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Online Maths A-level

Hi!

I’m thinking of doing an online maths a-level with ICS Learn alongside my OU psychology degree. I only really need statistics training, but I was into algebra at school and really fancy learning more maths. My question is: how much study time per week would I need to sit the exams in about two years time?

Thanks!
It depends on the grades that you want to get; your familiarity with GCSE / pre-A-Level Maths; your aptitude for Maths etc. As a rough guess, a few hours every other day would be fine.

I self-taught almost all of CP1 (one of the modules for Further Mathematics, equivalent to about one quarter of A-Level Further Mathematics) over about 5-7 weeks with several hours every day in the summer holidays between finishing A-Level Maths in Year 12 and officially 'starting' Further Maths in Year 13, so I imagine if you were to do similar, but a bit more spread out, you'd be fine.

I'd recommend working through these books for the pure content (I used one of these books for the CP1 content):
> https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edexcel-level-Mathematics-Textbook-Further/dp/129218339X/ref=asc_df_129218339X/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=310872601819&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1299662722641514065&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007065&hvtargid=pla-356949151904&psc=1&th=1&psc=1
> https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edexcel-level-Mathematics-Textbook-Further/dp/1292183403/ref=pd_sbs_14_2/262-9244921-6081717?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1292183403&pd_rd_r=0e71a9d7-7f26-4028-9c32-0d5281675101&pd_rd_w=reKhX&pd_rd_wg=ciCen&pf_rd_p=2773aa8e-42c5-4dbe-bda8-5cdf226aa078&pf_rd_r=6SDDFE5XQVCMQ59CCYT3&psc=1&refRID=6SDDFE5XQVCMQ59CCYT3

And using this playlist for *revising* the statistics content:
> https://www.youtube.com/c/ExamSolutions_Maths/playlists?view=50&sort=dd&shelf_id=6

I don't have much for the mechanics content, as I was mostly okay with what we did in class, but I'm sure there are many resources online.

If you need any assistance, I'm happy to help and feel free to message me :smile:
Reply 2
Original post by robertgallacher
It depends on the grades that you want to get; your familiarity with GCSE / pre-A-Level Maths; your aptitude for Maths etc. As a rough guess, a few hours every other day would be fine.

I self-taught almost all of CP1 (one of the modules for Further Mathematics, equivalent to about one quarter of A-Level Further Mathematics) over about 5-7 weeks with several hours every day in the summer holidays between finishing A-Level Maths in Year 12 and officially 'starting' Further Maths in Year 13, so I imagine if you were to do similar, but a bit more spread out, you'd be fine.

I'd recommend working through these books for the pure content (I used one of these books for the CP1 content):
> https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edexcel-level-Mathematics-Textbook-Further/dp/129218339X/ref=asc_df_129218339X/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=310872601819&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1299662722641514065&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007065&hvtargid=pla-356949151904&psc=1&th=1&psc=1
> https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edexcel-level-Mathematics-Textbook-Further/dp/1292183403/ref=pd_sbs_14_2/262-9244921-6081717?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1292183403&pd_rd_r=0e71a9d7-7f26-4028-9c32-0d5281675101&pd_rd_w=reKhX&pd_rd_wg=ciCen&pf_rd_p=2773aa8e-42c5-4dbe-bda8-5cdf226aa078&pf_rd_r=6SDDFE5XQVCMQ59CCYT3&psc=1&refRID=6SDDFE5XQVCMQ59CCYT3

And using this playlist for *revising* the statistics content:
> https://www.youtube.com/c/ExamSolutions_Maths/playlists?view=50&sort=dd&shelf_id=6

I don't have much for the mechanics content, as I was mostly okay with what we did in class, but I'm sure there are many resources online.

If you need any assistance, I'm happy to help and feel free to message me :smile:

Well I started, and I feel like my basic maths knowledge is so spotty I will have to cancel! And I am thinking of doing an OU intro to maths module now first. The reason being, it is 17 years since I studied maths, and I seem to have forgotten the basics I need for the A-level, and it’s rather overwhelming trying to cram it. MU123 at OU I have been recommended as a gentle intro that is also very comprehensive, so that’s what I shall do! Thankyou for your reply it is very kind, I may be in touch in a year or so when I am ready for an A-level!
Original post by Jonah9000
Well I started, and I feel like my basic maths knowledge is so spotty I will have to cancel! And I am thinking of doing an OU intro to maths module now first. The reason being, it is 17 years since I studied maths, and I seem to have forgotten the basics I need for the A-level, and it’s rather overwhelming trying to cram it. MU123 at OU I have been recommended as a gentle intro that is also very comprehensive, so that’s what I shall do! Thankyou for your reply it is very kind, I may be in touch in a year or so when I am ready for an A-level!

Yeah that's understandable - a lot of the A-Level relies on the GCSE, and regardless of your aptitude 17 years is a long time, so starting with the basics again may be best. There are entry level qualifications and exams, as well as KS3 to GCSE, and these can serve as guides if you want to be ready to tackle A-Level content.

When you are ready, you may want to consider having a look at the FSQM Advanced in Additional Maths. That's about halfway between GCSE and A-Level

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