How to pass Functional Skills Maths?
What is Functional Skills Maths?
Table of Contents
Functional Skills tests in maths are designed to provide evidence of a student’s capability, across a range of different levels of difficulty.
There are 3 entry level qualifications (Entry Level 1, 2 and 3) – achievement at these can provide the skills required for further study at Level 1 and Level 2.
Each of the five levels build on the skillset of the previous one. It is not necessary to take tests in each level to progress to the next.
I am often approached by people wanting to take Level 2, as this is usually accepted as a qualification in place of a maths GCSE (but not always – so do check for your situation). As well as a means to progress into further education or employment, Level 2 Functional Skills Maths can help you develop useful skills for work or everyday life.
I actually passed my mock last week so can go for the exam now, so I won’t need any more lessons!
Can’t thank you enough for all your help & support with the maths!
I can’t recommend Nicola enough. As an adult I had zero confidence when it came to Maths and over 2 months she turned that around. She adapted the work to suit my needs and was patient and encouraging. My childhood fear of maths is finally behind me!
Tests for Functional Skills Maths Level 2
(Although I cover maths for all levels, I will detail only Level 2 here)
Level 2 is made up of 2 papers, parts A and B
Part A – No calculator allowed. 25 minutes. A total of 16* marks.
Part B – Calculators allowed. 1hr 30 mins. A total of 48* marks
Pass mark is about 32-37 out of 64* for both sections.
(* These are the marks for Edexcel exam board, and can vary for others. The pass mark is still around the 50% – 55%)
Topics covered include:
– Numbers (e.g. positive & negative numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios)
– Measures and Shape (e.g. money, metric and imperial, speed, density, perimeters & area, scale factors, co-ordinates, angles)
– Data (e.g. averages and range, probability, two-way tables, graphs)
Both papers have elements of problem solving – interpreting the question to determine what maths is required.
More information on Functional Skills can be found on the government website.
Morning lessons
I offer lessons in the day (9.30am / 10.45am) and these can be allocated on a regular or ‘ad hoc’ basis, depending on availability.
Check my bookings page for availability in the month ahead, or contact me if you are looking for a regular place / something further ahead.
Current availability for morning lessons:
'ad hoc' available now in the upcoming weeks
Contact me if interested.
Example Questions for Functional Skills Maths Level 2
These are typical examples of the types of questions in Functional Skills Maths Level 2:
Work out
5 1/6 – 11/6
Give your answer as a mixed number.
Sarah is making a punch for a party. She wants to make 1500ml of punch.
She makes the punch by mixing lemonade, orange juice and cranberry juice in the ratio 3 : 2 : 1
How much orange juice does she need to make 1500ml of punch?
How can I improve your chances of passing Functional Skills Maths?
I can provide help at ALL levels of Functional Skills maths.
We work through past papers, identifying where and why you are losing marks.
I offer tips on exam technique, as every mark counts – especially helpful if you are one or two marks away for a pass grade.
If specific topics require more focus, I can provide resources for you to practise with and improve your confidence. It could be mental maths you need help with, or the skills of how to use a scientific calculator.
I can help with your understanding, whatever your prior experience or understanding of maths.
We work at your pace, over one or more lessons as required, to improve your chances of passing your Functional Skills exam.
My weekly timetable is often full with regular lessons from mid-afternoon onwards (I tutor children as well) but I have availability during the daytime / lunchtime etc, and some evenings for a few ad hoc lessons.
All lessons are bespoke to fit your needs. Lessons are online via Zoom, at £47 per hour. One or two lessons might be all you need, but I can tailor lessons for as many as you like to meet your goal.
You can see what immediate availability I have by checking out my Bookings page. It will only show for the next calendar month, but if you contact me we can make arrangements for a day and time that suits us both. A regular slot, if appropriate, can be arranged.
About Me
My name is Nicola Bhalerao and I am a private tutor based in Warwick. Since 2013, I have provided one-to-one tuition for children and adults. I specialise in maths tutoring, but cater for different requests, ranging from 11+ / entrance exams to various uses of maths, e.g. : interviews, job promotions, GCSE retakes, Functional Skills, nursing, teaching – any situation where confidence in maths is required.
My background is in computing, with a Computer Science degree from Warwick University. I have worked many years as a programmer, latterly in the games industry. Both my sons were tutored by me for the 11+ (they went to a local grammar school). I received training for teaching secondary school maths and I am fully CRB checked.
Read here for more information on tuition for your child or tuition for yourself or another adult.
"Nicola has been very supportive by helping me to fill in the blanks left over from my high school education. This has been crucial to improving my confidence in mathematics"
"I was lacking confidence in maths. Nicola was a fantastic teacher and really helped to improve my technique and approach to maths problems. She is patient, understanding and friendly"
"She was very friendly and professional. After a few sessions I felt much more confident in my ability and passed the numerical reasoning tests. She explains things very clearly"
"Nicola was a patient tutor, always helpful in answering any questions I had. I’d always found maths quite a scary subject, but through Nicola's tutoring I found I built confidence with the subject"
"Nicola has been very supportive by helping me to fill in the blanks left over from my high school education. This has been crucial to improving my confidence in mathematics"
"I was lacking confidence in maths. Nicola was a fantastic teacher and really helped to improve my technique and approach to maths problems. She is patient, understanding and friendly"
"She was very friendly and professional. After a few sessions I felt much more confident in my ability and passed the numerical reasoning tests. She explains things very clearly"
"Nicola was a patient tutor, always helpful in answering any questions I had. I’d always found maths quite a scary subject, but through Nicola's tutoring I found I built confidence with the subject"