Free Entry Level Functional Skills Maths Course in Basingstoke. Classes run at Skills 2 Achieve Basingstoke, part-time during the day, so you can fit study around other commitments. You'll have an initial assessment to confirm this is the right level for you, followed by a conversation about your goals. Over around 6 months, you cover practical maths skills: working with numbers, solving everyday problems, and applying mathematical thinking in familiar situations. This entry level functional skills maths course is a recognised step toward the Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications that employers often ask for as a GCSE maths alternative.
Who this course is for
This course is for young people aged 16-19 (or 24 with an EHCP) who would like to improve their maths skills perhaps to get a job or begin a course or training. It will help you to build your confidence dealing with numbers and you'll be able to demonstrate a sound grasp of the underpinning and basics of maths skills, and the ability to apply mathematical thinking to solve simple problems in familiar situations Functional Skills maths courses are included in all school leaver study programmes for anyone who hasn’t yet achieved grade 5 or above at GCSE. It's taken as part of our study programme which includes employability skills and the opportunity to participate in work experience and community projects.
If College or school isn’t for you then our study programme may be the right environment for you to gain these valuable skills to enable you to move forward.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements. You will have an initial assessment to establish which Functional Skills level of entry is right for you.
You'll have a discussion with one of our Skills2Achieve tutors about your hobbies and interests and your career and study goals.
What you will learn
You'll work with whole numbers, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
You'll handle simple fractions and recognise common fractions in everyday contexts.
You'll use basic measures, including length, weight, capacity, and time.
You'll read and interpret simple charts, tables, and diagrams.
You'll solve straightforward problems using mathematical thinking in familiar situations.
You'll check your answers and explain your reasoning in simple terms.
How you will learn
You'll learn in a classroom at Skills 2 Achieve Basingstoke, with tutor-led sessions and practical activities. Assessment is through a formal written test set by City and Guilds. Before you sit the test, your tutor will confirm you're ready. There is no coursework portfolio at this level; the test covers the skills you've practised in class.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Skills 2 Achieve Basingstoke will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Retail assistant: many employers ask for a maths qualification at this level
Warehouse operative: stock counting and basic calculations required
Care assistant: numeracy used in medication and record-keeping tasks
Catering assistant: measuring, portioning, and till work all use maths
Childcare worker: number activities and basic record-keeping involved
Cleaning operative: mixing ratios and timing are part of the role
What you could study next
Functional Skills Mathematics Level 1: the next step up, covering more complex problem-solving and a wider range of number skills.
Functional Skills Mathematics Level 2: the qualification employers and colleges recognise as a GCSE maths equivalent. Many apprenticeships and further education courses require it.
GCSE Mathematics: available at some centres if you want the traditional qualification alongside or instead of Functional Skills.
