Adult Numeracy, Functional Maths, and GCSE Resources

A simulation of the AV and FPTP voting system first used in an Entry Level Functional Maths and English class on Referendum day May 5th 2011.

Students vote for their favourite chocolate and compare the results when using the two different systems.

Resource includes AV and FPTP ballot papers, ballot box labels and a polling station poster. Plus links to voting information videos and easy-read referendum information leaflets.

Step by step method for using this very clever, little-known method of working out those tricky times tables from 6 to 9. (The method relies on the user knowing his or her “easier times tables” well so is not suitable for the complete times-tables novice. Very clear slides with lots of illustrated examples.
Please note you must have the Smart Notebook software installed on your computer in order to open, view and use the Notebook resource http://smarttech.com/

This Powerpoint presentation describes, with examples, a simple method to convert between metric units. The method is based on a table similar to a place value table.

Lovely warm-up or “taster “ for L1-2 level groups. The idea could easily be adapted for Entry Level groups.
Just as the quote on the resource says:“The value of the problem is not so much in coming up with the answer as in the ideas and attempted ideas it forces on the would be solver.”
See comments below for some suggested answers. Please add your own answers or suggestions for other suitable groups.

Step by step method for working out any percentage using easy mental maths methods such as dividing by 10 or 100; doubling and adding up. An example is included and a blank “bubble template “ to users to use with their own percentage problems. A smart notebook version of the template is also included.
Please note you must have the Smart Notebook software installed on your computer in order to open, view and use the Notebook resource http://smarttech.com/

A really interesting quick quiz – originally written to get e2e learners interested in numbers but makes an ideal warm up activity for any group (at any level).

Hands-on / kinaesthetic activity where learners select coins, work out prices and change, and line up in order of “wealth” (according to their laminated purse cards).
With teaching and differentiation ideas. Fully mapped to E1-E2 numeracy and Functional Maths.
Note: best used with real money but if you want printable money please use Magic Money for coins and Working in a Charity Shop for notes (see links below).

8 week fully mapped medium term plan / scheme of work for teaching perimeter, area and volume to learners preparing for Edexcel ALAN (adult literacy and numeracy) tests.

Lots of detail – including hyperlinks to online practice tests and DfES Skills for Life worksheets. Fully mapped and differentiated. With loads of lovely hands-on kinaesthetic ideas for covering these topics.

A multi-functional resource for Literacy or Numeracy. Sample TV listings by day, programme, start and end times, channel and genre. Use for alphabetic or numeric sorting, skimming and scanning exercises, literacy social sight vocabulary for days of the week, numeracy exercises for calculating time, etc. This resource contains some sample exercise questions to use which can be developed further according to need. I laminated the sheets and then cut up into days so lower level learners can move the elements around. Higher level learners can work from the whole page sheets as well.

A fabulous, very clear lesson plan ideal for money-management / personal finance classes. The mathematical focus is on percentages (VAT) but it also covers rounding and extracting data and can be used in mixed ability classes from E2 -L2.
The plan also includes links to online Budget videos, a ‘chop or not’ game, VAT calculators and more!
Also suitable for underpinning L1 Functional Maths, and linked to Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship (ESDGC).