You may be interested in taking a Online Functional Skills Level 2 Maths and English Course. These two qualifications have become vital to professional growth and development. As is the name, the ability, or rather functional ability, to utilise Maths and English in your workplace or your studies is a determining factor on your future outcomes.
I wanted to give people a brief glimpse into the world of Functional Skills qualifications. This blog will guide you through everything you need to know about Functional Skills Level 2. We’ll talk about what they are and why they may matter to you. We’ll give you a brief glimpse into how you should prepare for the exams.
Finally, we’ll highlight some really good courses that should give you a boost for your Functional Skills Maths and English Level 2 online course exam. So let’s begin by setting you up to ace the exam.
What Are Functional Skills?
At the very basic level, you should intuitively understand what Functional Skills are all about. It is the ability to practically use the skills in English and Maths in everyday life. Which means, the qualifications are specifically made to test your ability to make functional use of English and Maths both personally and professionally.
There are three levels of Functional Skills:
- Entry Level 1-3: Basic skills for beginners.
- Level 1: Equivalent to a GCSE grade 1-3 (D-G).
- Level 2: Equivalent to a GCSE grade 4-9 (C-A*).
We called this blog “Online Functional Skills Level 2 Maths and English” for a reason. Most people will care about Level 2 as it is the one that counts the most at educational institutions and workplaces.
Why Should You Take a Functional Skills Maths and English Level 2 Online Course?
- Career Advancement: Many employers may look for Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English. These may include roles in administration, healthcare, education, and more.
- Further Education: Further education for UK students require GCSE English or an equivalent. Functional Skills Level 2 is usually a prerequisite for all types of programs including apprenticeships and vocational courses.
- Everyday Confidence: Apart from getting a job or furthering your studies, you can also use the skills of the exam in your everyday life. You can budget plan for yourself, write emails better, and just improve communication with people in general.
- Flexible Learning: Online courses or examinations are great for work-life balance. You get to learn while being there for family as needed.
- Recognition: Functional Skills are a nationally recognised qualification. So it carries a lot more weight with employers and institutions based in the UK.
How to Take Functional Skills Level 2 Tests
- Choose a Course: You can enrol in an Functional Skills Level 2 course to prepare for the exams. Apart from the ones I will list, you can also enrol in official Functional Skills programs, though at a higher cost.
- Study and Practice: Try understanding the course content on a deeper level. Take practice tests and look at past papers. Find sample answers or solutions online to better understand what the tests want from you.
- Book Your Exam: Just book your exam and sit for the test. Nothing fancy to do here. You can actually book the exam anytime of the year, making it more appealing than GCSE English.
6 Must-Take Online Functional Skills Level 2 Maths & English Courses
Now, let’s get to the meat of things. I’ve come up with a list of the best Functional Skills Level 2 Maths and English Online courses. Now, you will notice that all of these courses are from our site. Well, I can’t personally attest to courses from other platforms. But I have actually viewed the modules of these courses and there are many reasons why I am recommending them over other courses from other sites.
1. Functional Skills English and Maths
This course is a two-for-one. It was designed to cover both exams so you don’t have to waste time and money by taking another course. It will cover the key topics for each module:
- Maths: Fractions, percentages, algebra, geometry, and problem-solving.
- English: Reading comprehension, writing skills, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
The course has PDF modules, video content, and assignments to make sure you are fully ready for both exams. You will also be eligible for a free PDF certificate.
2. Functional Skills Maths Level 2
Maybe, you want a bit more focus. We have noticed that people suffer from lack of Maths skills more than anything else. This course will only focus on the Functional Skills Maths Level 2 exam. The curriculum covers the following topics:
- Number operations
- Data handling and statistics
- Ratio and proportion
- Probability
The course content will be similar to the previous course. There will be a greater focus on real-life practical examples.
3. Foundations of Transformational Mathematics
Now, this course will give you a deeper dive into more advanced mathematical concepts. This means this course isn’t a solely functional skills course. However, by learning more advanced concepts, you get a deeper understanding of the basic foundations. This is why I have decided to highlight this course. The course will cover:
- Algebraic equations
- Geometric transformations
- Advanced problem-solving techniques
This course is more challenging than the others in this blog. However, this course opens more doors than pure functional skills courses.
4. English Grammar Essentials
English grammar skills are sorely lacking in the general population. No need to be ashamed however, this is expected of a generation that was raised on social media. Taking a refresher in grammar will help you be more prepared for the Functional Skills English Level 2 exam. The course will cover:
- Sentence structure
- Verb tenses
- Punctuation rules
- Common grammar mistakes
You will have practical exercises and assignments that will allow you to practice your skills and become ready for the English exam.
5. English Literature Training
English literature teaches you all kinds of things, many which are completely unrelated to Functional Skills Level 2 Maths and English, that are related to analysing and critically thinking about different texts. I think that studying literature improves your ability to understand and even communicate with people. The course covers the following topics:
- Literary analysis
- Critical thinking
- Essay writing
Studying classic and contemporary texts will definitely give you a boost for the Functional Skills exam. It will also give you the skills I mentioned, giving you skills that may be crucial to what you do in the future.
6. How to Speed Read Effectively
I thought about what you might need to absolutely ace each exam. You might find this weird, but being able to read faster will definitely help in any exam you choose to take. The course will cover these topics:
- Save time during the reading comprehension section
- Improve focus and concentration
- Enhance overall reading efficiency
Tips for Passing Functional Skills Level 2 Exams
Passing the Functional Skills Level 2 Exams is pretty simple. You just have to do it. You have to make sure that you:
- Practice Regularly: Use online practice tests to familiarise yourself with the exam format. Try to find free tests since spending money won’t give you that much better results.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Find where your weaknesses lie and practice those. Improving your strengths might give you a 0.5% boost but improving your weak points can lead to actually substantial improvements.
- Use Real-Life Examples: When you learn something, you start to understand it better if you applied it to real-life examples or tried to implement it in your everyday situations.
- Stay Consistent: Make sure you stay consistent. Dedicate some time to studying daily even if it is only an hour.
- Seek Support: You can ask your peers if they have completed the courses. You can also look up online forums for support.
Why Choose Online Courses?
Online courses offer several advantages for Functional Skills Level 2 preparation:
- Flexibility: Study at your own pace and schedule. Many readers may actually be working professionals or people with families that depend on them. We want everyone to be able to take our courses.
- Accessibility: Learn from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Affordability: Online courses just cost way less than traditional classes since they are also less costly to provide.
- Interactive Learning: Many courses include videos, quizzes, and practice tests to improve the quality of your learning.
Detailed Breakdown of Functional Skills Level 2 Maths
Now, we should breakdown the topics that are covered in the Functional Skills Level 2 Maths exam so that you get a better idea of what to expect and learn:
1. Number Operations
Number operations will be anything from basic arithmetic to fractional or decimal operations. You will have to perform calculations and solve problems with your analytical abilities.
2. Algebra
You will need to know how to solve different types of equations using all kinds of formulas. You will need to be able to identify patterns and sequences.
3. Geometry
You will need to understand the properties of geometrics shapes. You will need to be able to calculate some of these properties using incomplete measurements.
4. Statistics and Probability
Statistics and probability includes reading and interpreting data, usually through visual representations like graphs. You’ll have to calculate probability and use related equations for the solutions.
5. Ratio and Proportion
You’ll find problems that involve ratios and proportions. It should be no problem if you can work with fractions.
Detailed Breakdown of Functional Skills Level 2 English
The Functional Skills Level 2 English exam is divided into three main components:
1. Reading Comprehension
You will have to read and make sense of all kinds of texts. That means articles, reports, and pieces of fiction. The questions will ask you to identify the main ideas of each text and be able to explain the meaning of it.
2. Writing Skills
You will have to show that you write clearly and effectively for different reasons and audiences. The type of text will vary a lot from letters to emails or even reports and articles.
3. Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar
Finally, you need to show a strong command of English grammar, something that most native speakers struggle with. You need to demonstrate the proper use of punctuation, spelling, and also sentence structures.
Benefits of Achieving Functional Skills Level 2
- Improved Job Prospects: As mentioned before, lots of employers look for the level 2 qualifications for different entry-level roles.
- Higher Earning Potential: Improved Maths and English skills will grant you opportunities to earn more, whether by performing better at your job or getting a promotion.
- Personal Development: You can make use of the skills in your everyday life. You gain confidence in personal and professional interactions.
- Pathway to Further Education: You can get many further education opportunities through Functional Skills Level 2. Since you can take the exam anytime of the year, it’s also more convenient than the GCSEs.
- Recognition of Skills: Employers or otherwise future prospects can view your certifications and qualifications as a commitment to constant improvement which is something that employers look for.
How to Choose the Right Functional Skills Maths and English Level 2 Online Course
I think that choosing online courses is a fairly simple affair. You probably know what you want but to make a better decision, you should consider the following:
- Course Content: Make sure all the Level 2 exam topics are covered.
- Learning Style: Find courses that match your learning style. Do you prefer video tutorials, PDF courses, reading materials, assignment-based learning etc.
- Support and Resources: Some courses will offer additional resources and benefits like tutor support or practice tests. Check if the course offers any such perk.
- Reviews and Ratings: Reviews are a great way to learn what the course is about since reviewers of a course aren’t affiliated with the course in any way.
- Cost: Compare prices and choose a course that fits your budget.
Final Thoughts
Online Functional Skills Level 2 Maths and English exams can be used for advancing in your career and personal life. With proper preparation, time, and resources, you can take and ace the exams in a very short time and open many doors for yourselves.
We highlighted 6 courses that cover aspects of Functional Skills. Alongside Functional Skills, you will also gain skills in various domains related to improving your career. You can use the skills in those careers both at work and at home.
If you are convinced, take a look at the courses that I have suggested. You can also just skip all that and book an exam if you think you’re ready.