NCFE Level 2 Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics
About This Course
Qualification summary
Qualification titles NCFE Level 1 Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics
NCFE Level 2 Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics
Qualification numbers (QNs) 603/5055/6
603/5060/X
Aim references 60350556
6035060X
Total Qualification Time (TQT) 66
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) 55
Minimum age There is no minimum age requirement for registration.
Qualification purpose From the Department for Education’s Functional Skills Mathematics Subject Content:
Functional Skills qualifications should enable the learner to develop confidence in using mathematics and provide a foundation for progression into employment or further technical education and develop skills for everyday life, where the skills gained can be applied to solve mathematical problems.
The purpose of Level 1 and Level 2 Functional Skills Mathematics qualifications are to demonstrate a sound grasp of mathematical skills at the appropriate level and the ability to apply mathematical thinking effectively to solve problems successfully in the workplace and in other real life situations
Aims and Objectives From the Department for Education’s Functional Skills Mathematics Subject Content:
Functional Skills Mathematics qualifications at these levels should:
Indicate that learners can demonstrate their ability in mathematical skills and their ability to apply these, through appropriate reasoning and decision making, to solve realistic problems of increasing complexity
Introduce learners to new areas of life and work so that they are exposed to concepts and problems which, while not of immediate concern, may be of value in later life
Enable learners to develop an appreciation of the role played by mathematics in the world of work and in life generally.
Grading Pass/Fail
Re-sits Re-sits are available. It is recommended that re-sits are booked no earlier than 2 weeks following the receipt of results, to allow for further teaching and learning to take place.
Assessment method These qualifications are each assessed via one external assessment which is task-based and invigilated. Once the completed assessments are returned to NCFE, they are marked by NCFE Examiners.
Each assessment has been designed so that the tasks are realistic and relatable to everyday context.
Additional assessment requirements The Level 1 and Level 2 external assessments have a duration of 120 minutes.
The assessment is divided into 2 sections, non-calculator and calculator:
Section A: The non-calculator section contains 25% of the total marks, is completed first, and has a duration of 30 minutes.
Section B: The calculator section contains 75% of the total marks, is completed second and has a duration of 90 minutes.
The pass mark is a combination of marks from both sections.
Both sections of the assessment must be completed in one continuous sitting.
Progression Learners who achieve Level 1 Functional Skills in Mathematics could progress to:
NCFE Level 2 Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics
NCFE Level 2 Award in Maths
Learners who achieve Level 2 Functional Skills in Mathematics could progress to:
NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Mathematics in everyday life
Regulation information These are regulated qualifications. The regulated numbers for these qualifications are 603/5055/6 and 603/5060/X.
Funding These qualifications may be eligible for funding. You can find out if any NCFE qualification is eligible for funding from the Education and Skills Funding Agency.
Entry Guidance
This qualification is designed for learners who want to improve their everyday mathematics abilities in preparation for life and work. This qualification may also be studied by learners as part of their vocational apprenticeship.
Registration is at the discretion of the College in accordance with equality legislation.
Achieving these qualifications
Functional Skills Mathematics qualifications at Levels 1–2 are comprised of one mandatory external assessment per level.
For a learner to achieve the qualification and be awarded their certificate, that learner must obtain a Pass grade in the assessment.
How the qualifications are assessed
These qualifications are externally assessed. External assessments are designed by NCFE and scheduled by the college. Upon completion of the assessment, the assessment is marked by NCFE. Results are subsequently released within the results timeframe.
Unless stated otherwise in this qualification specification, all learners taking this qualification must be assessed in English and all assessment evidence presented for external quality assurance must be in English.
External assessment
The external assessments are comprised of a short-answer question paper, set and marked by NCFE. The assessment assesses learners’ knowledge, understanding and skills based on the subject content of these qualifications.
The external assessments are administered under specified assessment conditions, and last for the following durations:
Level 1 Level 2
Section A – Non-calculator 30 minutes 30 minutes
Section B – Calculator 90 minutes 90 minutes
Total Time 120 minutes 120 minutes
Both sections of the assessment must be completed in one continuous sitting.