Course Details

Course Overview

Did you know you can build your confidence in maths and get ready for your Functional Skills Maths Level 1 course in a supportive way?
This Getting Ready for Functional Skills Maths Level 1 course is designed to help you develop the skills you need before starting the full qualification. You will practise working with whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percentages, and learn how to use maths in everyday situations such as money, time, length, weight and capacity.
You will also explore shapes, compare and order numbers, and practise simple calculations step by step. This course will enable you to learn skills, strategies and techniques to help you prepare for the Functional Skills qualification course. You will learn in a friendly and welcoming environment, working at your own pace with support from your tutor.
By the end of the course, you will feel more confident using maths and ready to take the next step in your learning, whether that is moving on to the Functional Skills Maths Level 1 qualification or further study.

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?

* • Number Skills: Work with whole numbers, decimals and simple fractions, using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Money and Measures: Work with money, time and simple conversions (e.g. cm to m, minutes to hours).

* • Fractions, Decimals and Percentages: Recognise and convert simple fractions, decimals and percentages, and use them in calculations.

* • Shapes and Angles: Identify and draw common 2D shapes, recognise angles and basic properties of shapes.

* • Measurement: Measure length, weight and capacity, and calculate area and perimeter of simple shapes.

* • Handling Data: Read and interpret simple charts and tables, and calculate totals and averages.

* Represent data using tables, diagrams, and charts (e.g. pie, bar, line). Group, display, and analyse data sets, calculate mean and range, and express probabilities as fractions while comparing the likelihood of events.

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Entry requirements

This course is for learners working at Level 1.
It is suitable for adults aged 19 and over who hold have completed Entry level 3 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 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 - Basic arithmetic skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It also focuses on understanding and working with fractions, decimals, and percentages, and applying these skills in real-life contexts like budgeting, estimating, and rounding.
Measure, Shape and Space - Apply measurements in various contexts, such as cooking or construction, and how to calculate area, perimeter, and volume. Additionally, focus on recognising and working with shapes and spatial relationships.
Handling Data - Collect, organise, and interpret data from charts, graphs, and tables, while using averages, ranges, and other basic statistical measures. You'll learn to apply this data to solve problems, such as comparing prices or analysing local and national trends.
Problem Solving - Use mathematical reasoning to tackle everyday problems. You'll apply these skills to real-world scenarios, like planning a journey to work, school or a holidays and managing finances.
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
• Functional Skills English Level 1 & 2
• English grammar skills: using tenses and sentence structures confidently (level 1)
• English writing skills: improving spelling, punctuation and proofreading (level 1)
• 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.

B2821 - Getting Ready for Functional Skills Maths (level 1)

Dates: 12/01/2027 - 25/03/2027 Times: 12:45 - 15:00