Key Facts

Level:
Entry Level 3
Subject Sector:
14.1 Foundations for Learning and Life
Credits:
3
Qualification No:
601/0702/9
GLH:
30 hours
Total qualification time:
30 hours
Age Range:
Pre 16, 16-18, 19+

Whilst some of our qualifications are regulated for pre 16 learners our minimum age is 14.

Qualification purpose

Prepare for further learning or training and/or develop knowledge and/or skills in a subject area

Qualification Grading Type

Pass

Assessment Methods

  • Portfolio of Evidence

  • Why choose this qualification?

    The Gateway Qualifications Awards/Certificates in Mathematics have been designed as stepping stones for learners and to recognise and reward progress towards achieving an A*-C in GCSE Mathematics or the Level 1 or Level 2 Functional Skills Mathematics Qualification. These qualifications address the needs of learners with maths skills below Level 2 and provide the necessary flexibility and responsiveness required by adult learners.

    The learning outcomes and assessment criteria reflect the national adult numeracy standards from Entry 1 to level 2. The qualifications in Mathematics are built from a number of small units at each level. Each unit covers a curriculum area or an aspect of a curriculum area and is a qualification in its own right and is also included in rules of combination for a certificate which covers all the curriculum areas. Each unit is underpinned by the national standards for adult numeracy (QCA 2005) and mapped to the Adult Numeracy Core Curriculum (DfES 2001, revised 2006-7 and updated 2009). The units have also been mapped to the Functional Skills standards and where appropriate to the GCSE grade descriptions for Mathematics

    The Mathematics qualifications cover:

    • understand and use mathematical information
    • calculate and manipulate mathematical information
    • interpret results and communicate mathematical information

    The design of the qualifications reflects the announcements by the Skills Funding Agency with regard to the development of Mathematics skills. They have been developed in collaboration with representatives of Further Education Colleges, Adult and Community Learning Providers, the voluntary sector and Offender Learning providers. The unit and qualification design provides maximum flexibility with the opportunity to certificate either a specific curriculum area according to an identified need, for example a particular aspect of number, or the opportunity to develop and certificate all three curriculum areas. Qualification Specifications and Assessment Guidance, including sample assessment activities and contexts, are available to Gateway Qualifications registered centres who are interested in running the qualifications.

    Rules of Combination

    Learners must complete one unit, totalling 3 credits.


    Units

    Mandatory

    Learners must complete one unit, totalling 3 credits.

    Making Calculations

    Level:
    Entry Level 3
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    K/505/4864
    Click here to view full unit details

    What is the purpose of this qualification?

    The qualification is intended for learners, including adults and young people, who need to develop their mathematical skills at this level in the specific area of making calculations, in order to progress in further study, work or life. The award is suitable for learners who only need a ‘bite-sized’ amount of mathematical learning or for those with ‘spiky profiles’ who need a programme which allows them to combine different aspects of mathematics at different levels.

    The unit is underpinned by the National Standards for Adult Numeracy (QCA 2005) and mapped to the Adult Numeracy Core Curriculum (DfES 2001, revised 2006-7 and updated 2009). The unit has also been mapped to the Functional Skills standards.


    What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?

    This qualification covers calculating in a way that is consistent with the National Standards for Adult Numeracy and is fully referenced to the Adult Numeracy Core Curriculum.


    How is this qualification different from other, similar qualifications?

    This qualification is part of a suite of mathematics qualifications which allows learners to progress through a framework of mathematics units and qualifications from Entry 1 to Level 2.

    Learners can progress from this Entry 3 Award:

    • towards a GCSE in mathematics
    • to an Entry 3 or Level 1 (or sometimes level 2) Functional Skills qualification in mathematics
    • to vocational qualifications at Level 1 and above
    • towards an Apprenticeship programme.


    Which sector does this qualification support?

    This qualification is designed to help learners to develop the mathematical skills associated with calculation, that are needed in a wide range of job roles.


    What are the English and maths progression options?

    Learners can progress from this Entry 3 Award:

    • towards a GCSE in mathematics
    • to an Entry 3 or Level 1 (or sometimes level 2) Functional Skills qualification in mathematics
    • to vocational qualifications at Level 1 and above
    • towards an Apprenticeship programme.


    Progression & entry requirements

    Learners do not need any prior qualifications or a specific level of attainment to take this qualification. However, it is anticipated that the qualification will have been selected as suitable for the individual learner on the basis of findings from initial and/or diagnostic assessment. It is available to learners of any age.

    Funding information

    There are now two main sources for funding information, a straightforward ESFA Qualification Search and the more detailed Find a Learning Aim website.

    The new Find a learning aim (FALA) service provides a search tool that you can use to check the funding status of any qualification, framework, unit, standard or T Level:

    View this qualification on the ESFA’s Find a learning aim website

    The Education and Skills Funding Agency search provides funding information on qualifications. It does not provide funding information for units, non-regulated activity and work placements, for this information please use Find a learning aim (FALA).

    View this qualification on the ESFA Qualification Funding Search

    How to find a learning aim

    If you’re not sure how to use the new find a learning aim website, we’ve created a handy walkthrough to help you:

    How to Use: Find a learning Aim


    Additional funding information for English and Maths

    For Adults

    The Adult Education Budget states that they will fully fund :

    • English and maths, up to and including level 2, for individuals aged 19 and over, who have not previously attained a GCSE grade A* – C or grade 4, or higher, and/or
    • first full qualification at level 2 for individuals aged 19 to 23, and/or
    • first full qualification at level 3 for individuals aged 19 to 23

    The following qualifications are eligible as they are included in the English and maths legal entitlement offer:

    • Certificate in English (Entry 1)
    • Certificate in English (Entry 2)
    • Certificate in English (Entry 3)
    • Certificate in Maths (Entry 1)
    • Certificate in Maths (Entry 2)
    • Certificate in Maths (Entry 3)

    Local flexibilities

    Other qualifications within the suite may be eligible for funding through local flexibilities.

    For Young People

    Students must study maths and/or English as part of their study programme. To meet the condition of funding, a student has to study an approved qualification. These are GCSEs and certain other qualifications, known as ‘stepping stone’ qualifications.  Please refer to the 16-19 maths and English condition of funding for further information.

    The following qualifications meet the 16-19 maths and English condition of funding:

    • Certificate in English (Entry 1)
    • Certificate in English (Entry 2)
    • Certificate in English (Entry 3)
    • Certificate in Maths (Entry 1)
    • Certificate in Maths (Entry 2)
    • Certificate in Maths (Entry 3)

    As qualifications on sections 96, the Awards can be used to support the achievement of stepping stones qualifications.

    Exemptions to the condition of funding

    The 16-19 maths and English condition of funding states that there are two exemptions to the condition of funding:

    • Students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) who are assessed as not able to study either GCSE or stepping stone qualification
    • Students with overseas qualifications that are established as equivalent to GCSE grade 4 or grade C

    We have done our best to collate and summarise the key information, and wherever possible we alert our providers to changes in funding policy.

    This funding information is provided in good faith and it is always advisable to check directly with the funding agencies before committing to delivery.