Adult Numeracy, Functional Maths, and GCSE Resources

Investigate the possibility of a college stocking fairly traded products in its canteen. Covers many reading, writing, ICT, numeracy, speaking and listening skills inc. data handling, report writing, creating charts and questionnaires, giving a presentation, etc. Ideal for embedding all three functional skills (or literacy, numeracy and ICT) especially for business students.

An excellent assessment paper (based on a college cafe) designed to be used in the Autumn Term. Covers all aspects of Level 2 Functional Maths and will be immensely useful for providers that are switching from adult numeracy to FM.

A great set of resources for all levels from E1-L2. Includes information and worksheets, card / matching games and an IT drawing exercise.
Functional skills mapping and minor corrections made – August 2011.

A great version of this tried and tested whole class mental maths activity.

Editor’s note
Picture added and minor error fixed Feb 4, 2013.

Happy percentages was used in pilot functional skills classes and is a great way to encourage reluctant learners to think about percentages by relating them to their own lives. Encourages the development representing and interpreting skills – in addition to including step by step help with calculation of percentages (analysis).

A fabulous way to provide a real life slant on odd and even numbers. Cards to sort and a fill-in worksheet. Also ideal for Functional Maths.

A twist of the ever-popular Argos activity. Generous Uncle Arthur has given you £1000! This version is ideal for Entry 3 as involves only estimating, addition and subtraction of money. The comparing prices and investigative aspect also make it ideal for Functional Maths (E2).

A great project that covers many L1/2 numeracy elements. You win the lottery, buy a nursery and have to furnish it from catalogues and/or Internet sites.
Learn about budgeting, displaying data, working with areas and floor plans, bank statements, rounding, estimating, and much more. Everything must be written up as a comprehensive report with a clear conclusion (a great guidance page on report writing is included in the resource).

A set of beautifully clear handouts (or classroom posters) for E1-2. Covers single and 2-digit numbers in a step by step fashion.

Editor’s note (Jan 2014)
Error fixed (see comments below), page nos. added and thumbnail picture added to description above.

An L1-2 investigation that covers direct proportion (best buy), and rounding / calculating with money /decimals. Two options are included: students can either research Easter egg and chocolate prices on internet shopping sites or use those given. In both cases they must investigate the cost per 100g chocolate and work out the best buy. Final extension work includes consideration of ‘buy one get one free’ and ‘two for £…’ offers.

Editor’s note. New update for 2016 – based on supermarket prices in February 2016