.’ NIGHAT Setting the scene - Nighat explained that "Maths has always been a difficult subject for me and I have struggled with it for many years". What advice would they give to others? - "I am delighted to share that I passed my exam. I would like to sincerely thank Wayne for his excellent teaching, guidance and encouragement throughout the Functional Skills Maths course. His patience, clear explanations and supportive teaching style helped me understand concepts that I had previously found challenging. You gave me the confidence to keep trying and never made me feel discouraged. I truly believe your dedication and support played a significant role in my success. I couldn't have achieved this without your excellent teaching and I am deeply grateful for everything you have done for me".