Functional Maths

A great set of activities and questions. The first is based on a children’s design project and is aimed at L1 (with L2 extension activities). Plus two other practical L2 investigations ideal for horticulture (planting bulbs in flower beds) and construction (building a pathway with slabs). Estimating and working out exact costs are also covered.

A thoughtful worksheet that is bound to provoke discussion about the ‘best’ way to work out percentages and helps learners see the links between decimals, percentages and fractions. Also suitable for L2 Functional Maths.

Money Matters: choosing between addition & subtraction helps learners make sense of problem solving and decide which operation to use. Six varied, multi-step word problems.

Really helps learners make sense of problem solving and decide which operation to use. Includes a review of vocabulary, gap fill exercises and 11 practical problems that have to be cut out, sorted and solved. Mostly single step problems with 2-digit numbers.

Investigate the possibility of a college stocking fairly traded products in its canteen. Covers many reading, writing, ICT, numeracy, speaking and listening skills inc. data handling, report writing, creating charts and questionnaires, giving a presentation, etc. Ideal for embedding all three functional skills (or literacy, numeracy and ICT) especially for business students.

An excellent assessment paper (based on a college cafe) designed to be used in the Autumn Term. Covers all aspects of Level 2 Functional Maths and will be immensely useful for providers that are switching from adult numeracy to FM.

Happy percentages was used in pilot functional skills classes and is a great way to encourage reluctant learners to think about percentages by relating them to their own lives. Encourages the development representing and interpreting skills – in addition to including step by step help with calculation of percentages (analysis).

A fabulous way to provide a real life slant on odd and even numbers. Cards to sort and a fill-in worksheet. Also ideal for Functional Maths.

A twist of the ever-popular Argos activity. Generous Uncle Arthur has given you £1000! This version is ideal for Entry 3 as involves only estimating, addition and subtraction of money. The comparing prices and investigative aspect also make it ideal for Functional Maths (E2).

A great project that covers many L1/2 numeracy elements. You win the lottery, buy a nursery and have to furnish it from catalogues and/or Internet sites.
Learn about budgeting, displaying data, working with areas and floor plans, bank statements, rounding, estimating, and much more. Everything must be written up as a comprehensive report with a clear conclusion (a great guidance page on report writing is included in the resource).