Adult Numeracy, Functional Maths, and GCSE Resources

A set of Formula 1 scenarios based on the four rules of mathematics and using formulae expressed in words and/or numbers. This resource tests students’ ability to use formulae to solve problems based on a motor racing car travelling on a race track. Some of the scenarios test the students ability to convert units to get a sensible answer. I encourage my students to estimate the answers before attempting for real! Some do, some don’t …

This resource uses several tables of data and requires the user to complete calculations based on the data such as mean, median, mode and range as well as percentages and rounding. There is also a task where the learner must create a chart based on a table of data.

Editor’s note
There is something for everyone in this robust resource as it’s split into three sections: weather, Premier League and Glastonbury Festival. With answers and curriculum mapping.

21 interesting (and challenging!) questions for practice with converting between metric and imperial measurements. Question pages can be divided amongst the class and then answers can be shared. Extension ideas could include measuring learners’ feet/ height and comparing them to the records.

Editor’s note
Also provides practice with rounding decimals to a sensible number of decimal places.
The answer sheet, which includes detailed working out, is only available to site contributors. Please see details within the resource.

A game for 2 players to help with multiplying decimals with or without a calculator.
Learners take turns to choose 2 numbers to multiply, then cover up the answer on the grid. This continues until a player has 4 counters/initials in a row(diagonally, horizontally or vertically).
Prompts can be used for learners to pick a target answer and to try to work out which 2 decimals are going to give that answer.
Editor’s note
Laminate for re-use. A great game.

A differentiated resource to recap many number & measure skills and to help learners with the skills needed when looking for or applying for a job.

There are 6 questions in both the L1 and L2 version – working out weekly pay, annual salary, tax payable, comparing pay to JSA (Job Seeker’s Allowance), reading/completing a bus timetable and correcting a job acceptance letter (L1 Functional English proof reading).

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.

5 questions based on functional skills exam questions where learners find the probability of an event happening.

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.

Three challenging Functional skills questions to get learners to draw 2D representations of 3D objects using a given scale. The questions are based on an exam question from an Edexcel L2 paper last year that learners found difficult.

Editor’s note
With answers and curriculum mapping.

A simple but effective dice game to help students become familiar with, and practise, calculating percentages of amounts. You will need to customise 2 dice by writing amounts on one and percentages on the other.
I usually play this game with low ability students after teaching them a fail-safe calculator method for working out percentages of amounts, but it can be adapted for higher level learners.
It also helps to reinforce that 0% of a number is nothing and 100% of a number is all of it.