Free Functional Skills Maths Level 1 in Southampton. Classes run at Itchen College, full-time during the day. The course runs for one year and covers the maths skills used in everyday life and work, from number and calculation to problem-solving with data and measures. A level 1 functional skills maths course sits one step below GCSE level, making it a practical gcse maths alternative for anyone building towards Level 2. You'll sit an external exam to complete the qualification.
Who this course is for
1618
Entry requirements
See Website
What you will learn
You'll work with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages in practical contexts.
You'll use basic algebra and formulae to solve problems.
You'll interpret and use data presented in tables, charts, and graphs.
You'll apply measurement and geometry skills to real tasks involving length, area, volume, and time.
You'll develop strategies for checking and correcting your own calculations.
You'll tackle multi-step problems that reflect situations you'd meet at work or in daily life.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions at Itchen College, with a mix of teacher-led instruction and practice tasks. Assessment is by external written exam, set and marked by Pearson Edexcel. The exam tests your ability to apply maths skills to realistic problems rather than recall facts. You'll have an initial assessment at the start so the course is planned around your current level.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Itchen College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Warehouse operative: stock counting and measurement tasks require solid number skills.
Retail assistant: handling transactions, discounts, and stock figures.
Care assistant: recording observations and calculating medication doses.
Catering assistant: weighing, measuring, and following scaled recipes.
Construction labourer: reading measurements and calculating quantities.
Apprentice in any trade: most apprenticeships expect Level 1 maths as a minimum.
What you could study next
Functional Skills Maths Level 2: the recognised GCSE maths equivalent. Many employers and colleges ask for Level 2, so this is the natural next step after Level 1.
GCSE Mathematics: some learners move on to a full GCSE if they want a grade on the 1 - 9 scale.
Vocational qualifications at Level 2 or above: a Level 1 functional skills maths qualification meets the maths entry requirement for many Level 2 courses in health and social care, construction, and business.
