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I know I won't pass maths, what do I do?

I only picked maths because everyone said that you need it for a good uni, and I also did decently in GCSEs (scraped a 7). But now I've realised it is not the subject for me; I'm already halfway through the academic year and genuinely have no idea what is going on in this subject - looking back at previous topics, they make absolutely no sense to me. This isn't a case of me not trying either, I'm doing decently in my other subjects and I've spent time trying to revise but it just doesn't click. Year 12 mocks are coming up soon and I definitely know I won't get a good grade in them.

Would it be a good idea to resit the year with different subjects? I've been in contact with a few schools and they say they would be willing take me on, although that would mean there would be an extra year of school fees and I'd be a year behind (already one of the oldest in the year).

Reply 1

Geo Lover 7

Chat Forum Helper, Study Forum Helper

Original post

by Derxert

I only picked maths because everyone said that you need it for a good uni, and I also did decently in GCSEs (scraped a 7). But now I've realised it is not the subject for me; I'm already halfway through the academic year and genuinely have no idea what is going on in this subject - looking back at previous topics, they make absolutely no sense to me. This isn't a case of me not trying either, I'm doing decently in my other subjects and I've spent time trying to revise but it just doesn't click. Year 12 mocks are coming up soon and I definitely know I won't get a good grade in them.
Would it be a good idea to resit the year with different subjects? I've been in contact with a few schools and they say they would be willing take me on, although that would mean there would be an extra year of school fees and I'd be a year behind (already one of the oldest in the year).

Resit the year.

Reply 2

Kingston Eve

Official Rep

Original post

by Derxert

I only picked maths because everyone said that you need it for a good uni, and I also did decently in GCSEs (scraped a 7). But now I've realised it is not the subject for me; I'm already halfway through the academic year and genuinely have no idea what is going on in this subject - looking back at previous topics, they make absolutely no sense to me. This isn't a case of me not trying either, I'm doing decently in my other subjects and I've spent time trying to revise but it just doesn't click. Year 12 mocks are coming up soon and I definitely know I won't get a good grade in them.
Would it be a good idea to resit the year with different subjects? I've been in contact with a few schools and they say they would be willing take me on, although that would mean there would be an extra year of school fees and I'd be a year behind (already one of the oldest in the year).

Hey @Derxert,

I would speak to both your A-Level Maths teacher and your Head of Year/Head of College about your situation. Your A-Level Maths teacher might be able to point you in the direction of some resources that could help you, or they might agree with your assessment of the subject and suggest what to do next. Either way, it would be beneficial to have to the conversation before committing to another school.

If you do decide to move schools and re-sit the year with different subjects, I wouldn't worry too much about being the oldest in the year/a year 'behind' - it's a topic that rarely comes up in discussion, and as you've pointed out, only really matters in terms of having to pay an extra year of school fees.

Hope this was helpful, and best of luck!
Eve (Kingston Rep).

Reply 3