Functional Skills Maths

Ongoing course start dates throughout the year. Please see the ‘When are the courses running’ for further information.

Functional Skills maths is at Level 1 and 2, Level 2 is the highest level in the functional skills maths series. It is often accepted as a GCSE equivalent for many jobs and courses. It can help you access an apprenticeship, higher education course, or go to university. What we’ll cover:

- Numbers, Shape & Space, Measure, Data and Money all the numeracy and Maths skills you need to pass the Functional Skills maths exam at the right level for you.

- Functional skills maths courses teach you essential maths skills for employment and everyday life. This is an adult maths course with a practical focus.

To take this functional maths course you need to have a digital device such as a computer or laptop. You’ll also need a stable internet connection. This is so you can access our digital learning platform, Canvas and the exam platform, Surpass. You also need a quiet place to learn and study, interrupted, for both the course and the exams.

What to expect

The Maths courses are for adults and they take around 60 hours to complete.

The WEA is an experienced adult Maths course provider. We want you to get the most out of your studies and open doors to opportunities. Our tutors and staff will help you with any needs you might have.

The WEA is committed to providing accessible adult education. Please let us know if you have any special requirements to do this course.

Most of our courses are free for most of our learners. Please note that you need to reach the end of the enrolment process to see the discounts.

Who is this course for?

These courses are for adult learners, aged 19+, who do not already have a Maths GCSE grade C/4 qualification and who want to develop their skills and confidence in Maths.

How will I learn?

This is an online course with online exams. To access the course, you will need to use a laptop (not a phone, tablet, MacBook or a Chromebook) and a stable internet connection.

You will attend sessions with your tutor in an online classroom. The course is hosted on Canvas, a virtual learning environment where you can access and submit assignments and join the online classroom.

This is an interactive course. You will learn through group, paired or individual tasks and practice tests.

Exams

Functional Skills Maths has 2 exams: Calculator and Non-calculator. Both exams are taken at the same time, in your own home on the City and Guilds Surpass website and are invigilated by a City and Guilds invigilator. Your exams will be booked towards the end of the course and are usually scheduled for the week after your course.

Preparing for your exam

Your tutor will help to prepare you for your exam but there are a few things you should know beforehand. You must have a quiet, uninterrupted space to take your exams. If anyone walks into the room during your exam, including pets, the exam will be voided. Anything with writing on, such as a calendar, or personal items such as family photographs, on your desk, walls, etc, need to be covered up or removed before the exam. You also need to ensure your laptop does not have AI software on, such as Grammarly.

What happens after I apply?

When you apply for the course, please try and upload your ID, proof of residency in the UK and proof of address so we can check your eligibility for funding.

When we receive your application, a member of the team will email you to book in for an Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) phone call. If you haven’t yet uploaded your ID, we will also ask you to do this in the initial email.

After the IAG phone call, the team member will activate a BKSB initial assessment. Don’t worry, this isn’t an exam. It’s for us to make sure you get on the right course for your level.

After completion of the BKSB initial assessment, the IAG phone call and checking your eligibility for funding, a member of the team will let you know which level is most suitable for you when the next available course is.

When are the courses running?

There are level 1 and level 2 functional skills Maths courses starting approximately every 6 weeks.

The courses run either 1 or 2 days per week, at 09:30am – 2:30pm. For courses that run 1 day per week, the course duration is approximately 13 weeks. For courses that run 2 days per week, the course duration is approximately 7 weeks.

We also run maths evening courses. Evening course run 2 evenings per week, 6:30pm – 9pm, for approximately 12 weeks.

Places on courses are subject to availability at the time of a completed application. We will be able to advise you on suitable courses with places available during the application process.

Level 1 Functional Skills Maths – Proposed course dates and times (subject to availability):

3rd September 2024 – 15th October 2024. Tuesday & Thursday. 09:30am – 2:30pm.

11th September 2024 – 27th November 2024. Wednesday only. 09:30am – 2:30pm.

30th October 2024 – 6th February 2025. Wednesday & Thursday. 6:30pm – 9:00pm.

28th January 2025 – 18th March 2025. Tuesday & Thursday. 09:30am – 2:30pm.

25th February 2025 – 29th May 2025. Tuesday & Thursday. 6:30pm – 9:00pm.

26th February 2025 – 5th June 2025. Wednesday & Thursday. 6:30pm – 9:00pm.

12th March 2025 – 18th June 2025. Wednesday only. 09:30am – 2:30pm.

26th March 2025 – 7th May 2025. Wednesday & Friday. 09:30am – 2:30pm.

14th May 2025 – 2nd July 2025. Wednesday & Friday. 09:30am – 2:30pm.

Level 2 Functional Skills Maths – Proposed course dates and times (subject to availability):

21st August 2024 – 2nd October 2024. Wednesday & Friday. 09:30am – 2:30pm.

16th October 2024 – 11th December 2024. Wednesday & Friday. 09:30am – 2:30pm.

29th October 2024 – 3rd December 2024. Tuesday & Thursday. 09:30am – 2:30pm.

29th October 2024 – 6th December 2025. Tuesday & Thursday. 6:30pm – 9:00pm.

4th December 2024 – 6th March 2025. Wednesday only. 09:30am – 2:30pm.

22nd January 2025 – 12th March 2025. Wednesday & Friday. 09:30am – 2:30pm.

13th May 2025 – 1st July 2025. Tuesday & Thursday. 09:30am – 2:30pm.

3rd June 2025 – 4th September 2025. Tuesday & Thursday. 6:30pm – 9:00pm.

18th June 2025 – 18th September 2025. Wednesday & Thursday. 6:30pm – 9:00pm.