Functional skills:
Mathematics key stage 3

 

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Functional skills in the revised programme of study for mathematics

The revised mathematics programme of study for key stage 3 embeds the level 1 functional skills standards in mathematics.

As well as overlaps in the language used (summarised below), there are deliberate structural similarities. The programme of study covers broadly the same range of mathematics to that in the functional skills standards. It emphasises the key processes of representing, analysing, interpreting, evaluating, communicating and reflecting which, together, comprise the skills necessary to be functional in mathematics.

In this way, the key stage 3 programme of study lays the groundwork for pupils to apply their mathematics to real contexts in key stage 4. In addition, it requires that pupils be introduced to a range of real-life uses of mathematics, including its role in the modern workplace.

Links between the programme of study and the functional skills

Level 1 functional skill standard: representing - making sense of situations and representing them Key stage 3 programme of study (key processes: representing)
  • Recognise that a situation has aspects that can be represented using mathematics
  • Identify the mathematical aspects of the situation or problem
  • Make an initial model of a situation using suitable forms of representation
  • Simplify the situation or problem in order to represent it mathematically, using appropriate variables, symbols, diagrams and models
  • Decide on the methods, operations and tools, including ICT, to use in a situation
  • Choose between representations
  • Select mathematical information, methods and tools to use
  • Select the mathematical information to use
  • Select mathematical information, methods and tools to use
Level 1 functional skill standard: analysing - processing and using the mathematics Key stage 3 programme of study (key processes: analysing)
  • Use appropriate mathematical procedures
  • Use appropriate mathematical procedures
  • Examine patterns and relationships
  • Look for and examine patterns and classify
  • Make and begin to justify conjectures and generalisations, considering special cases and counter examples
  • Change values and assumptions or adjust relationships to see the effects on answers in the model
  • Explore the effects of varying values and look for invariance
  • Find results and solutions
  • Work logically towards results and solutions, recognising the impact of constraints and assumptions
Level 1 functional skill standard: analysing - processing and using the mathematics Key stage 3 programme of study (key processes: analysing)
Level 1 functional skill standard: interpreting - interpreting and communicating the results of the analysis Key stage 3 programme of study (key processes: interpreting and evaluating)
  • Interpret results and solutions
  • Form convincing arguments based on findings and make general statements
  • Draw conclusions in the light of the situation
  • Relate findings to the original context, identifying whether they support or refute conjectures
  • Consider the appropriateness and accuracy of the results and conclusions
  • Consider the assumptions made and the appropriateness and accuracy of results and conclusions
Level 1 functional skill standard: interpreting - interpreting and communicating the results of the analysis Key stage 3 programme of study (key processes: communicating and reflecting)
  • Choose appropriate language and forms of presentation to communicate results and conclusions
  • Communicate findings in a range of forms
  • Engage in mathematical discussion of results