Maths – Entry 3 Functional Skills
Course Description
This course aims to enable you to build on your previous mathematical knowledge and to increase your understanding, confidence and skill set in order to use mathematics in everyday situations.
This course will cover three main areas of study:
- Using numbers and the number system up to 1000 (whole numbers, fractions & decimals).
- Using common measures, shape and space.
- Handling information and data (tables, tally charts, bar charts and line graphs).
Entry Level 3 Functional skills courses will be delivered either in the classroom (face to face) or virtually (online). For virtual courses, you must have easy access to a computer with the internet.
At Entry Level 3, there are various course structures:
- September start year-long - one session (2.5 hours per week)
- September start Fast Track - two sessions (5 hours per week)
- February start Fast Track course – two sessions (5 hours per week)
Maths will be taught from the first session of the course. All Entry Level 3 courses include a short IT Fundamentals course at the start to maximise participation in learning using digital tools and also a Taster course at the end to help you prepare for the next level. The once weekly E3 September start courses also include a preparation for Entry 3 course to build and prepare number skills.
Route to Work.
As part of your programme of learning, we will support you to develop the skills you need to get a job or a better job. Throughout the year, modules covered include Career Planning, All about Money, and Timesheets and Payslips.
Entry Requirements
Your English skills need to be at Entry level 2 or above, and you need to understand some basic maths concepts. There are different entry requirements for the various Entry Level 3 courses throughout the year. For example, if you want to join a Fast Track Entry Level 3 course in February, your maths will need to be at a higher level than if you join a once weekly course in September.
Initial Assessment
Main courses start in September or February. To gain a place on a course, you must book an initial assessment by phoning the BAES Info Line (0121 303 4318) or via one of the BAES centres. Functional Skills initial assessments are carried out by face to face assessment at a centre. Depending on the results of the assessment, you may be advised to join a different level or course.
Learning Strategies
In order to cover all of the course content, you will be expected to carry out at least 2 hours of independent study each week.
It is important you attend all required sessions and make time to work at home every week, in order to prepare, practise and consolidate your learning. The Service has an on-line subscription to MyMaths, and you can access videos, quizzes and other activities on our BAES Moodle site.
Progress Monitoring
Your progress and attendance will be monitored throughout the course. After the first progress check, you and your teacher will determine if you can cope with the level and amount of work required, and if you have demonstrated good attendance and punctuality, in order to continue with the course. It may be that a more suitable course is recommended.
Exams
There will be one formal paper-based exam, which will be taken towards the end of the course and will be carried out at one of our BAES centres. The exam will consist of 2 papers: a non-calculator and a calculator paper.
Progression
Maths Functional Skills Entry Level 3 will prepare you for either Preparation for Level 1 or Maths Functional Skills Level 1. If you join a twice weekly Fast Track Entry Level 3 course in September (5 hours per week), you will have the opportunity to join a Level 1 course in February. There will be a short assessment to check whether a Level 1 course is suitable.
