Basic Skills Online - Level 2 - Numeracy Standards

Below are the standards for adult numeracy for this level.

Understanding and using mathematical information - At this level, adults can:

• Read and understand mathematical information used for different purposes and independently select and compare relevant information from a variety of graphical, numerical and written material.
• Specify and describe a practical activity, problem or task using mathematical information and language to increase understanding and select appropriate methods for carrying through a substantial activity.

and will be expected to:

• use numbers, fractions, decimals and percentages in the context of measures, estimating amounts and proportions, and make accurate observations.
• use shape and space to record relevant measurements and make accurate observations.
• use discrete and continuous data from tables, charts, diagrams and line graphs.
• collect and record discrete and continuous data in tests and observations.
• design appropriate methods.
• select and use appropriate mathematical tests, skills or concepts.
• recognise that substantial activities should be broken down into smaller, more manageable tasks.

Calculating and manipulating mathematical information - At this level, adults can:

• generate results to an appropriate level of accuracy using methods, measures and checking procedures appropriate to the specified purpose.

and will be expected to:

• use whole numbers to read, write, order and compare positive and negative numbers of any size in a practical context (eg loss in trading, low temperatures.)
• use whole numbers to carry out calculations with numbers of any size using efficient methods.
• use whole numbers to calculate ratio and direct proportion (eg 3:2.)
• use whole numbers to evaluate expressions and make substitutions in given formulae in words and symbols to produce results (eg area of a room from l x w.)
  
  
• use fractions to order and compare amounts or quantities.
• use fractions to identify equivalencies with decimals and percentages.
• use fractions to evaluate one number as a fraction of another.
• use fractions to add and subtract amounts or quantities.
  
  
• use decimals to order, approximate and compare decimals when solving practical problems.
• to add, subtract, multiply and divide decimals up to three places.
  
  
• use percentages to order and compare percentages and understand percentage increase and decrease (eg VAT or 20% reduction in a sale.)
• use percentages to find percentage parts of quantities and measurements to evaluate one number as a percentage of another.
  
  
• use measures to calculate with sums of money, and to convert between currencies.
• use measures to calculate, measure and record time in different formats.
• use measures to estimate, measure and compare length, weight, capacity and temperature using metric, and where appropriate, imperial units (eg scales to given levels of accuracy, including reading between divisions.)
• use measures to calculate with units:
  - within the same system
  - between systems using conversion tables and scales, and approximate conversion factors (eg 1kg = 2.2lbs, 1in = 2.54cm.)
  
• use measures to understand and use given formulae for finding:
  - perimeters and areas of regular shapes (eg rectangular and circular surfaces)
  - areas of composite shapes (eg nonrectangular rooms or plots of land)
  - volumes of regular shapes (eg cuboid or cylinder.)
  
• use measures to work out dimensions from scale drawings (eg 1:20.)
  
  
• use properties of shape and space to recognise and use common 2-D representations of 3-D objects (eg in maps and plans.)
• use properties of shape and space to solve problems involving 2-D shapes and parallel lines (eg in laying down carpet tiles.)
  
  
• use data and statistical measures to extract discrete and continuous data from tables, charts, diagrams and line graphs.
• use data and statistical measures to collect, organise and represent continuous data in tables, charts, diagrams and line graphs.
• use data and statistical measures to find the mean, median and mode, and use them as appropriate to compare two sets of data.
• use data and statistical measures to find the range and use it to describe the spread within sets of data.
  
  
• use probability to identify the range of possible outcomes of events and record information using diagrams or tables.
  
  
• use electronic or mechanical aids to calculate efficiently using whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages.
• use electronic or mechanical aids to check calculations.

Interpreting results and communicating mathematical information - At this level, adults can:

• present and explain results clearly and accurately using numerical, graphical and written formats appropriate to purpose, findings and audience.

and will be expected to:

• use whole numbers, common fractions, decimals and percentages to present results.
• select and use measures and units of measure to define quantities.
• use tables, charts, diagrams and line graphs to draw conclusions and present results (eg for amounts, sizes, scales and statistics.)
• use approximation to corroborate and confirm results.
• select and use appropriate methods and forms to present and explain outcomes.

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