KS4 Functional Skills Maths Curriculum Support for Parents
This page is designed to help you support your child with Functional Skills Maths at home. Across the year, students build confidence with number, measures, geometry, data, algebra and real-life problem solving.
Each week includes the topic being studied, a short explanation of why it matters, and helpful links to BBC Bitesize and YouTube searches so you can explore the topic together at home.
Weekly Learning Resources
Jump to: Autumn 1 ⬇ | Autumn 2 ⬇ | Spring 1 ⬇ | Spring 2 ⬇ | Summer 1 ⬇ | Summer 2 ⬇
Autumn 1: Introduction to Entry Level 3
Week 1: Multiplication Methods
Students practise times tables, column multiplication, mental methods and real-life multiplication involving money, wages and measures.
Week 2: Number Sequences
Students identify patterns, continue sequences, find rules and apply sequence thinking to practical situations.
Week 3: Division Methods
Students use division facts, short division, grouping, sharing and remainders in real-life contexts.
Week 4: Arrays
Students use arrays to understand multiplication, division and the relationship between the two operations.
Week 5: Fractions Foundation
Students explore fractions as parts of a whole, common fractions, visual models and simple fractions of amounts.
Week 6: Fractions Developing and Applying
Students compare, order and identify equivalent fractions, then connect fractions with decimals and real-life problems.
Autumn 2: Entry Level 3 Skills and Assessment
Week 7: Percentages Introduction
Students learn that percentage means out of 100, then practise simple percentages, discounts and money problems.
Week 8: Decimals, Fractions and Percentages
Students explore decimal place value, money, ordering decimals and links between decimals and fractions.
Week 9: Decimal Calculations
Students add and subtract decimals accurately, especially in money and measure contexts.
Week 10: Measurement
Students work with metric units, conversions, scales and real-life measurement problems.
Week 11: Area and Perimeter
Students calculate perimeter, area of rectangles and compound shapes, with links to floorplans and practical measuring.
Week 12: Entry Level 3 Exam
Students complete assessment practice, build exam confidence and reflect on strengths and areas for improvement.
- BBC Bitesize: Functional Skills Maths revision
- YouTube: Entry Level 3 Functional Skills Maths revision
Spring 1: Introduction to Level 1
Week 13: Volume
Students calculate the volume of cubes and cuboids and apply this to packaging, storage and space.
Week 14: Time
Students read clocks, use 12-hour and 24-hour time, calculate durations and interpret timetables.
Week 15: Ratio and Proportion
Students simplify ratios, share amounts in a ratio and apply proportion to recipes, materials and practical tasks.
Week 16: Data Handling
Students read tables, charts and graphs, then use data to make comparisons and support conclusions.
Week 17: Averages
Students calculate mean, median, mode and range, then interpret what averages tell us in real-life data.
Week 18: Probability
Students use probability language, calculate simple probabilities and express likelihood as fractions, decimals and percentages.
Spring 2: Level 1 Problem Solving and Exam Skills
Week 19: Functional Problem Solving
Students apply maths to multi-step real-life problems involving money, measures, ratios, percentages and data.
Week 20: Algebra Introduction
Students begin using algebraic notation, substitution, function machines and patterns.
Week 21: Algebra Expressions and Simple Equations
Students simplify expressions, solve simple one-step equations and use inverse operations.
Week 22: Scale Drawings and Maps
Students use scale, maps, measuring and ratio to calculate real distances and interpret diagrams.
Week 23: Level 1 Exam Week
Students complete Level 1 assessment practice and reflect on accuracy, confidence and exam technique.
- BBC Bitesize: Level 1 Functional Skills Maths revision
- YouTube: Level 1 Functional Skills Maths revision
Summer 1: Introduction to Level 2
Week 24: Coordinates and Graphs
Students plot coordinates, read graphs and interpret visual information in practical contexts.
Week 25: Exam Techniques and Functional Problem Solving
Students practise command words, multi-step questions, checking strategies and timed exam-style tasks.
Week 26: Mock Exam and Targeted Feedback
Students complete a mock assessment, review mistakes and identify topics for targeted improvement.
Week 27: Targeted Intervention and Skills Consolidation
Students revisit weaker areas, practise core skills and apply feedback from mock exams.
Week 28: Financial Maths
Students calculate discounts, best buys, profit, loss and interpret bills, payslips and budgeting information.
Week 29: Revision and Exam Preparation
Students consolidate key topics, practise past paper questions and refine checking strategies.
Summer 2: Functional Application and Final Exam Readiness
Week 30: Functional Maths in Everyday Life
Students apply maths to shopping, budgeting, travel, cooking, bills, estimation and everyday decisions.
Week 31: Exam Practice and Confidence Building
Students practise exam-style questions, improve accuracy under timed conditions and reflect on final targets.
Week 32: Final Revision and Exam Readiness
Students revisit key topics, practise mixed questions and prepare independently for Functional Skills assessments.
Week 33: Functional Skills Mock Exams and Review
Students complete mock assessments, correct errors and use feedback to focus their final revision.
Week 34: Level 2 Exam Week and Course Reflection
Students complete formal Level 2 assessment activities and reflect on progress, confidence and future targets.
Week 35: Reflection, Functional Application and Course Evaluation
Students reflect on their progress, apply maths to real-life contexts and identify strengths for future learning.