“Without mathematics, there’s nothing you can do. Everything around you is mathematics. Everything around you is numbers.”

– Shakuntala Devi.

The aim of the Functional Skills Maths qualification is to provide an engaging, challenging curriculum where students, regardless of age, background, gender, or ability develop an enthusiasm for and understanding of mathematics and its relevance to the world around them.

In particular, we endeavour to nurture a sense of curiosity and abstract thinking, as well as an aptitude for forming logical conclusions and problem solving. We want students to experience the mathematics that is all around them and see the beauty and importance of mathematics.

Our curriculum covers 6 main topics: Number, Algebra, Geometry, Ratio & Proportion, Statistics and Probability. Students are encouraged to explore and tackle real-life problems using a variety of approaches within a safe and supportive environment. The qualification is accessible on different levels, from Entry level 1 to Level 2. Students are enrolled on levels depending on their previous achievements or based on their abilities. All students are undertaking a BKSB initial assessment, at the beginning of the academic year, which gives us a clear view of their capabilities of solving Maths problems independently. Based on BKSB results as well as classroom performance a decision is taken about what level they will be enrolled at if they have no prior learning record. Learners who achieved grade 3 in GCSE are given the opportunity to retake their exam, which can be done over 2 years, if needed, where over the first year they are working towards Level 2 Functional Skills, stepping them up to GCSE level the following year.

All students are learning in small groups aided by SEN trained specialist support staff to ensure that everyone has a bespoke intervention to ease the comprehension of Mathematical concepts and problems. Most of the assigned tasks are relevant to their vocational choices and includes elements that covers real life problems, such as budgeting, tax and other money related topics. We would like to ensure that all of our students achieve their personal best academically, through the knowledge and understanding they gain, and personally, have high aspirations to gain the transferable skills to enable them to have a successful future. They are our future generation, and we strive to provide all our learners with the best possible chances for a happy and enriched future.

 “What we learn with pleasure we never forget.”

– Alfred Mercier.

At KITE College, we believe that a quality English curriculum should foster and develop young people’s love of reading, writing, discussion, and debate. We aim to inspire an appreciation of the written word through reading articles, novels, and non-fiction texts, and to develop learners socially, emotionally, culturally, intellectually, and spiritually.

We acknowledge that our cohort come with a range of experiences in English as a subject and we recognise the importance of building confidence through speaking and listening, giving learners the opportunity to voice their ideas and opinions before committing these to
the page. Communication is central to the overall aim of the college and English is one of many opportunities in which learners are given the chance to be heard.

Our curriculum is covering 3 areas: reading, writing, speaking, listening and communicating. The curriculum and the lessons are tailored to our students needs and abilities, as well as to their vocational choices and interests. All students are working in small groups having access
to a variety of different aids to help them with their learning difficulties. Every group has an assigned SEN trained support person to ensure that students are getting the bespoke support they need.

The Functional Skills English qualification caters for students from Entry level 1 to all the way to Level 2. Students are enrolled on levels depending on their previous achievements or based on their abilities. All students are undertaking a BKSB initial assessment, at the beginning of the academic year, which gives us a clear view of their writing, spelling and comprehension. Based on BKSB results as well as classroom performance a decision is taken about what level they will be enrolled at if they have no prior learning record. Learners who achieved grade 3 in GCSE are given the opportunity to retake their exam, which can be done over 2 years, if needed, where over the first year they are working towards Level 2 Functional Skills, stepping them up to GCSE level the following year.

Through this we are giving them an equal opportunity to enrol to further qualifications or employment ensuring that they can pursue a meaningful and prosperous life.

Maths and English are essential skills for everyday life as well as in the workplace. Learners who have not achieved a grade 4 (C) or above will be required to study these subjects as Functional Skill. These will also be embedded into all vocational programmes relevant to the industry.

All courses include Functional Skills English & Maths from Entry Level to Level 2 and this is delivered by experienced staff. The staff will aim to make English & Maths relevant and meaningful to their subject area.