Adult Numeracy, Functional Maths, and GCSE Resources

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.

I have found that many numeracy students get scared when you mention terms like percentages or fractions. I therefore developed this introductory activity for my new level 1 numeracy students. They are mostly young parents who were disengaged at school and have no mathematics qualifications.

They are usually nervous when they attend the first session so I try to boost their confidence and reassure them that the course will not be like school.

This worked well as a bit of revision on measuring for a mixed class E2-L2. Also makes a good warm-up activity.
I’ve used different colours for easier and harder answers, so you can differentiate when you give the cards out (blue ones are supposed to be a bit easier, red ones a bit harder, and purple in between).

This lesson is designed to embed adding and subtracting, ratio and proportion, etc. whilst looking at the important issue of alcohol consumption and units. Students are able to look at the RDA of alcohol consumption, binge drinking, etc. in the introductory PPT. They can then complete maths worksheet which involves calculating and adding units, converting units and reading data.
It includes a video clips, visual imagery and written notes.
Fully mapped to, and ideal for, L1 Functional Maths.

Five wonderful sets of multiple choice revision questions covering Level 1 ratio, mean & range, fractions, percentages, and number (mostly place value & rounding). Each set consists of 9 cards and is individually mapped to the numeracy curriculum.
Cut up into cards and use as required. Use individual sets for targeted revision or mix with other sets of cards for general revision.

A numeracy or Functional Maths worksheet that uses data handling, rounding, days and dates, percentages and fractions related to the Radio 1 presenter Chris Moyles.
It is based on The Guardian’s Infomania page in ‘The Guide’.
Also useful as revision material.
Could be used for a discussion on Chris Moyles and musical taste.
Questions are aimed at Level 1 with some at Entry 3 or Level 2.

A set of posters / cards / checklists designed to prompt discussion, check learning and keep a record of student progression. Designed for Entry Level Functional Maths and English learners in an FE setting but suitable for all levels and subjects.
This resource was inspired by discussion on the NCETM (National Centre for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics) site about “understanding versus doing” and I would like to thank the forum members for their ideas and feedback.

This PDF is an amalgamation of methods and worked examples, sorted by topic, for both L1 and L2 Adult Numeracy/Functional Skills (some sections are also suitable for Entry 3). It is not intended as an exhaustive resource, but more of a selection of “hot topics” and exam-friendly examples (some of which are paraphrased from actual past papers).

Using a newspaper article to interpret numbers and use decimals, fractions and percentages. This resource introduces the learner to billions, but the majority of questions and process are aimed at Level 1 (with some suitable for Entry 3).

Questions cover writing numbers in words and figures, place value, equivalent fractions, dates, measures, rounding, etc. Makes useful revision material.

The Level 2 extension questions involve creating a chart and converting a currency – all with a Harry Potter theme.