© Crown copyright 2006 June 2007 Functional mathematics update

© Crown copyright 2006

June 2007

Functional mathematics update


Objective

• To provide an overview of current developments and plans for Functional Skills


The compelling need for young people with better skillsWhat are the reasons for functional Skills?

• Low participation rates post-16

• Raise standards in English and mathematics at Level 2 by age of 16 and 19

• Engagement of more students through ‘applied’ teaching and learning

• Giving learners the skills that employers want


Functionality means?

The term functional should be considered in the broad sense of providing learners with the skills and abilities they need to take an active and responsible role in their communities, in their everyday life, workplace and in educational settings.


What is functional mathematics?Functional mathematics requires learners to be able to use mathematics in ways that make them effective and involved as citizens, able to operate confidently in life and to work in a wide range of contexts.

The aim of the mathematics standards is to encourage people to demonstrate their mathematical skills in a range of contexts and for various purposes. They are essentially concerned with developing and recognising the ability of learners to apply and transfer skills in ways that are appropriate to their situation.


Design principles for functional skills

• Each skill area to be available at Entry Levels (1, 2 and 3), and Levels 1 – 2

• Made available as free-standing qualification for learners aged 14 and over as well as part of GCSE Mathematics

• Based on mastery assessment with no grading (competent/not yet competent NVQ model)


Functional Skills Activity Date

Trials of draft standards and assessment methodology (involving approx 50 centres)

Autumn 2006 –March 2007

Three year pilot of functional maths in GCSEs and other contexts (involving approx 1000 centres)

September 2007

All three functional skills trialled within first tranche of specialised diplomas

September 2008

Functional mathematics, English and ICT available for teaching nationally

September 2010

Time Scale


Pilot Schools/Colleges

Tamworth East StaffsChase

CollegiateBelgraveQEMsRawlettWilnecoteWoodhouse

Blessed Robert SuttonPagetDe Ferrers

Cardinal GriffinFair OakHagley ParkKingsmead

Tamworth College

Burton College

5CsCannock Chase Technical College


Diplomas

Tamworth East StaffsChase

CollegiateConstruction

Society, Health & Social care

ICTEngineering

ICT

Comparing the diploma at each level – across each line


What can subject leaders do now?• Monitor how effectively learners are being developed

as active learners

• Ensure that their schemes of work appropriately plan

for teaching ‘using and applying’ mathematics

• Explore what opportunities will there be to apply

mathematics in other areas of study and what other

relevant learning contexts can be brought into the

mathematics classroom

• Use the consortium to share development expertise


Discussion task - what next?

What pilots are there in or nearby that will develop good practice and how will we keep in touch?

What expertise is there in your department/school/local area regarding key skills?

What needs to be in the 2007/8 and 2008/9 mathematics improvement plans for functional skills development?

What are the implications for the new Y7 cohort from September 2007?

How well developed is ‘using and applying’ mathematics at KS3 and KS4 in your department?

Documents

© Crown copyright 2006 June 2007 Functional mathematics update