Level 1 Functional Skills English & Maths

Study English and Maths at Level 1

Learners will learn to:

Communicate clearly in everyday situations

Handle basic workplace and personal finance maths

Apply reading, writing, and maths skills practically

Prepare for Level 2 study or employment training

The maths course develops practical numerical skills used in work and daily life, with emphasis on solving real-life problems.

1) Using Numbers

Learners learn to:

Work with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages

Add, subtract, multiply, and divide confidently

Understand place value

Estimate and check answers

Solve practical money and budgeting problems

2) Measures, Shape and Space

Learners develop skills to:

Measure length, weight, capacity, and time

Convert between units (e.g., grams to kilograms)

Calculate perimeter, area, and simple volume

Understand common shapes and angles

Read timetables and schedules

3) Handling Information and Data

Learners learn to:

Read and interpret charts, tables, and graphs

Collect and organise data

Calculate averages and simple statistics

Use data to solve practical problems

Understand probability in everyday contexts

The English course develops practical communication skills needed for everyday life, employment, and further study. It focuses on applying English in real-world situations.

1) Reading

Learners develop the ability to:

Read and understand everyday texts such as emails, articles, instructions, forms, and notices

Identify main points and specific details

Understand purpose and audience

Recognise opinions and facts

Compare information across texts

Understand vocabulary and meaning in context

2) Writing

Learners learn to:

Write clearly for different purposes and audiences

Use correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar

Organise writing logically

Use paragraphs appropriately

Complete practical writing tasks such as:

Emails

Letters

Reports

Forms

Instructions or descriptions

3) Speaking, Listening and Communicating

Learners develop confidence to:

Take part in discussions and meetings

Listen and respond appropriately

Share opinions and information clearly

Ask and answer questions

Work collaboratively in group discussions

Give short presentations or explanations

English

Assessed through:

• Reading exam
• Writing exam
• Speaking & listening assessment

Maths

Assessed through:

One exam covering all maths topics, often using real-life problem scenarios

No entry requirements

Level 2 Functional Skills English and Maths (grade 4 / C at GCSE equivalent)