What if you can’t do maths?

It's also possible that people can manage functional maths and English ok for a job, and may understand a lot, but just cannot answer enough GCSE questions to pass the exam. Due to GCSE syllabus and exam format.

Looking ahead, I’m also wondering what jobs people that can’t do maths can do. Possibly being dramatic but all jobs seem to be asking for maths level 5 as a minimum.

I'd be surprised if you find the answer to this in MN, where it's just unthinkable that any child can't pass Maths GCSE - in reality I have a friend who is a mortgage advisor who has a degree, but never passed GCSE maths, and a friends husband is a graphic designer, and never passed Maths GCSES. It seems in some jobs if you can wing it onto a degree course you might get away with not having Maths. I had heard student finance was going to stop being given to people who don't have English and Maths GCSEs. It's prompted DD not to take a year out and incase funding conditions are changed in the future.

For your DS, I'd look at courses which don't require too much maths - a Media BTEC can lead on to lots of things, not just a Degree in Media Studies, and so what if college so start him on a Level 2? It's not unusual for teens to spend three years at college, and even do a level 2 in one subject, and then a level 3 in another. It's not a race.

The issue is that a Level 3, even in Sport will require a level of maths understanding. They will need to be able to draw and interpret graphs for example.

The entry requirements for BTecs are nationally prescribed and include GCSEs, however, if you pass the lower level with a merit, you can move up. So if you pass level 1, you can move on to level 2, and then you can move on from level 2 to level 3. Nobody is excluded because of their lack of GCSEs but progression is slower and moving up depends on results at the lower level.

As far as I am aware, this is completely independent of results in maths and English, but it is a Government requirement that you continue to study these until 18 unless you have reached the required standard of either GCSE or functional maths.

One of my DC was offered a L3 BTEC with a 3 in English and another L3 BTEC with a 3 in maths.

The one without English went on to pass in the autumn if his second year. He's about to start an Advanced apprenticeship in something he really wants to do, and will pay well at the end of the apprenticeship, only asked for a 4's in English and Maths- so there are apprenticeships out there not asking for 5's.

The DC without Maths is due a 4th attempt this summer, but already has an unconditional place at university studying an arts course.

I've just had a look over the Level 3 BTEC in Sport for you; I teach on the Applied Science and have a fair bit of experience.

This issue with the maths is that there is an expected level of numeracy for some of the units. The anatomy unit for example required the ability to calculate volumes within breathing (multiple different type), the ability of analyse health testing data, understand statistical data, distribution curves, calculating percentages etc. These are also from the mandatory units, and some from exam based units.

If he can't do these calculations (some of them being standard for those with a grade 4 in maths) then he will struggle.

The course I mentioned required a grade 2 in Maths at GCSE. I got the info off a sixth form college website in Basingstoke.

I realised I typo'd earlier, my DS is doing English resit alongside a L3 BTec, this definitely happens if college are confident of the students ability to do the course.

Yes I know.

I think that a college would loom at his whole qual profile. If he got high grade in BTEC Sport plus a high grade in other GCSEs Incl English then I’d expect them to give consideration for the level 3.

The college admissions will be able to advise. In the mean time see what/ where the block is. Lack of confidence or dyscalculia?

It may also be more difficult to get free online, which he is entitled to.

I think there are online courses but most people would do better with in person tuition.

Functional Skills cam be done at college or now. However it may be better to avoid any distraction and focus on what is already ahead at this stage. The FS assessments are not limited to twice a year like gcse.

My youngest is SEVERELY dyslexic so we will face all this again when they take their exams. They can't read the maths questions!

NotMe Thank you.

It is complicated but I think explained here.

www.gov.uk/guidance/16-to-19-funding-maths-and-english-condition-of-funding

dS is in year 2 of his BTec and in his 2nd year of English re sit classes alongside.

He's going to get a job next year! He already has functional skills English from another college but due to getting Teacher Assessed GCSE grade 3 the government requires him to try and get a 4

Note passing or failing English/ Maths is totally separate to the BTEC or 16-19 course.

My son was getting grade 7s and 8s in most subjects but just can't get his head round maths and got a grade 3 in his maths GCSE. The college he wanted to go to wouldn't accept him despite him having more than enough points made up by all the other subjects.

We found another good college that would accept him as long as he re-sat his maths GCSE. We got some private one on one tuition before the re-sit. We had the result recently and he's got a grade 4 now (just a few points away from a 5).

He just can't get maths! It's such a shame as both colleges and universities want to see a grade 4, despite the fact they aren't studying it!

NotMe If someone does 3 years at college, do they have to continue Eng & maths in their 3rd year if they still haven't got above a 3?

Depending on the course he may get offered a level 2 course but will need to keep studying Maths alongside until age 19. Depending on GCSE grade he'll be directed to GCSE or Functional Skills (which is ore approachable). It's a condition of funding for BTEC that students top up English and maths if they don't have a 4.
Yeah we went through this battle with DS1 and English.

The annoying thing for the OP, is it appears her DS might be capable of a L3 course, but may not be allowed entry without the pass in maths.

You need to speak to college (and I would recommend you do it, not him in case it’s not a positive conversation as you don’t want to dent his confidence) because every college will do it different based on timetabling and policy as mentioned above.

The likeliest options are either that he can start a Level 3 and study Maths alongside.
Or he does a Level 2 for a year and does Maths alongside, before moving onto Level 3 - but if he still hasn’t passed Maths at that point he’ll still have to do it. It’s a requirement till 18 if you haven’t passed.

What are his other GCSEs looking like? If he has a strong profile he’s more likely to be allowed to do the first option.

I would really push for functional skills - it’s a great qual for students struggling with Maths and if he could pass it this year it’ll save a lot of effort later down the line.

What kind of colleges? Sixth form college or FE colleges? FE should offer a range from entry level.