Course Details

Course Overview

Did you know you can improve your mental maths skills and feel more confident working with numbers in everyday situations?
This course will help you develop mental maths techniques, giving you the confidence to work out answers quickly in your head without always needing a calculator. You will practise simple strategies for adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing, as well as working with numbers in a clear and manageable way.
You will learn in a friendly and supportive environment, building your confidence step by step while using maths in practical, everyday situations—for example, quickly adding up prices when shopping or working out how much change you should receive without using a calculator.

This twice-a-week course is your chance to level up your reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities in a fun, practical way.

You’ll explore real-world texts like articles, reports, and instructions, and learn how to write with clarity and purpose whether it’s a formal letter, a persuasive email, or a professional report. You’ll also get hands on with punctuation, technical vocabulary, and literary devices that make your writing pop.

Plus, you’ll practise presenting your ideas, joining discussions, and responding confidently to others. By the end, you’ll feel ready to take on the qualification and move forward whether that’s into work, college, university, or simply communicating with ease in everyday life.

What will you learn and be able to do?

* • Use mental maths to add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers and simple decimals

* • Work out answers quickly using known number facts (e.g. times tables and number bonds)

* • Estimate and round numbers to check if answers are reasonable

* • Solve simple number problems using step-by-step mental strategies

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Entry requirements

This course is for learners working at Entry 3.
It is suitable for adults aged 19 and over who hold have completed Entry level 2 maths or be able to demonstrate skills required at this level.
This means you will learn how to use maths skills to solve different types of problems step by step.

Equipment required

Please bring to every lesson:

• A folder
• Pens & pencils
• Lined A4 paper
• A smartphone (if you have one)
• A calculator (maths equipment)
• A reusable water bottle

We will give you the WIFI details in the first lesson.
If you do not have access to a smart phone or a computer, speak to your tutor.

You will also need a personal Gmail account to access the Google classroom, which will be used for submitting coursework and accessing course materials. If you do not have a Gmail account speak to your tutor.

How will you know you are making progress?

From the start of your course, your tutor will talk with you about what you can do well and how you can achieve more. You will receive regular feedback and tutorials guiding you on how to develop your skills. Your studies and work outside the classroom (through Google Classroom) will be essential towards your progression and success on the course.
In addition, you will keep a learning diary to form the basis of discussions with your tutor on what you need to work on. You will also develop the skills needed to self-assess and analyse your own strengths and areas for development.
• Working with Numbers: Add, subtract, multiply and divide, and use fractions, decimals and percentages for tasks like budgeting and estimating.
• Measure, Shape and Space: Use measurements and calculate area, perimeter and volume, while recognising shapes and space.
• Handling Data: Read and understand charts, tables and graphs, and use averages and range to compare information.
• Problem Solving: Use maths skills to solve problems and make decisions step by step.
At the end of the course, you will discuss your progress and what to do next with your tutor.
You need to attend at least 80% of your classes.

Progress opportunities - your next steps

There are other courses you can do after or at the same time as this course:
• Getting ready for Functional Skills Maths Level 1 & 2
• Functional Skills Maths Level 1 & 2
• Becoming confident with numbers: shapes and measurements (entry 3) – 7wk
• Maths for work and life - part 1 (entry 3) -5wk
• Maths for work and life - part 2 (entry 3) -5wk
• Becoming confident with numbers: in health and care (entry 3)-6wk
• Becoming confident with numbers: handling information and data (entry 3) -6wk
• Digital skills Entry 3/Level 1
• Digital skills in the workplace: using Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Please ask your teacher for more information or contact Functional Skills email: functionalskills@towerhamlets.gov.uk

What examination is there?

Other info

This course will help you build confidence in your everyday life. You will develop important skills such as:
• Communication – speaking and writing clearly and confidently
• Teamwork – working with others in class
• Problem-solving – understanding and completing simple tasks
• Confidence – taking part in activities and trying new things
• Decision-Making - evaluating different options and thinking critically about situations.
• Time Management - managing your time effectively, including setting goals and meeting deadlines.

These skills will support you in your daily life, further learning, and future work opportunities.

Extra Support

We can help you if you tell us you have a learning difficulty, disability or other support needs. Please tell us when you enrol or in your first class.

A2789 - Becoming confident with numbers - mental maths (E3)

Dates: 16/09/2026 - 21/10/2026 Times: 09:30 - 11:45