Top 6 Tips for Excelling in A-Level Maths
The A-Level maths course is challenging for even the most adept students. The A-Level maths examination itself incorporates both maths and theory-based questions, and students often struggle to find the balance and synthesis of analytical skills difficult to master. We’ve put together a number of essential A-Level maths tips that will benefit all A-Level maths learners, regardless of current ability and whether or not they are sitting Cambridge, Pearson, or OxfordAQA.
Understand A-Level Maths Core Concepts First
One of the most vital tips for succeeding in A-Level maths is understanding core concepts. Without comprehensive knowledge of core concepts, any student will find A-Level maths profoundly difficult. Thus, A-Level maths candidates should take care to revise these topics in some detail. It can be beneficial to work the revision of core concepts into a study schedule: not only will it benefit overall revision and maths skills but will offer some variety within a study session. The core concepts that A-Level maths candidates should take care to revise include algebra, calculus, trigonometry, geometry, and statistics. Each of the three A-Level exam boards—Cambridge, Pearson, and OxfordAQA—have a number of useful textbooks that can be employed to aid in the revision process, both regarding core concepts and the broader A-Level course.
Actively Revise from Day One
Engaging in active revision from the beginning of A-Level maths studies is an essential tip for success. It is common for students to start revising for a subject only when exams begin to loom on the horizon. However, the key to achieving high marks in any subject, not only A-Level maths, is beginning revision from day one. Initially, this might mean revising foundational concepts before moving on to new work. Regardless, active revision from day one is necessary as it is this type of consistent, long term revising that allows A-Level maths candidates to maintain a high standard of work and ensure there will be no significant periods of playing ‘catch-up’. The earlier a study schedule is drawn up and implemented the better. This allows A-Level maths candidates to refine their understanding of foundational concepts, develop positive revision habits, and mitigate stress down the road.
Utilise A-Level Maths Past Papers and Practice Questions
An oft-repeated tip for exam success is making use of past papers. A-Level maths is no different in this regard. All learners taking A-Level maths should make use of past examination papers and incorporate them into their revision. In doing so, students will gain a familiarity with the format of the exam, i.e. how many sections are there per paper, how many questions make up a section, what is the overall timing for the examination, and, therefore, how much time should be allotted to each section. All of this is necessary to achieve high marks. Moreover, utilising past papers allows A-Level maths candidates insight into the types of questions that appear regularly in the exam and, consequently, can guide a student’s revision sessions. Past exam papers are available for every A-Level maths board—Cambridge, Pearson, and OxfordAQA—and should become a staple of every revision session.
Create a Realistic Study Schedule
Another tip for success in A-Level maths is the development of a realistic study schedule. The key term here is ‘realistic’. Revision schedules are often composed with the best intentions but prove difficult to sustain. To develop a realistic and long term study schedule, A-Level maths candidates must be aware of their strengths and weaknesses with regard to the subject. An understanding of the core concepts, as well as course content, and a familiarity with the exams is also important. This information allows for an informed study schedule to be drawn up. An additional tip regarding study schedules is to keep the work varied. Focusing on one topic for hours at a time is not conducive to a successful study session. Rather, it could be useful for students to divide their study sessions into thirds: the first third focuses on consolidating foundational knowledge; the second targets areas of subject weakness; and the third incorporates past exam paper questions. Lastly, it’s crucial to find a balance between revision and daily commitments to spending time with family and friends and exploring hobbies and interests.
Keep a Positive Mindset and Attitude
While it can, at times, be difficult to maintain a positive attitude in the face of mounting workloads, this is a critical tip for exam success. The impact that a person’s mindset can have on their overall success in a given subject is profound. Not only that, positive thinking can benefit other areas of life, too, helping a person to develop greater resistance to a wide range of illnesses. For A-Level maths students to maintain a positive mindset it can be beneficial to assess and, possibly, redress their current thinking with regard to the subject or their schooling more broadly. The Mayo Clinic offers a detailed guide in recognising negative self-talk and developing a more positive mental attitude that could prove useful to any number of A-Level learners.
Don't Hesitate to Seek Help
If ever a student is struggling with a topic, it is important that they seek help. Teaching staff are there to guide young learners and should be more than willing to assist if need be, but it is important that students make staff aware of any issues. Unfortunately, schools are often understaffed and teachers overwhelmed by administrative tasks unrelated to teaching and, so, may miss students who are finding aspects of the subject difficult. In this regard, communication is a tip for redressing any issue that hinders academic success. If an A-Level maths student believes the issue is not grave enough to search for outside assistance, they can explore the resources available online for their given exam board— Cambridge, Pearson, or OxfordAQA . These may hold the key to greater understanding.
Reach Out to a BartyED A-Level Maths Tutor
Theftips discussed, if used correctly, can be of great help to those studying A-Level maths. What may be the most indispensable tip of all, however, is seeking the guidance of an experienced A-Level maths tutor. At BartyED, our team of A-Level maths tutors have guided innumerable students through each of the A-Level maths boards and on to great success in their examinations. Our expertly trained academic tutors operate a student-first approach to learning whereby each lesson is distinct and aims to best support the individual learner in question. This method allows for the development of life-long learning skills and the best possible results come exam time. If you think that you or your child could benefit from the assistance of an expert A-Level maths tutor, please contact us today by phone (+852 2882 1017) or email (enquiries@bartyed.com).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Aside from engaging an experienced A-Level maths tutor, students should draw up a realistic study plan that incorporates all aspects of the course—their individual strengths and weaknesses, as well as A-Level maths core concepts, and past exam paper questions—and begin work as early in the school year as possible.
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While seen as a reasonable popular choice based on government statistics, A-Level maths is a challenging subject. To single out one topic that is most difficult is a challenge in itself. What often proves most trying for students is the nature of the subject, as they have to study not only pure mathematics, but also mechanics and probability and statistics.
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While this may differ slightly from exam board to exam board, generally speaking an A* equates to between 90% and 100%.
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A score of 40% in A-Level maths results in an E grade.