Overview of the Key Stages of the National Curriculum

The national curriculum is organised into blocks of years called ‘key stages’ (KS). At the end of each key stage, the teacher will formally assess your child’s performance.

The Standard Path for Maths

Most children in mainstream school follow the standard path and will either sit a Foundation or Higher Level Maths GCSE at the end of Year 11. And some high achievers might even sit an Additional Maths GCSE.

An alternative path…

At Key Stage 3 - the first three years of secondary school, a student might find it difficult to access the GCSE qualification - a student with learning difficulties or indeed an adult returning to education. There is now an alternative path and qualification available - FUNCTIONAL SKILLS: MATHEMATICS.

Entry Level Maths 1, 2 and 3 (3 being the highest level) is an accessible, flexible and internally assessed qualification that can be used as a stepping stone to the Functional Skills Level 1 and 2 qualifications. These maths qualifications support the development of practical skills. They’re designed to help students gain the most out of works, education and everyday life.

A number of colleges and universities will accept a Functional Skills Level 2 qualification as an alternative to a GCSE.

If you want any more information on the alternative path please contact us using the link below.