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Numbers aren't just for the classroomIn last months article we talked about key skills and the different types and levels. This article is about:- Application of Number |
It sounds quite complicated …….and boring! But it's not just about classroom maths. In the previous article we talked about how we probably use key skills in our every day lives and it's the same for application of number.
This key skill is about :-
Obtaining and interpreting information
Getting hold of information and working out what it says or means
Carrying out calculations
Working out sums or solving number problems
Interpreting results and presenting findings
Looking at the answer to the sums or problems and showing what you have found
the information to mean
There are three levels for Application of Number and here are some examples of the sorts of things that you will be expected to learn.
Level 1
You will need to show that you can use numbers to work out straightforward activities (or sums). This might be taking measurements of a new shelf you are building or working out your money to see if you can afford a new CD. You'll be expected to use whole numbers, simple fractions, decimals, percentages, units of measurement and the use/ design of simple charts, tables or diagrams.
Level 2
This level will require slightly bigger calculations. You will be expected to use large and small numbers, use statistical techniques to compare information and be able to explain the results. You will also need to work with different systems such as fractions decimals and percentages and swap between them when working out sums. An example of how you would use these number skills might mean looking at information such as sales figures and working out which was the best sales day and then converting the results into percentages.
Level 3
Now it gets quite complex! You will need to do sums (calculations) that have several steps. You will use very large numbers, powers and roots, formulae, large sets of statistical information (data) and with your results, make your own conclusions whilst showing why you chose a certain way or working out the number problem!
Some of the above skills might sound very difficult, but they are important skills that you might need in a range of jobs. You may well be sat in your maths class wandering how any of your coursework is going to help you in a job. Some of things that you learn might not always be totally relevant, but you should have a think about how you would use numbers in different jobs. Here are some examples :-
Hairdresser : You need to be able to work out proper amount of solutions for hair colouring or perming…..you wouldn't want a customer to leave with green hair (unless they asked for it!)
Retail Assistant : When working on a sales counter you will be dealing with a lot of money. The till might automatically give you lots of information about the right change, but you will also need to check that it's the right amount. You might also need to work out discounts "20% marked off blue ticket items"
Chef : You will need to calculate cooking times for certain weights of food or you might find that people need drilling equipment to cut through your burnt food!
The list goes on…so have a think about more jobs that use number skills. You'll be surprised!
If you have any questions about this key skill or would like more information, why not check out the website links on this article or have a chat with your careers/connexions adviser.
Good Luck
Jennie Glitherow
General DfES information on Key Skills
http://www.dfes.gov.uk/keyskills/
Key Skills Student Website
http://www.keyskills4u.com/
QCA website
http://www.qca.org.uk/603.html
At school or college? Look out for Jennie's future articles which we'll have
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To get back to this page to use the links on it - enter http://www.careers-gateway.co.uk/mainpage.htm
and click on Magazine then What's the Magic Number?
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