Maths and numeracy – what’s the difference?
When you explore the free* maths courses we offer, you might notice some of them talk about numeracy, while others talk about maths. Confused? Don’t worry – here we explain the difference!
With this information up your sleeve, you can be sure to pick the workshop, course or qualification that’s best for you.
What is numeracy?
Numeracy is having the confidence and skills to use numbers. Probably without knowing it, you use numeracy on a daily basis. As an example, you might use it at work, when you’re giving the right change to a customer, working out how heavy something is, or even filling in spreadsheets. If you’re cooking at home, and an extra guest or two turns up, you’ll use numeracy to work out how much more you need to make. Setting a weekly budget, understanding how much money to put into your savings are all examples of numeracy in the real world.
How do we use numeracy?
Other examples include helping out your kids with their maths homework, making and keeping appointments and checking weather forecasts. These are just a few of the things we use numeracy for every day, most of the time without even thinking about it! They can involve anything from quick calculations in your head to working something out on paper.
So, what is maths?
Maths is a subject which uses numeracy for more complex ideas. It’s the study of shapes, patterns and numbers. Maths is a form of science, where students try to prove if something is true or false by using numbers, calculations, equations and fractions. If you’ve got any interest in the other sciences, such as chemistry, biology or physics, you’ll need numeracy skills and an understanding of maths to use formulae, measurements and statistics.
Which course should you look at?
If you want to learn how to use numeracy and maths in everyday situations, then check out courses such as our Basic Numbers and Maths Confidence, Basic Numeracy for Everyday Living, Functional Skills Maths, and our Building Maths Confidence for Adults – Bills, Budgeting, Family & Work. These are designed to take the stress out of working with numbers. With small classes, and the focus on fun, you’ll quickly get over any fears or worries you’ve got about using maths where you work, at home, or if you’re giving your kids a helping hand with homework.
However, if you want to go a step further and get yourself a maths qualification, such as a GCSE, then take a look at Prepare for GCSE Maths. Getting ahead with a preparation course will give you confidence and skills you can use before you even begin your GCSE maths course. Again, we offer small classes, a laidback approach, and flexible study times, so you can choose what works the best for you.
Whatever your reason for wanting to give maths another go we’ll guide you every step of the way. You don’t need any qualifications to take part and, in our classes, there’s no such thing as a stupid question. Get in touch to get the ball rolling. You might just surprise yourself!
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