Contextual Resources

I wrote this to add to Timings in a Salon by Carrie Bray (see link left) as I needed to encourage my higher level students in the same area.

I started the session by giving students terminology which they had to define, then work out how much it was worth if a=1p b=2p etc. (see PPT).

I used then used tasks to recap on 24 hour and analogue time next then used the attached worksheets alongside Carrie's worksheet.

I then provided a Tarsia puzzle at the end to recap on time.

Editor's notes

A set of robust questions covering plans / scale drawings, calculating area, finding the best prices, percentages, ratios and much more. Mapped to the L1 and L2 Functional Maths criteria. 12 questions spread across 4 tasks: Loft Conversion, Social Club, College Canteen and Living Room.

A work book style resource to support the development of Functional Skills English for Construction students (also specific activities for Painting & Decorating and Plastering students).
Editor’s note
Includes reading comprehension, planning leaflets, summarising key points, and report writing. With curriculum mapping (and very useful writing frames for lower level students).

5 questions, increasing in difficulty, to get learners to work out how many solar panels can fit on different size roofs. Involves metric conversions between mm, cm and m. Learners have to work with the panels being placed in 2 different orientations to work out the maximum number of panels that can fit.

Four challenging Functional Skills maths questions to encourage learners to use diagrams to cut shapes out of different materials. The questions are based on past Edexcel Functional skills exam questions that learners find difficult. Also involves metric conversions.

Editor’s note
Includes answer sheet and curriculum mapping. Excellent coverage of a topic that almost all learners find tricky.

A two sided A4 sheet that builds on the identification of verbs and the spelling rules for past tense verbs. This is followed by a simple knowledge check.

It is designed to be used as a whole group lesson starter. It is differentiated in the sense that more able learners will be expected to complete the more complex tasks.

Editor’s note
The vocabulary in the example sentences is aimed at Painting & Decorating students, but the resource is suitable for all.

Aimed at Hairdressing students working towards Functional English at E3 and L1, this helps with the S&L section in a vocational context.

In this activity, learners have to calculate how much paint is required for a specified job, find prices from different sources and work out total prices. This can then be compared. The resource is in two versions – one with formulae for the required calculations and one without – different pages from each version can be mixed and match to meet different learners’ needs.

The activity requires internet access – however price lists could be substituted for this if this is not available in your context.

A PPT to supplement work on this topic in the context of hairdressing.
Also includes a quick starter on punctuation.

This is a series of short job ads for a hotel (+ one for a school caretaker). Simple language and uncluttered layout..
Good for introduction to language of employment. I have used these with E1 to E3 and they work well as a differentiated resource

Higher levels can gauge implict information, especially for the school caretaker advert in writing covering application letters to include attributes such as working with children, being trustworthy and reliable etc)