The Student Room Group

Alevel maths confidence debooster

So I’m not sure what to do, I was really good at as level maths but not I’m really struggling with alevel maths in year 13. I understand the content but when it comes to the exam it’s like I don’t know.
I do a little every day and my mocks are at the end of January. I’m really worried since I should be getting A* but I feel 2 hours isn’t enough for me now😭
Reply 1
Original post by Smzgaming616
So I’m not sure what to do, I was really good at as level maths but not I’m really struggling with alevel maths in year 13. I understand the content but when it comes to the exam it’s like I don’t know.
I do a little every day and my mocks are at the end of January. I’m really worried since I should be getting A* but I feel 2 hours isn’t enough for me now😭

For A-level Maths, the jump from Year 12 to Year 13 is much bigger than the step from GCSE to Year 12. If you're feeling more pressure now, don’t worry—it’s completely normal. The main challenge is likely your exam technique, which is half the battle in Maths. There are plenty of helpful YouTube videos on exam technique and exam-style questions on physicsandmathstutor.com to improve your skills.

For exams, my main tip is to skip questions you don’t immediately understand and return to them after answering the easier ones. This approach secures a base level of marks, boosts your overall confidence, and gives your brain time to process tougher questions. When practicing this technique with past papers, don’t be discouraged if you can’t answer many questions at first. Instead, note down the topics you struggle with, review your notes or textbook, and keep practicing. By the time the exam comes, you’ll be confident with the format and your abilities.

Lastly, it may sound cliché, but believing in yourself is crucial. I was a C student and managed to get an A in A-level Maths so you can definitely achieve the A* you’re aiming for. Put in the time, and you’ll see the results you want.
Reply 2
Original post by Smzgaming616
So I’m not sure what to do, I was really good at as level maths but not I’m really struggling with alevel maths in year 13. I understand the content but when it comes to the exam it’s like I don’t know.
I do a little every day and my mocks are at the end of January. I’m really worried since I should be getting A* but I feel 2 hours isn’t enough for me now😭

Which board?
Reply 3
Original post by Muttley79
Which board?


Edexcel :smile:
Reply 4
Original post by Kuro7_
For A-level Maths, the jump from Year 12 to Year 13 is much bigger than the step from GCSE to Year 12. If you're feeling more pressure now, don’t worry—it’s completely normal. The main challenge is likely your exam technique, which is half the battle in Maths. There are plenty of helpful YouTube videos on exam technique and exam-style questions on physicsandmathstutor.com to improve your skills.
For exams, my main tip is to skip questions you don’t immediately understand and return to them after answering the easier ones. This approach secures a base level of marks, boosts your overall confidence, and gives your brain time to process tougher questions. When practicing this technique with past papers, don’t be discouraged if you can’t answer many questions at first. Instead, note down the topics you struggle with, review your notes or textbook, and keep practicing. By the time the exam comes, you’ll be confident with the format and your abilities.
Lastly, it may sound cliché, but believing in yourself is crucial. I was a C student and managed to get an A in A-level Maths so you can definitely achieve the A* you’re aiming for. Put in the time, and you’ll see the results you want.


Thank you, currently went though the whole book and had no problems, going to do a past paper again now and see and use your tips!
It’s hard to deal with the pressure for me especially when I feel the difficulty!
Reply 5
Original post by Smzgaming616
Edexcel :smile:

Are you using Dr Frost? https://www.drfrost.org/courses.php?coid=12815

Do you traffic light your tests?
Reply 6
Original post by Muttley79
Are you using Dr Frost? https://www.drfrost.org/courses.php?coid=12815
Do you traffic light your tests?


I finished a test today, improved! I’m not sure what you mean by traffic light, I’m guessing you mean red orange green spread sheet.
I will use dr frost - thanks you!!
Reply 7
Original post by Smzgaming616
I finished a test today, improved! I’m not sure what you mean by traffic light, I’m guessing you mean red orange green spread sheet.
I will use dr frost - thanks you!!

Yes when you do a test you analyse your marks afterwards. it's called assessment for learning.

RED = topics where you had little clue - you need to ask for help and re-learn

AMBER = topics where you got some marks - these are the areas to focus on first to improve quickly

GREEN + topics you did well on - keep these ticking over.

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