Applying for Maths A level while studying Maths Foundation GCSE
I'm in year 10, going to year 11 in September and I've started thinking about my post GCSE options. I would like to do Biology, Chemistry and Maths at A Level. Might take on Physics as well, I'm still contemplating. My problem is however that I do Foundation Maths because I only moved to my school in May of this year as I was living in South Africa previously.
I want to start applying to colleges in November and December with my predicated grades after I write mocks in November. I know I need a 6 in maths to study it at A level and the highest I can get in foundation is a 5.
I want to ask my school if they'll let me write the higher paper for mocks so that my predicted grades will be higher. Is this possible though and will it make a difference?
I want to start applying to colleges in November and December with my predicated grades after I write mocks in November. I know I need a 6 in maths to study it at A level and the highest I can get in foundation is a 5.
I want to ask my school if they'll let me write the higher paper for mocks so that my predicted grades will be higher. Is this possible though and will it make a difference?
Reply 1
Original post by iluvokuhle
I'm in year 10, going to year 11 in September and I've started thinking about my post GCSE options. I would like to do Biology, Chemistry and Maths at A Level. Might take on Physics as well, I'm still contemplating. My problem is however that I do Foundation Maths because I only moved to my school in May of this year as I was living in South Africa previously.
I want to start applying to colleges in November and December with my predicated grades after I write mocks in November. I know I need a 6 in maths to study it at A level and the highest I can get in foundation is a 5.
I want to ask my school if they'll let me write the higher paper for mocks so that my predicted grades will be higher. Is this possible though and will it make a difference?
I want to start applying to colleges in November and December with my predicated grades after I write mocks in November. I know I need a 6 in maths to study it at A level and the highest I can get in foundation is a 5.
I want to ask my school if they'll let me write the higher paper for mocks so that my predicted grades will be higher. Is this possible though and will it make a difference?
I want to ask my school if they'll let me write the higher paper for mocks so that my predicted grades will be higher. Is this possible though and will it make a difference?
Slightly complex issue. You would need to demonstrate that you are more than capable of achieving a grade 6 or higher.
If you can't convince your school that you can do this, you would have a hard time getting into the higher paper.
Yes, your predicted grades will be used in your college application. If you can't show to colleges that you are capable of getting at least a grade 6, you would have a difficult time getting enrolled onto A Level Maths at college.
Whilst you can always do Maths A Level privately (doesn't have these silly GCSE grade requirements), it just makes life a lot harder than you would need to, especially if you intend on doing Medicine at uni.
Reply 2
Original post by iluvokuhle
I'm in year 10, going to year 11 in September and I've started thinking about my post GCSE options. I would like to do Biology, Chemistry and Maths at A Level. Might take on Physics as well, I'm still contemplating. My problem is however that I do Foundation Maths because I only moved to my school in May of this year as I was living in South Africa previously.
I want to start applying to colleges in November and December with my predicated grades after I write mocks in November. I know I need a 6 in maths to study it at A level and the highest I can get in foundation is a 5.
I want to ask my school if they'll let me write the higher paper for mocks so that my predicted grades will be higher. Is this possible though and will it make a difference?
I want to start applying to colleges in November and December with my predicated grades after I write mocks in November. I know I need a 6 in maths to study it at A level and the highest I can get in foundation is a 5.
I want to ask my school if they'll let me write the higher paper for mocks so that my predicted grades will be higher. Is this possible though and will it make a difference?
Hey there! So, you're aiming for a grade of 6 in your final GCSE math exam to be able to do A-levels in math, chemistry, and biology(All require grade 6 in maths). Remember, you have mock exams in November and March, (If you score grade 5 in the foundation tier , which is the highest grade you can achieve, you will move on to the higher tier), so study hard to reach that goal. I know you must apply to college in November, but don't feel restricted – you can switch subjects or colleges later on. Good luck with your studies and future plans!
Reply 3
To some degree this depends on what grade you’re currently working at.
If you’re working at a 5 then definitely consider asking your school if you can move onto the higher paper.
If you’re currently getting a 4 or lower then make sure to take time to improve your maths over the next few months. If you’re not currently working at a 5 then maybe ask your school what you can do to get moved up so they can set you a goal to move up to the higher paper.
To be honest whichever grade you’re working at you’d benefit from working on your maths if you’re hoping to take it at a level.
Are there also maths requirements for Biology, Chemistry and Physics? In my experience you’ll need a 6 in Maths for these too, especially Physics has a lot of maths. Also if you’re struggling with Maths then it might be worth only taking 3 subjects because you’ll have to work hard to keep up with the demands of the a level maths course so taking 4 is probably not the best idea.
Hope this helps, have a great day
If you’re working at a 5 then definitely consider asking your school if you can move onto the higher paper.
If you’re currently getting a 4 or lower then make sure to take time to improve your maths over the next few months. If you’re not currently working at a 5 then maybe ask your school what you can do to get moved up so they can set you a goal to move up to the higher paper.
To be honest whichever grade you’re working at you’d benefit from working on your maths if you’re hoping to take it at a level.
Are there also maths requirements for Biology, Chemistry and Physics? In my experience you’ll need a 6 in Maths for these too, especially Physics has a lot of maths. Also if you’re struggling with Maths then it might be worth only taking 3 subjects because you’ll have to work hard to keep up with the demands of the a level maths course so taking 4 is probably not the best idea.
Hope this helps, have a great day
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