Free Entry Level Functional Skills Maths Course in Portsmouth. Classes run at Skills 2 Achieve Portsmouth, part-time during the day, making it manageable alongside other commitments. The course covers the basics of maths and how to apply mathematical thinking to solve simple, everyday problems. You'll have an initial assessment to confirm that Entry Level 1 is the right starting point for you. The course typically takes 6 months part-time.
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 recognise and use whole numbers in everyday situations.
You'll add, subtract, multiply, and divide simple numbers.
You'll understand and use basic measures, including length, weight, and time.
You'll read and interpret simple charts, tables, and graphs.
You'll apply basic maths to solve straightforward problems in familiar contexts.
You'll use money and handle simple calculations involving cost and change.
How you will learn
You'll learn in a classroom at Skills 2 Achieve Portsmouth, with a tutor guiding you through topics at a steady pace. Assessment is through a short task-based test set by City and Guilds. Your tutor will use your initial assessment and a conversation about your goals to shape how the course is delivered for you.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Skills 2 Achieve Portsmouth will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Warehouse operative: many employers ask for basic maths skills.
Retail assistant: handling money and stock requires number confidence.
Care assistant: recording and measuring tasks need everyday maths.
Kitchen assistant: weighing, measuring, and timing are part of the role.
Cleaner or caretaker: reading instructions and basic calculations apply.
Delivery driver's assistant: route and load maths are part of the job.
What you could study next
Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics at Entry 2: the natural next step if you want to keep building your maths skills.
Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics at Entry 3: moves you closer to Level 1 and opens more employment and training options.
Functional Skills Maths Level 1: a stepping stone toward Level 2, which is the recognised GCSE maths equivalent that many employers and further education courses ask for.
