Top Tips for Maths tests is a handout/classroom resource that can be used as an activity or as a handout.
It takes learners through the process of working out a complex Level 2 Maths question, with reference to how the marks can be gained, and the maths skills required to complete the question. The question is taken from IQ sample assessment materials http://www.industryqualifications.org.uk/sectors/functionalskills and builds on common mistakes made by learners during ‘live’ assessments.
This resource contains the basic information with examples for learners preparing to sit level 1 Functional Maths. It is by no means comprehensive but does cover the areas that most learners find problematic, such as ratio, fractions, decimals, percentages and perimeter, area and volume.
I made this resource to check prior learning of a group I took over from another lecturer. It could work well for assessment, revision or as an extension task.
Editor’s note
Major update May 21. NEW answer sheet is also now available (contributors only) with detailed curriculum mapping for Reformed Functional Maths - visit our ANSWER SHEETS page for more information.
Level
Level 1
Maths
FM Contextualised underpinning
FM L1.22 Calculate area & perimeter of simple shapes inc. those made up of combination of rectangles
I put this together to explore number calculations and word problems with a mixed group of adult learners, looking at estimating, ways of checking your calculations and ways of reversing calculations.
Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Maths
N1/L2.5
AN MSS1/L1.1 Add, subtract, multiply & divide sums of money and record
N1/L1.10
MSS1/E3.2
N1/E3.9
AN MSS1/E3.1 Add & subtract money using decimal notation
A set of 10 problems. Learners revise choosing the correct operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication or division) and carrying out the calculation correctly.
Ideal for Entry 3 Functional Maths.
Answer sheet provided
Students design a board game to demonstrate their learning. This can incorporate IT skills (Word template provided below) or can be done with paper, card and pens.
I originally did this with an E2E group and it proved popular. It’s an alternative to the “design a poster” task to review learning. The instructions are set out as a board game. it can be used for literacy, numeracy, ICT or ESOL.
Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
English
General literacy / English
Functional Skills English
Maths
General numeracy / maths
Functional Maths
ESOL
General ESOL
ICT
Functional ICT
General
Generic resources for literacy, numeracy and beyond
An animated PowerPoint presentation (86 slides) that covers several topics: Fractions & Percentages;Units of Measure; Charts & Graphs; Ratio, Scale & Proportion; Perimeter, Area & Volume; Averages and Range. There are also some links for a planned inclusion of other topics at a later date (Time & Money, Tables and Formulae).
This presentation can be used in class, driven by the teacher, but it is also ideal as a guide for self-study.
Not really suitable for handouts, as there are many animated sequences that would overlap on the printed page.
Written as a resource for distance learners with good reading skills who were challenged by some of the questions in the Level 1 Numeracy test.
I wanted to give them different methods of working out multiplication and division questions in particular – emphasising that multiplication is the reverse of division, and that multiplication is the same as repeated addition. The idea of division as repeated subtraction is also introduced.
A detailed lesson plan accompanied by a PPT and a lesson objective checker sheet. The lesson recaps place value and introduces students to decimals and using money in practical situations.