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What’s the jump like from GCSE maths to A level?

I do maths (obviously) and further maths at GCSE and am planning to do them both at A level too, is it okay? I’ve seen some less than positive videos about it on tik tok and I’m beginning to question my decision! Any advice? (I also want to do physics and cs)

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Reply 1

Original post by LadyOfTheGeeks
I do maths (obviously) and further maths at GCSE and am planning to do them both at A level too, is it okay? I’ve seen some less than positive videos about it on tik tok and I’m beginning to question my decision! Any advice? (I also want to do physics and cs)

Hi, maths at a level really isn't as bad as it seems, sometimes solving challenging problems can be quite enjoyable, actually! Since you are doing physics and cs i would recommend further maths.

There is a jump, but initially this isn't as large from GCSE to the first term of AS Level maths. Just note that if you do further maths too it may be a little fast-paced.

I would recommend you obtain a copy of your school's curriculum map and calendar so that you can see which topics are coming up. Then preview over the summer, though you don't need to overdo it. I would recommend CGP Head Start to A Level maths book.

Reply 2

Original post by LadyOfTheGeeks
I do maths (obviously) and further maths at GCSE and am planning to do them both at A level too, is it okay? I’ve seen some less than positive videos about it on tik tok and I’m beginning to question my decision! Any advice? (I also want to do physics and cs)

The honest answer is different people cope differently. While the content is objectively harder than at GCSE I’ve not found it that bad so far, maths for me is the easiest subject of all my A levels, and I know a couple others in my class feel the same. However, some other people have not taken to it as well as there is a lot more content to revise and learn and again it is definitely harder- some are people with top level grade 9s at GCSE too. I don’t know how your school does it but I’m an advocate for taking FM, worst comes to worst and you can drop it.

Reply 3

You said you are doing GCSE further maths so you will be absolutely fine. I did the OCR one in year 11 and it covered most of the year 12 pure content (just not in as much detail). I struggled with it a bit at the time in year 11, but it was massively helpful. You'll probably spend some time recapping GCSE subjects as well, which you don't do in other sciences. Physics is quite a bit harder, but based on your grades I recon you will be fine :smile:

Reply 4

The jump is quite high imo, but don't be like me and leave everything till last minute, do an hour of revision every night and you'll be flying I did nothing until after year 13 christmas and it's stressful leaving it that late

Reply 5

Original post by LadyOfTheGeeks
I do maths (obviously) and further maths at GCSE and am planning to do them both at A level too, is it okay? I’ve seen some less than positive videos about it on tik tok and I’m beginning to question my decision! Any advice? (I also want to do physics and cs)

There is is quite a big jump and I really struggled in the beginning of year 12 (even though I got a 9 in GCSE Maths) but with hard work I was able to improve and get an A* prediction. If you work consistently hard from the beginning then you'll be fine.

Reply 6

Original post by LadyOfTheGeeks
I do maths (obviously) and further maths at GCSE and am planning to do them both at A level too, is it okay? I’ve seen some less than positive videos about it on tik tok and I’m beginning to question my decision! Any advice? (I also want to do physics and cs)
for edexcel, the content eases into it eg with simultaneous equations, algebraic fractions etc. its just the workload increases. youll be need to put in at least 3 hrs daily.
youll feel the jump between AS to A level for maths imo, not so much GCSE to AS

Reply 7

Original post by catolinani
for edexcel, the content eases into it eg with simultaneous equations, algebraic fractions etc. its just the workload increases. youll be need to put in at least 3 hrs daily.
youll feel the jump between AS to A level for maths imo, not so much GCSE to AS
Yeah, agreed, the jump from AS to A level maths is pretty big compared to the jump from GCSE to AS. I noticed this jump between AS and A level a lot compared to any other subject where it’s hardly noticeable (geography, biology, chemistry I’ve also heard the same for physics).
(edited 11 months ago)

Reply 8

Original post by LadyOfTheGeeks
I do maths (obviously) and further maths at GCSE and am planning to do them both at A level too, is it okay? I’ve seen some less than positive videos about it on tik tok and I’m beginning to question my decision! Any advice? (I also want to do physics and cs)

You didn't need level 2 FMaths as it introduces topics you won't need so is a waste of time.

Has your school covered all the GCSE content? Many schools don't. Do they set prep work for the summer? Good schools do.

Has your school shared the exam board A level prep modules?

Reply 9

Original post by LadyOfTheGeeks
I do maths (obviously) and further maths at GCSE and am planning to do them both at A level too, is it okay? I’ve seen some less than positive videos about it on tik tok and I’m beginning to question my decision! Any advice? (I also want to do physics and cs)
I found GCSE maths easy (like near 100% for any exam) cos I’d been familiar with all the content for so many years.. I’m in year 13 now and idk if I can get a B. It deffo depends person to person, i was not used to actually learning new things in maths so it took me by surprise when I basically didn’t know anything being taught, and I neglected maths too much, but if u revise consistently and work hard, you’ll be okay. Every has diff experiences so don’t drop it based off some ppl finding it hard. All alevels should be hard.. but if it’s smth u like or need u should take it.

Reply 10

Original post by Muttley79
You didn't need level 2 FMaths as it introduces topics you won't need so is a waste of time.
Has your school covered all the GCSE content? Many schools don't. Do they set prep work for the summer? Good schools do.
Has your school shared the exam board A level prep modules?

My school hasn’t shared anything 😭Is there a way I can get it without them?

Reply 11

Original post by LadyOfTheGeeks
My school hasn’t shared anything 😭Is there a way I can get it without them?

They'll probably share them on induction day. If not, tag me.

Reply 12

@Muttley79 Could you pm me the A-Level maths spec and prep modules so i can get a headstart before my induction day?
Thanks

Reply 13

Original post by LadyOfTheGeeks
I do maths (obviously) and further maths at GCSE and am planning to do them both at A level too, is it okay? I’ve seen some less than positive videos about it on tik tok and I’m beginning to question my decision! Any advice? (I also want to do physics and cs)

I did maths and further maths for gcse (getting a 9 and 7). Bearing in mind I learnt most of further maths gcse the night before from a revision hide bc we did not finish the course and ended up taking A level maths. Gcse to year 12 isn't so bad it's building on knowledge but I think the real change is up to year 13 and also stats and mechanics if you do them as you probably wont have done anything like stats before

Reply 14

Original post by hh1209
@Muttley79 Could you pm me the A-Level maths spec and prep modules so i can get a headstart before my induction day?
Thanks

The A level spec is on the exam board website.

Reply 15

Original post by catolinani
for edexcel, the content eases into it eg with simultaneous equations, algebraic fractions etc. its just the workload increases. youll be need to put in at least 3 hrs daily.
youll feel the jump between AS to A level for maths imo, not so much GCSE to AS

Three hours a day? No that's a massive over-estimate.

Reply 16

Original post by WolfKangaroo
I found GCSE maths easy (like near 100% for any exam) cos I’d been familiar with all the content for so many years.. I’m in year 13 now and idk if I can get a B. It deffo depends person to person, i was not used to actually learning new things in maths so it took me by surprise when I basically didn’t know anything being taught, and I neglected maths too much, but if u revise consistently and work hard, you’ll be okay. Every has diff experiences so don’t drop it based off some ppl finding it hard. All alevels should be hard.. but if it’s smth u like or need u should take it.

This is so insanely relatable for me and I believe a couple others in my class, it feels so weird having to force yourself to learn this new content especially with not that much motivation, year 11 was literally mess about lesson and get good grades every day but year 12 I slipped so hard and then Year 13 after christmas I had to start cookin or be cooked

Reply 17

Original post by LadyOfTheGeeks
I do maths (obviously) and further maths at GCSE and am planning to do them both at A level too, is it okay? I’ve seen some less than positive videos about it on tik tok and I’m beginning to question my decision! Any advice? (I also want to do physics and cs)

since u do ad maths gcse, year 1 a level is pretty much the same, just building up on those skills. i think that maths isnt hard if u keep practicing and staying on top of the topics ur learning (which i didnt do so im struggling) i dont know much abt further maths a level cus i dont take it sorry.

year 2 mechanics is much easier imo, but stats is a bit confusing, esp all that normal distribution

hope that helps :biggrin:

Reply 18

It's like going from jumping in the deep end of a pool to jumping off a diving pool. It's much harder and not to be taken for fun, just if you absolutely need it for the career you're likely to be good at.

Reply 19

GCSE is a more memory and knowledge based qualification whereas A Level is a practically applied reasoning and judgement based exam. They will test you on how to use and derive equations and you get very little marks for doing a load more working compared to GCSE. Year 12 can be a big jump, but it really helps to keep on track and year 13 lasts a few months before you sit your exams. It all goes very quickly, but the main thing is lots of practice and lots of questions. If you do what you have a passion for and enjoy, with a clear goal (e.g. go to your favourite uni or gap year) it is easier to stay motivated as it does get tough. Good luck!

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