Ascentis Entry Level 3 Certificate in Mathematics (Stepping Stones to Functional Skills)

Qualification Overview

The Ascentis Entry Level 3 Awards and Extended Award in Mathematics (Stepping Stones to Functional Skills) and the Entry Level 3 Certificate in Mathematics (Stepping Stones to Functional Skills) are ideal qualifications for adults and young people wishing to develop their mathematical skills at Entry 3. They are intended to aid progression, either to further study through Mathematics Functional Skills or GCSE Mathematics qualifications. The Ascentis Entry Level 3 Awards in Mathematics (Stepping Stones to Functional Skills) are a range of small qualifications which have been designed to ‘bridge the gaps’ in learners’ mathematical knowledge, thus focus on developing confidence and ability.

There are several features of these qualifications that make them very appropriate for their target learners:

• Wide range of single unit Awards – 13 in total
• Unit certification is available for each of the units
• Relatively short qualifications of 10 guided learning hours, for most units, providing achievable learning
  goals
• Can be delivered either as a classroom-based course or as a blended learning programme
• Assessed by completion of Ascentis-designed assessments – no portfolio of evidence required
• Verification and certification can be offered throughout the year, allowing maximum flexibility for centres

Aims

The aims of This qualification is to enable learners:

• To gain underpinning mathematical skills presented using everyday contexts
• To bridge the gap in their mathematical knowledge
• To prepare for the completion of the Functional Skills in Mathematics qualification at Level 1 or GCSE Mathematics
• To progress onto the Ascentis Level 1 Award and Certificate in Mathematics (Stepping Stones to Functional Skills)
• To develop the skills required to move into the world of work or work-based learning

Target Group

These qualifications are aimed at a range of learners, including:

• Adults who wish to develop and demonstrate their skills in mathematics
• Young people aged 14–19 who wish to develop and demonstrate their skills in some aspects of mathematics

Assessment

The qualification is assessed through an assessment to be taken under supervised conditions. Guide times are provided for each assessment. The assessment is then internally assessed and verified by the centre and then externally verified by Ascentis.