Introductory description

Functional Skills level 2 Maths is an alternative qualification to GCSE Maths for adults.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Using numbers and the number system

1. Read, write, order and compare positive and negative numbers of any size
2. Carry out calculations with numbers up to one million including strategies to check answers including estimation and approximation
3. Evaluate expressions and make substitutions in given formulae in words and symbols
4. Identify and know the equivalence between fractions, decimals and percentages
5. Work out percentages of amounts and express one amount as a percentage of another
6. Calculate percentage change (any size increase and decrease), and original value after percentage change
7. Order, add, subtract and compare amounts or quantities using proper and improper fractions and mixed numbers
8. Express one number as a fraction of another
9. Order, approximate and compare decimals
10. Add, subtract, multiply and divide decimals up to three decimal places
11. Understand and calculate using ratios, direct proportion and inverse proportion
12. Follow the order of precedence of operators, including indices

Measures, shape and space
13. Calculate amounts of money, compound interest, percentage increases, decreases and discounts including tax and simple budgeting
14. Convert between metric and imperial units of length, weight and capacity using a) a conversion factor and b) a conversion graph
15. Calculate using compound measures including speed, density and rates of pay
16. Calculate perimeters and areas of 2-D shapes including triangles and circles and composite shapes including non-rectangular shapes (formulae given except for triangles and circles)
17. Use formulae to find volumes and surface areas of 3-D shapes including cylinders (formulae to be given for 3-D shapes other than cylinders)
18. Calculate actual dimensions from scale drawings and create a scale diagram given actual measurements
19. Use coordinates in 2-D, positive and negative, to specify the positions of points
20. Understand and use common 2-D representations of 3-D objects
21. Draw 3-D shapes to include plans and elevations
22. Calculate values of angles and/or coordinates with 2-D and 3-D shapes

Handling information and data
23. Calculate the median and mode of a set of quantities
24. Estimate the mean of a grouped frequency distribution from discrete data
25. Use the mean, median, mode and range to compare two sets of data
26. Work out the probability of combined events including the use of diagrams and tables, including two-way tables
27. Express probabilities as fractions, decimals and percentages
28. Draw and interpret scatter diagrams and recognise positive and negative correlation

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand routine and non-routine problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts and situations.
• Identify the situation or problems and identify the mathematical methods needed to solve them
• Choose from a range of mathematics to find solutions.
• Apply a range of mathematics to find solutions.
• Interpret and communicate solutions to multi-stage practical problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts and situations.
• Draw conclusions and provide mathematical justifications.

Subject specific skills

Mathematical Skills - percentages, use of calculators, probability, calculation, ratios, comparison, approximating.
Analytical Skills
Problem-solving skills

Transferable skills

Problem-solving skills
Communication Skills
Data handling
Planning