Adult Numeracy, Functional Maths, and GCSE Resources

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.

Mainly written for L1 and L2 test preparation this is also suitable for Entry Level 3

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.

This activity encourages ESOL students:
- To communicate with each other while moving around the classroom,
- To revise Past Simple (questions and answers),
- To practise basic numeracy (subtraction).

With extensive teachers’ notes

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.

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.

A set of cards to cut out and ideally put in plastic balls or a jazzy box. Aimed at E2- E3 Functional Skills learners as an ice breaker, introductory lesson or for revision. Students need to work out the question and identify the maths skills they are using to answer it. Best printed onto card.
Questions are aimed to appeal to young adult students – e.g. clubbing, Facebook, food, mobiles, etc.
Questions cover the 4 operations, money, time, shapes and more.
26 cards. Includes Functional Maths mapping chart.

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.