Adult Skills and Community Learning

Course content

This course is for you if you'd like a formal maths qualification for further learning or work. This accredited course will build your skills and confidence in the key maths topics of:

  • numbers
  • fractions, decimals and percentages
  • measurements
  • shape and space
  • using data and probability

There are five levels to meet the needs of every adult. These are:

  • Entry 1
  • Entry 2
  • Entry 3
  • Level 1
  • Level 2

You'll be offered a course that's at the correct level for you. Your maths tutor will plan activities to help you to learn new skills, understand concepts and solve problems. You'll be able to achieve your qualification and progress to the next level of study.

The course will help you to gain employment or better employment where maths is an entry requirement. Some learners study this course so they can help their children with maths.

You'll also gain the following skills for work:

  • Problem solving skills. You'll be working on real life maths problem solving.
  • Team working skills. You'll work with other learners in your group.
  • Communication skills. This will be in class, in feedback, and through verbal and digital communication with your tutor.
  • Digital skills. You'll use PCs, laptops and tablets.
  • Resilience. Maths isn't an easy subject. You'll build resilience by keep trying even when it can be difficult.
  • Organisation skills. You'll keep a folder of your work.
  • Being reliable. Attending your course is very important to be successful.

Course delivery 

  • One x 2 to 2.5 hour session with other learners who are at the same level.
  • Classroom based learning is available at all levels. (Online classes are subject to tutor assessment after you've completed 'number skills').
  • At least one hour of homework tasks each week.
  • Weekly tutor support through Teams, email or phone.
  • Online BKSB resources for further study and regular progress checks.
  • There are courses available in community venues. We'll be able to give you details about this.

Exams

Exams take place at various times during the year. All levels include two exam papers which are sat in the same session. The first is a non-calculator exam and the second a calculator exam.

Your class tutor will book an exam for you when you're ready. This is decided in a tutorial discussing your assessment and mock exam results.

Entry requirements

You need to have already completed the following with us:

  • Information, advice and guidance session and an initial assessment on the BKSB software.
  • Our Number Sense course at the appropriate level.

The level that you study at will be decided by your initial assessment results.

Course fees

The course is free if you don't hold GCSE Grade C/Grade 4 or above in maths.

How to apply

Progression

After completing this course you'll be able to progress onto a higher level maths course up to Level 2 or GCSE. These include:

  • A functional skills maths qualification at the next level. The length of the course is tailored to your needs, but most learners take one academic year.
  • A GCSE maths qualification. This is a fast paced course for learners who already have some maths skills at level 2. Courses start in September and the three exams are taken on fixed dates in May and June. The course tutor will complete a final review with you in the last session to discuss your skills and progression options.

What our learners say

  • My tutor keeps the sessions at a steady pace and always answers questions with such easy to follow responses, I've become more confident than I realised in Maths.
    Adult learner
  • I feel more confident answering more questions than before, I get regular feedback and lots of help.
    Adult learner