Free Entry Level Functional Skills Maths Course in Portsmouth. Classes run at Skills 2 Achieve Portsmouth, part-time during the day. The course typically takes 6 months. Daytime sessions make it manageable alongside other commitments. You'll cover number skills, measurement, and applying maths to everyday situations. This entry level functional skills maths qualification is a recognised step toward Level 1 and Level 2, which is the GCSE maths alternative accepted by many employers and colleges. You'll have an initial assessment first, so the right level is confirmed before you start.
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, fractions, and decimals in everyday contexts.
You'll read and interpret simple charts, tables, and graphs.
You'll use measurements for length, weight, capacity, and time.
You'll handle money calculations, including giving change and working out costs.
You'll solve straightforward maths problems in familiar, real-life situations.
You'll develop the ability to check your own answers and explain your working.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Skills 2 Achieve Portsmouth. Teaching covers practical, everyday maths tasks. Assessment is by a written test set by City and Guilds. You'll need to pass both a non-calculator and a calculator paper to earn your certificate. Your tutor will discuss your interests and goals at the start, so learning is relevant to 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
Retail assistant: handles cash, stock counts, and pricing daily.
Warehouse operative: uses measurement and number skills throughout.
Care assistant: records and calculates basic patient information.
Catering assistant: measures ingredients and manages portion sizes.
Delivery driver's mate: reads schedules, counts items, and checks weights.
Receptionist: manages bookings, times, and basic calculations.
What you could study next
Functional Skills qualification in Mathematics at Level 1: the next step up, building on Entry Level 3 skills.
Functional Skills qualification in Mathematics at Level 2: the GCSE maths equivalent accepted by employers and further education providers. Many job roles and college courses ask for this level.
GCSE Maths: available at some centres if you want a traditional qualification alongside or after Functional Skills.
