The new mathematics programme of study (PoS) has been developed alongside the functional mathematics (FM) standards, following a consistent philosophy. As well as overlaps in the language used, there are deliberate structural similarities.
The PoS covers broadly the same range of mathematics to that in the FM standards, and emphasises the key processes of representation, analysis and interpretation which, together, comprise the skills necessary to be functional in mathematics.
Thus the PoS lays the groundwork in Key Stage 3 for pupils to apply their mathematics to real contexts in Key Stage 4. In addition, it requires that pupils are introduced to a range of real-life uses of mathematics, including its role in the modern workplace.
The process skills in the functional mathematics standards are a subset of the key processes in the amended programme of study. The correspondence between the two is shown in the table below.
Level 2 functional skill standard: representing - making sense of situations and representing them | Key stage 4 programme of study: representing |
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Level 2 functional skill standard: analysing - processing and using the mathematics | Key stage 4 programme of study: analysing |
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Level 2 functional skill standard: interpreting - interpreting and communicating the results of the analysis | Key stage 4 programme of study: interpreting and evaluating |
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Level 2 functional skill standard: interpreting - interpreting and communicating the results of the analysis | Key stage 4 programme of study: communicating and reflecting |
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The performance and coverage sections of the functional skills standards link with the key stage 4 programme of study for mathematics. They describe some of the skills that a learner should demonstrate for competence in functional mathematics. It is important to refer to the full programme of study in planning.