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 everyday maths skills, from working with numbers to solving straightforward problems in familiar situations. You'll have an initial assessment first, so the right level is confirmed before you start. The course typically takes 6 months part-time. If you're looking for a gcse maths alternative or want a functional skills maths certificate without exams in the traditional sense, this entry level functional skills maths qualification builds solid foundations. Functional Skills qualification in Mathematics at Entry 2.
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 counting, ordering, and simple calculations.
You'll add, subtract, multiply, and divide using straightforward methods.
You'll handle basic fractions and recognise simple percentages.
You'll read and interpret simple charts, tables, and graphs.
You'll use basic measures, including length, weight, capacity, and time.
You'll apply maths thinking to solve simple problems in everyday situations.
How you will learn
You'll learn in a classroom at Skills 2 Achieve Portsmouth, with tutor-led sessions and practical activities. Assessment for Functional Skills Entry 2 is through a formal written test set by City and Guilds. Your tutor will prepare you for this throughout the course. There is no coursework portfolio at this level; the test is the assessment.
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, change, and stock counts daily.
Care assistant: uses maths for medication records and timesheets.
Warehouse operative: measures, counts, and checks deliveries.
Catering assistant: follows recipes, portions, and till work.
Cleaner or facilities operative: reads schedules and measures supplies.
Childcare helper: supports activities involving counting and measurement.
What you could study next
Functional Skills qualification in Mathematics at Entry 3: the next step up, covering slightly more complex problems and calculations.
Functional Skills qualification in Mathematics at Level 1: moves toward GCSE-equivalent territory and is often required for vocational courses and apprenticeships.
Functional Skills qualification in English at Entry 2: pairs well if you want to strengthen both maths and English together.
