Whilst I designed this resource for Adult Numeracy learners, it has found much use over the years across the maths cohorts I've worked with from pre-GCSE to ESOL, and with GCSE learners.
It is in Excel format - 3 tabs for different activities and the second Excel file is the solution sheet.
The sheets are formatted to print off as A4 landscape to allow learners to have their own copies to work on.
This has always worked well as a starter activity with learners in small groups (or teams) and having a competitive edge.
Level
Entry Level 3
Level 1
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
Maths
FM Context free underpinning
FM E3.14 Use & compare measures of length, capacity, weight & temperature using metric or imperial units to the nearest labelled or unlabelled division
FM L1.20 Convert between units of length, weight, capacity, money and time, in the same system
FM L2.14 Convert between metric & imperial units of length, weight & capacity using a) a conversion factor & b) a conversion graph
This revision aid for L1/L2 (mainly L2) Pearson Edexcel Functional Skills maths gives a side-by-side comparison of perimeter, area and volume, the sort of units that would be involved with each and a worked Functional Skills example of each with a PAV mnemonic for remembering which is which. I have also looked through the last few years of Pearson Edexcel FS for the sorts of questions that require each one.
Note: All images from Pixabay, so do not need crediting.
Editor's note
Level
Level 2
GCSE L1-5
Maths
FM Complex multi-step problem(s)
FM L2.3 Evaluate expressions & make substitutions in given formulae in words & symbols
FM L2.16 Calculate perimeters & areas of 2-D shapes inc. triangles & circles and composite shapes including non-rectangular shapes (formulae given except for triangles & circles)
FM L2.17 Use formulae to find volumes & surface areas of 3-D shapes inc. cylinders (formulae given for 3-D shapes except cylinders)
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.
Updated 4/7/17 for the 2017 Championships – dates and other info changed.
A gigantic worksheet / assessment pack based on Facts & Stats from the official Wimbledon site in 2016. Covers almost all aspects of Functional Maths and is split into differentiated sections covering Entry Level 2 to Level 2.
Minor update 3/7/16 – extra line graph question and improved graph paper.
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.
Super set of 15 multiple choice literacy questions followed by 15 multiple choice numeracy questions. All cleverly based on the accompanying text about Led Zeppelin: ‘I come from Ice and Snow’, Led Zeppelin 1970. Written as revision material for L2 Access to Music students but suitable for any learners with an interest in music.
The literacy questions cover comprehension, spelling, vocabulary and purpose of text. Numeracy covers money, time, scale maps, substitution, percentages, area, range, median, and conversions.
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.
