This qualification is designed for learners who wish to develop their skills in mathematics to help them gain the most from work, education and everyday life.
Its assessment requires the learner to apply skills-based and problem-solving techniques in realistic settings. Functional skills qualifications are recommended for learners over the age of 14. The qualification is suitable for delivery in a wide range of learning environments and can be taken as a stand-alone qualification or as part of a wider programme of study. Learners undertaking an apprenticeship will need to successfully complete functional skills, or prove their exemption, in order to pass through gateway.
What you will study
This qualification consists of 2 mandatory components. Learners must complete both the Non-Calculator and Calculator written examinations that are set, marked and moderated by Highfield. The assessments will test a learner’s representing, analysing and interpreting skills using numbers, geometry and statistics in realistic contexts.
Mathematics examinations are available on demand in either on screen or paper-based format.
How You Will be Taught
Blended delivery – classroom and distance learning via an online platform.
This qualification consists of one mandatory component and is assessed by an externally set examination that consists of two parts:
- The Calculator Test
- The Non-calculator Test
The total duration of the examination is 2 hours 30 minutes. The assessment will require learners to demonstrate underpinning knowledge skills and problem-solving techniques in realistic settings. Learners must answer a series of questions based on purposeful scenarios and all questions must be completed.
Practice Examinations
Highfield practice examinations are available to support learners in their preparation for their examination of functional skills and are available in both paper-based and on-screen formats. On-screen practice examinations help learners to familiarise themselves with the various features of the system such as how to navigate through the exam, opening and resizing pop-up images and text, using the graph creator tool and using the method calculator, etc. Please however note that on-screen practice examinations are for familiarisation purposes only and responses cannot be saved. Therefore, if a tutor would like to mark the learner’s responses they must review the learner’s answers prior to the learner finishing the examination.
What can I do once I have completed the course?
Learners successfully completing this qualification may wish to progress on to further qualifications, such as:
- Highfield Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics at Level 2
- GCSE Mathematics