FUNCTIONAL SKILLS MATHS
INDUCTION
CONTENTS •Aims and Objectives of the Induction •What are Functional Skills? •What is Distance Learning? •What is Functional Skills Maths? •Resources and Equipment •Functional Skills Maths on Moodle •How long will it take? •Functional Skills tests •Who can help? •Handy hints
Aims and Objectives Aims At the end of this presentation, you should have an understanding of what you need to do to achieve your Functional Skills requirements.
Objectives You will: •understand what Functional Skills Maths entails •understand how Functional Skills can be used and practiced in the workplace •understand the procedures for your FS course and tests
What are Functional Skills? Functional Skills are the skills needed to USE and APPLY Maths, English and ICT (Information and Communication Technology) knowledge in everyday life, and, in particular, in the workplace. Changes in work and technology mean that you need more than just the technical skills for the job. Functional Skills are necessary in all jobs and industries – you use them in all aspects of your work, everyday. Do not worry if you think you were not very good at Maths, English or ICT at school. No one expects you to be able to do everything at the start of your training. You will have a FS tutor for each subject you take, in addition to your Vocational Tutor. They are there to give you the help you need with any aspect of FS, and support you, up to and through your tests. Because FS are all about applying things to the real world, you will probably find that aspects of English and Maths make more sense and are easier and more interesting to learn.
What is distance learning?
Distance learning enables you to learn in your own time, at home, at work or wherever you choose –using online resources, chat rooms and virtual meeting rooms, doing course activities and assignments with regular support from your tutor.
What is Functional Skills Maths?
Your FS Maths course is intended to develop your maths skills so that you can be more effective and efficient (in other words, function better) in the workplace and your daily life. It comprises of:
•Representing
•Analysing
•Interpreting
Resources and Equipment What online resources will we use? CLSMoodle - Virtual Learning Environment – Your course will be run from this site, with activity modules such as presentations and videos, assignments and quizzes.
Dynamic Learning – You will take an Initial Assessment and Diagnostic
Assessments on this site. These will guide us in preparing your personal learning programme. Your tutor may include tasks and tests on this site as part of your programme.
VQManager - this is your e-portfolio, which you will be using for the all the requirements of your apprenticeship training. Your FS tutors will set you assignments and record your progress, and you can submit your work, all through this site.
What equipment will you use? You can use a PC, laptop or smart phone (some online learning zones are compatible). Whatever mode you use, access to the internet is essential. Headphones or earphones will be required for some activities.
Functional Skills Maths on Moodle The CLSMoodle Functional Skills Maths course page will be the hub for your studies. From this page you will be directed to resources for assessment, information and practice. The page is organised by topic, with sections on Number , 4 Rules, Ratio, Measurement, Shape, Data and Past Papers
How long will it take?
You may need to take one, two or all three of the Functional Skills courses (English, ICT and Maths). Your vocational tutor will let you know.
Arrange with your employer and VT to have a regular time for study (2 or 3 hours a week). It is important that you prioritise Functional Skills at the start of your apprenticeship to ensure you have time to complete all the FS qualifications you need, as well as all your other requirements. We aim for you to complete all your FS requirements within the first six months of your apprenticeship.
Functional Skills Tests •What is required for the exams? There is one maths exam.
•Where will I take the tests? The written exams will be taken at your local KT&A centre.
•Being Prepared The best way to prepare for the tests is to follow the programme set for you by your Functional Skills tutor and make full use of the resources on the FS Maths Moodle course.
•When will I take the tests? The simple answer is: “When you’re ready.” It will be up to you and your tutors to decide. What is important is that you enter when you have the best chance of passing.
•When will I find out the results? The maths exam papers will be sent away to be marked. You should receive the results several weeks after you have taken the exam.
Who Can Help? Your Functional Skills Maths Tutor is: Kamilla Sztyber
kamilla.sztyber@kent.gov.uk Phone: 03000 417390
Other People Who Can Help You: •Your Vocational Tutor •Your employer •Your workplace colleagues
These people can make sure you get opportunities to practice and develop your Functional Skills at work
Handy Hints •Look for chances to use Functional Skills in your day-to-day work. •Work out what your strengths and weaknesses are. •Remember – lots of things you do at work involve Functional Skills. •Take the opportunity to do new things. For example, ask your employer for the chance to try out a new job or skill. •Practice and prepare for the tests. •If you are already doing a project at work, think about how you’re using Functional Skills.
Don’t Panic! – ask for help if you need it. •Finally,
Kent Training & Apprenticeships is part of Community Learning & Skills