Overview

The qualifications are based on the Department for Education’s Functional Skills Subject Content. Functional Skills provide a foundation for progression into and within employment or further education and develop skills for everyday life.

Functional Skills Qualifications Entry Level 2 in mathematics consists of calculator and non-calculator sections. The assessments for the qualifications provide learners with the opportunity to demonstrate their achievement of practical skills as well as the underpinning knowledge and understanding.

Functional Skills Qualifications aim to ensure that learners have demonstrated the knowledge and skills that employers need through the attainment of the learning aims and outcomes set out at each level. Functional Skills mathematics Qualifications suite consists of assessments that cover the subject content.

Functional Skills Qualifications aim to enable the learner to gain confidence and fluency and a positive attitude towards mathematics. Learners will be able to convey their confidence in using mathematics, demonstrating and applying mathematics in different contexts. Learners will develop a sound grasp of mathematical knowledge and skills and apply it to solve mathematical problems in everyday life and the workplace.

The specifications for mathematics set out in this specification aim to encourage teachers to emphasise the interconnectedness of the three different areas of mathematics, these are: number and the number system; common measures, shape, and space; and information and data.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for learners undertaking these qualifications. However, it is recommended that learners have a reasonable level of English or equivalent. Learners must be able to demonstrate the requirements of these qualifications and have access to required assessment opportunities and relevant resources. Please refer to the specific assessment requirements on individual components for more information. Centres should undertake initial assessment activities with learners to ensure they take an appropriate qualification, and they can achieve the level they will be studying before enrolling them in a programme of learning.

These qualifications are for individuals of all ages who wish to gain essential skills in Mathematics and are particularly beneficial for individuals who may have missed out on acquiring these skills during their formal education or for those who wish to enhance their existing skills for further education, employment, or personal development.

Assessment & Evidence

The qualification is a single result of a pass or a fail only, the qualification is not graded. Assessments at all levels contain two sections (calculator and non-calculator) that captures an overall mark.

The achievement of the qualification is gained through the successful completion of a single summative question-based assessment. Where a learner’s performance is sufficient to meet the level requirements, a Functional Skills qualification pass certificate is awarded.

Where a learner has not yet met the subject content to be awarded a pass, a result of fail will be issued along with a formal statement of results.

Assessment Times and Marks

The timings we have set reflect the subject content requirement, ensuring that the coverage and content are efficiently met and managed. The timings ensure that the assessment is fit for purpose, can be delivered efficiently, and allow each learner the opportunity to generate sufficient evidence to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

All tasks/questions must be completed. All assessments are externally set. Each assessment has detailed guidelines that outline how the assessments must be administered.

Learners must use a non-scientific calculator for the calculator section. If a learner uses a calculator that is scientific and/or displays functions such as a fraction facility, the calculator must be confiscated.