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Jump from GCSE to A-Level Maths - Is it big?
Hey.
So I'm thinking of doing Economics, Psychology, Sociology and possibly Maths.
I'm projected an A for GCSE and I find it quite hard work, but I understand all the concepts if I work hard in the lessons, and with some help from my friend sitting next to me.
Just wondering whether the gap from GCSE Maths to A-Level is big. Obviously I guess it depends on the teacher, but generally speaking.
If I did choose it, would you advice doing any work before I begin on the course. The other day I saw the CGP 'GCSE to A-Level' Maths book. Would you recommend that?
And are the exams similar in the terms of questions you are asked? Because I've just done my mocks this week and I didn't find the Maths ones too bad.
I read in this thread (http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=680303) that GCSE maths doesn't prepare you for A-Level. Is this really the case?
Thanks, and I know there's quite a few questions but Maths is like the subject that I'm most worried about.
-David
So I'm thinking of doing Economics, Psychology, Sociology and possibly Maths.
I'm projected an A for GCSE and I find it quite hard work, but I understand all the concepts if I work hard in the lessons, and with some help from my friend sitting next to me.
Just wondering whether the gap from GCSE Maths to A-Level is big. Obviously I guess it depends on the teacher, but generally speaking.
If I did choose it, would you advice doing any work before I begin on the course. The other day I saw the CGP 'GCSE to A-Level' Maths book. Would you recommend that?
And are the exams similar in the terms of questions you are asked? Because I've just done my mocks this week and I didn't find the Maths ones too bad.
I read in this thread (http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=680303) that GCSE maths doesn't prepare you for A-Level. Is this really the case?
Thanks, and I know there's quite a few questions but Maths is like the subject that I'm most worried about.
-David
Scroll to see replies
not that much difference
I did iGCSE and I found the jump to A Level not that bad at all. I was actually predicted a B for maths, but that was ridiculous and the teacher was meh, but I knew I could do A Level maths, and was even recommended to do further maths when I started. But becasue of this B, I was compelled to do a lot more work in preparation for A Level, and to get an A* at GCSE.
The questions are very different to A Level, i'll give it that, but the first unit of maths is definitely an ease in.
I definitely recommend you to do some more work, and find how you find GCSE first.
Hopefully I helped answer your question? =S
The questions are very different to A Level, i'll give it that, but the first unit of maths is definitely an ease in.
I definitely recommend you to do some more work, and find how you find GCSE first.
Hopefully I helped answer your question? =S
I wouldn't use CGP books past GCSE level for a start. With Maths, you can learn best from past papers as the questions are always very similar. I don't think you would have a problem.
A lot of people in my class say they prefer A level maths to gcse maths (although im still in y11 we did it early)
GCSE maths is always "read the question very carefully" and "joe went to buy bla bla and bla bla" , and the maths bit should be easy if you revise, but a lot of people lose marks in reading the questions
In A level maths you will start with c1 where the questions asked are more straight forward but understanding when and why to do things is harder. I reccomend AS maths, it goes well with your subjects and you need it for a lot of things. It requires thought and a fairly good aptitude for maths. Do you like maths gcse?
Dont prepare too much before doing A level maths, just keep practicing as you go through the course.
C1 ( for aqa at least) is very simillar standard to gcse maths.
I got an A * in gcse maths and my friends who got an A are finding it easier then me. Random fact you may like to consider lol. I think you should take it. You can always drop it if you dont like it/find it too hard.
GCSE maths is always "read the question very carefully" and "joe went to buy bla bla and bla bla" , and the maths bit should be easy if you revise, but a lot of people lose marks in reading the questions
In A level maths you will start with c1 where the questions asked are more straight forward but understanding when and why to do things is harder. I reccomend AS maths, it goes well with your subjects and you need it for a lot of things. It requires thought and a fairly good aptitude for maths. Do you like maths gcse?
Dont prepare too much before doing A level maths, just keep practicing as you go through the course.
C1 ( for aqa at least) is very simillar standard to gcse maths.
I got an A * in gcse maths and my friends who got an A are finding it easier then me. Random fact you may like to consider lol. I think you should take it. You can always drop it if you dont like it/find it too hard.
I found the jump huge and really struggled with the change. I was brilliant at maths right upto GCSE, got an A* with almost 100% in all the exams, but was completely overwhelmed by the A Level course. I managed to scrape a B at AS but I'm still finding it really really hard.
If you're finding GCSE Maths a struggle, I doubt you'll cope with it at AS.
Emmsiewoo
totally depends on the person....100% at gcse.....i thought i was doing fine at AS but only got a C and that was lucky!!!
Off topic but when did you recieve your Law w/Politics offer from Manc? Soon after you sent off UCAS?
Sorry to be nosey, I sent mine off last week and I'm paranoid already.
It depends.
How about this one then:
You get a B at GCSE Math but you're confident you can achieve well in A Level Math. However, sixth form policy is that you cannot take Math unless you have achieved at least an A at GCSE standard. You really want to do Math and your school's sixth form college is the best place to study A Levels for miles. You are aware, however, that a local college accepts people on their Math course who have achieved C or above at GCSE. Do you go there or stay at school and do other subjects? What do you do?
How about this one then:
You get a B at GCSE Math but you're confident you can achieve well in A Level Math. However, sixth form policy is that you cannot take Math unless you have achieved at least an A at GCSE standard. You really want to do Math and your school's sixth form college is the best place to study A Levels for miles. You are aware, however, that a local college accepts people on their Math course who have achieved C or above at GCSE. Do you go there or stay at school and do other subjects? What do you do?
rogerbarton
It depends.
How about this one then:
You get a B at GCSE Math but you're confident you can achieve well in A Level Math. However, sixth form policy is that you cannot take Math unless you have achieved at least an A at GCSE standard. You really want to do Math and your school's sixth form college is the best place to study A Levels for miles. You are aware, however, that a local college accepts people on their Math course who have achieved C or above at GCSE. Do you go there or stay at school and do other subjects? What do you do?
How about this one then:
You get a B at GCSE Math but you're confident you can achieve well in A Level Math. However, sixth form policy is that you cannot take Math unless you have achieved at least an A at GCSE standard. You really want to do Math and your school's sixth form college is the best place to study A Levels for miles. You are aware, however, that a local college accepts people on their Math course who have achieved C or above at GCSE. Do you go there or stay at school and do other subjects? What do you do?
Get a tutor and do it outside of school, and pay for the entrance fees for exams. Do it all in one year. Oh, yes, and of course, DO MECHANICS.
caroline147
If you're finding GCSE Maths a struggle, I doubt you'll cope with it at AS.
Well I mean I'm ok with it, it can take a while to sink in but once I understand it I'm ok with doing the questions.
I asked my maths teacher whether I could take the course and she said she'd be happy to have me on the course but there's LOTS of algebraic work and lots of simultaneous equations.
I asked my Business teacher (the economics teacher) whether Id have to do Maths A-Level if I wanted to take Economics for degree level and he said that some uni's require it and some give courses to catch people up.
I'd be happy to work hard, but my friend's brother took it for A-Level and found it really hard - he had to get a tutor and dropped after the year ended.
Also, can you drop a subject once you start it?
Nobody can answer this tbh as its according to your ability, people reach their limits at different points. One person's limit maybe university maths and find A level maths piss whereas another person's limit may be GCSE and find A level a nightmare. Just have a look at the subject and talk to your teachers for advice and base your decision on your ability not what people have told you on TSR.
rogerbarton
It depends.
How about this one then:
You get a B at GCSE Math but you're confident you can achieve well in A Level Math. However, sixth form policy is that you cannot take Math unless you have achieved at least an A at GCSE standard. You really want to do Math and your school's sixth form college is the best place to study A Levels for miles. You are aware, however, that a local college accepts people on their Math course who have achieved C or above at GCSE. Do you go there or stay at school and do other subjects? What do you do?
How about this one then:
You get a B at GCSE Math but you're confident you can achieve well in A Level Math. However, sixth form policy is that you cannot take Math unless you have achieved at least an A at GCSE standard. You really want to do Math and your school's sixth form college is the best place to study A Levels for miles. You are aware, however, that a local college accepts people on their Math course who have achieved C or above at GCSE. Do you go there or stay at school and do other subjects? What do you do?
Talk to your school and persuade them to let you do it.
wanderlust.xx
Get a tutor and do it outside of school, and pay for the entrance fees for exams. Do it all in one year. Oh, yes, and of course, DO MECHANICS.
OK. However, you're not a very outgoing person and you suffer badly if you over-work yourself. You're also from a poor family who cannot afford such luxuries. The possibility of private tutors and exams outside school is fatuous and impractical. Now what do you do?
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