A Level Maths

Hi! I'm in year 11 and choosing my a level options.

At the moment, I'm doing GCSE Maths (predicted 9) and GCSE Further Maths (predicted 7-9).

I'm thinking of doing A level Maths - apparently lots of the content is very similar to gcse further maths so I was wondering how anyone has found the transition?

Btw, I don't think that I'll be doing a level Further Maths because we only get to choose 3-4 subjects and I'm already trying to narrow it down between quite a few. However Maths is seen as so important so I will most likely be doing that, but just don't want it to be taking up 2 of my options.

Reply 1

Lily__S

11

Hi! I'm in my second year of A-Level Maths. Trust me, you'll find first year content an absolute breeze - the vast majority of the pure stuff is just Further Maths content 🙂 I did Edexcel GCSE Further Maths, and I'm currently doing Edexcel A Level. The only part I struggled with initially is the applied stuff, but you get the hang of it pretty quickly with enough practice. Second year is definitely a step up though, I'd say the leap from 1st to 2nd year is worse than the GCSE to 1st year gap. Basically, you'll be fine ❤️ Out of interest, what else are you thinking of taking?

Reply 2

mcollins08

OP

9

Original post by Lily__S

Hi! I'm in my second year of A-Level Maths. Trust me, you'll find first year content an absolute breeze - the vast majority of the pure stuff is just Further Maths content 🙂 I did Edexcel GCSE Further Maths, and I'm currently doing Edexcel A Level. The only part I struggled with initially is the applied stuff, but you get the hang of it pretty quickly with enough practice. Second year is definitely a step up though, I'd say the leap from 1st to 2nd year is worse than the GCSE to 1st year gap. Basically, you'll be fine ❤️ Out of interest, what else are you thinking of taking?

Ok, I'm doing AQA but I'm guessing the content will still be similar for gcse further maths and a level maths. Yes, the applied stuff is definitely what I imagine will be the hardest, especially the mechanics bit probably, from when I looked at the spec quickly. Thanks for the reassurance tho!! 💕

I'm thinking of doing:
Maths
Computer Science
DT (Product Design)
Business or Economics (if I choose 4)
And and EPQ

Still not entirely sure to be honest, but do you think that's a good combination? I'm hoping to go into something like web design, interior design, marketing, management, although not really set on a career or anything yet. 🙂

Reply 3

Lily__S

11

Original post by mcollins08

Ok, I'm doing AQA but I'm guessing the content will still be similar for gcse further maths and a level maths. Yes, the applied stuff is definitely what I imagine will be the hardest, especially the mechanics bit probably, from when I looked at the spec quickly. Thanks for the reassurance tho!! 💕
I'm thinking of doing:
Maths
Computer Science
DT (Product Design)
Business or Economics (if I choose 4)
And and EPQ
Still not entirely sure to be honest, but do you think that's a good combination? I'm hoping to go into something like web design, interior design, marketing, management, although not really set on a career or anything yet. 🙂

I think that's a great combination! I know someone who wants to go into a similar field who takes maths, comp sci and media. 🙂 I do think that taking 4 A-Levels and an EPQ is a bit much, keeping in mind that coursework takes up a lot more time than you think (I think comp sci and DT both have coursework?). I only do maths, biology and geography, and keeping up with geography coursework on top of mock revision is pretty tough already. I did an EPQ in my first year though, and managing that was fine. To be honest, taking 4 A-Levels isn't usually beneficial in terms of university applications, but if your time management is solid and you're really passionate about your subjects then go for it! I don't want to discourage you if you know you can handle it x
Well done on your maths predicted grades by the way ❤️

Reply 4

mcollins08

OP

9

Original post by Lily__S

I think that's a great combination! I know someone who wants to go into a similar field who takes maths, comp sci and media. 🙂 I do think that taking 4 A-Levels and an EPQ is a bit much, keeping in mind that coursework takes up a lot more time than you think (I think comp sci and DT both have coursework?). I only do maths, biology and geography, and keeping up with geography coursework on top of mock revision is pretty tough already. I did an EPQ in my first year though, and managing that was fine. To be honest, taking 4 A-Levels isn't usually beneficial in terms of university applications, but if your time management is solid and you're really passionate about your subjects then go for it! I don't want to discourage you if you know you can handle it x
Well done on your maths predicted grades by the way ❤️

Thank you!! I didn't know that geography had coursework but good luck with it!!

I'm doing coursework at the moment in dt so revising for my gcse mocks at the same time is a bit more to manage. Some of my teachers have pointed out tho that although the mocks are important they don't actually contribute to your final grade so it's much better to prioritise the coursework. I'm still revising obviously but yes, you definitely need good time management to do any coursework subjects and it's definitely going to be a lot more at a level!!

I probably will choose 3 then but we'll see how everything turns out x

A Level Maths

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