Ref: 603/4956/6
Level:
1
Age Range:
Pre 16
Functional Skills qualifications provide reliable evidence of a learner’s achievements against demanding content that is relevant to the workplace. They provide assessment of learners’ underpinning knowledge as well as their ability to apply this in different contexts. They also provide a foundation for progression into employment or further technical education and develop skills for everyday life. In some contexts, Functional Skills qualifications also play a part in the Government’s accountability systems.
A key aim for Functional Skills Mathematics specifications is to enable the learner to demonstrate a sound grasp of mathematical skills at the appropriate level and be able to apply mathematical thinking effectively to solve problems successfully in the workplace and in other real life situations.
Purpose of Functional Skills Mathematics for Entry Levels: to demonstrate a sound grasp of the underpinning skills and basics of mathematical skills appropriate to the level, and the ability to apply mathematical thinking to solve simple problems in familiar situations. Achievement of these qualifications can provide the skills for further study at Levels 1 and 2.
Achievement of the Functional Skills Mathematics qualifications is through successful completion of a single task-based assessment at Entry Level 1:
• Externally-set and internally marked assessment paper, including a calculator and non-calculator section.
Both sections will be sat by the learner in one scheduled session unless a reasonable adjustment is required. Please see the Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations Policy for details on how to apply for and implement these measures.
Sample assessments are available – please contact AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group for support with accessing these.
The assessment tasks are based on real-life contexts. Contexts may be based on:
• Work and education
• Community, citizenship and environment
• Family, home and social issues
The amount of time allocated for the assessment is 1 hour and 20 minutes.
The assessment is split into the following sections:
• Section A Non-Calculator: 20 minutes
(6 marks available – worth 25% of total marks)
• Section B Calculator: 60 minutes
(18 marks available – worth 75% of total marks)
Total marks available: 24
When completing the non-calculator section, learners will not be allowed access to external aids in relation to calculations, including traditional calculators and smart- phones, watches and other electronic devices.
When completing the calculator section, learners will be allowed to make use of a non-scientific calculator. The use of other electronic devices, including phones and smart-watches are not allowed at any time during the assessment.
All assessments must be taken under controlled assessment conditions. Further guidance can be found in Open Awards’ Instructions for Conducting Controlled Assessments or Open Awards’ Instructions for Conducting Controlled Assessments Remotely.
The assessment is available as a paper-based mode of delivery. Assessments must be scheduled using Open Awards’ XAMS Assessment Platform.
Once scheduled, paper- based assessments will be made available (2 weeks in advance) for providers to download and print. Once marked and internally quality assured, results must be entered onto the XAMS assessment platform and completed assessment scripts must be scanned into the providers secure SharePoint folder ready for external quality assurance. Results will not be confirmed until external quality assurance has taken place.
Reasonable adjustments and special considerations may be required for individual learners to enable them to undertake assessments fairly. Please see Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations Policy available for details on how to apply for and implement these measures.
To achieve this qualification, learners must successfully pass at Entry Level 1:
A learner who passes the externally set assessment will be issued with a ‘pass’ result.
A learner who does not pass the externally set assessment will be issued with a ‘fail’ result.
Open Awards Level 1 Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics
A key aim for Functional Skills Mathematics specifications is to enable the learner to demonstrate a sound grasp of mathematical skills at the appropriate level and be able to apply mathematical thinking effectively to solve problems successfully in the workplace and in other real-life situations.
Open Awards Entry Level Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics (Entry 2)
A key aim for Functional Skills Mathematics specifications is to enable the learner to demonstrate a sound grasp of mathematical skills at the appropriate level and be able to apply mathematical thinking effectively to solve problems successfully in the workplace and in other real-life situations.
Open Awards Entry Level Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics (Entry 3)
A key aim for Functional Skills Mathematics specifications is to enable the learner to demonstrate a sound grasp of mathematical skills at the appropriate level and be able to apply mathematical thinking effectively to solve problems successfully in the workplace and in other real-life situations.
AIM Qualifications Level 2 Award in Mathematics
This qualification will prepare a wide range of learners for further study in mathematics by offering opportunities to build confidence, skills and knowledge in this core subject. The units have been designed to target the specific needs of learners by filling gaps in the fundamentals of mathematics and will provide stepping stones towards achievement of the relevant GCSE or Functional Skill.
