Ascentis Level 1 Certificate in Mathematics (Stepping Stones to Functional Skills)

Qualification Overview

The Ascentis Level 1 Awards in Mathematics (Stepping Stones to Functional Skills) and the Level 1 Certificate in Mathematics (Stepping Stones to Functional Skills) are ideal qualifications for adults and young people wishing to develop their mathematical skills at Level 1. They are intended to aid progression, either to further study through Mathematics Functional Skills or GCSE Mathematics qualifications. The Ascentis Level 1 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 focussing 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 – 14 in total
• Unit certification is available for each of the units
• Relatively short qualifications of either 10 or 20 guided learning hours – bite-sized learning
• Can be delivered either as a classroom-based course or as a blended learning programme
• Assessed by completion of Ascentis-designed assessment – no portfolio of evidence required
• Verification and certification can be offered throughout the year, allowing maximum flexibility for centres

Aims

The aims of this suite of qualifications are to enable learners:

• To gain underpinning mathematical skills
• 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 develop the skills required to move into the world of work or work-based learning

Target Group

This qualification is 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.