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How to improve my maths grades/ skills?

I'm currently a G6 student which is alright but I could do better. I have no idea where to start to get myself to improve. What would you recommend I do to rectify this?

Reply 1

Hey I understand ur situation, I've been there many years ago and finally found my way out...
From 50s I've now come up to 95+ which I think is great. I'm not boasting, but I mean is if an idiot like me could do it you can too!!!

This is a long message, and read it carefully.

Maths is like mayhem or even worse, but the moment you understand what math actually is you'll love it. If you want to improve;
First build a solid foundation - which means solidify the theories and know how it comes from. For example if your talking about differentiation you must know that it is determining how another variable changes when one changes, and after solidfied all these theories you must proceed to the next step...

Practice. Begin with relatively easy sums, like differentiation simple equations and gradually increase the difficulty, begin kinematics, the best way to seek help for a great teacher or a super bright, non-arrogant student.

Practice harder. After you've done try solving more complex problems, for example if you trying Edexcel iGCSE Maths A try doing Edexcel iGCSE Maths B, if you are doing edexcel iGCSE Math B try FPM (but be careful, you won't be able to do most sums because it contains alot of A/L theories, but you can try other examboards like Cambridge Paper 4, the sums are superb), if you trying FPM try A/L. But all this must be done once you've fully completed above steps.

Mixed papers, when you do one theory at a time you excel, so find difficult mixed papers and do them. I'll often recommend Cambridge Paper 4.

At the end close to your exams, once again look and all the theories and test if you can remember them or if you can derive them (if its possible and within the syllabus bounds). I mean like you can't prove the equation for differentiation, its needs FPM knowledge and a bit on A/L knowledge, but most of the circle theorems can be proven.

The most important part is the 1st step, it might be super difficult and boring, but believe me if you can do that, you'll probably get better exponentially. This is how I became better.

There is quite a lot of work to do and I won't hide it, because if I don't tell you this you'll fall behind thinking its too hard...

Anyway good luck pal... Get your 9! You deserve it! If you work hard and smart you can do this! Don't over rely on my method, maybe it might not suite you, if not try different ways till I fits perfectly for ya!

GOOD LUCK!!!
(edited 11 months ago)

Reply 2

Original post
by Peter Falking
Hey I understand ur situation, I've been there many years ago and finally found my way out...
From 50s I've now come up to 95+ which I think is great. I'm not boasting, but I mean is if an idiot like me could do it you can too!!!
This is a long message, and read it carefully.
Maths is like mayhem or even worse, but the moment you understand what math actually is you'll love it. If you want to improve;
First build a solid foundation - which means solidify the theories and know how it comes from. For example if your talking about differentiation you must know that it is determining how another variable changes when one changes, and after solidfied all these theories you must proceed to the next step...
Practice. Begin with relatively easy sums, like differentiation simple equations and gradually increase the difficulty, begin kinematics, the best way to seek help for a great teacher or a super bright, non-arrogant student.
Practice harder. After you've done try solving more complex problems, for example if you trying Edexcel iGCSE Maths A try doing Edexcel iGCSE Maths B, if you are doing edexcel iGCSE Math B try FPM (but be careful, you won't be able to do most sums because it contains alot of A/L theories, but you can try other examboards like Cambridge Paper 4, the sums are superb), if you trying FPM try A/L. But all this must be done once you've fully completed above steps.
Mixed papers, when you do one theory at a time you excel, so find difficult mixed papers and do them. I'll often recommend Cambridge Paper 4.
At the end close to your exams, once again look and all the theories and test if you can remember them or if you can derive them (if its possible and within the syllabus bounds). I mean like you can't prove the equation for differentiation, its needs FPM knowledge and a bit on A/L knowledge, but most of the circle theorems can be proven.
The most important part is the 1st step, it might be super difficult and boring, but believe me if you can do that, you'll probably get better exponentially. This is how I became better.
There is quite a lot of work to do and I won't hide it, because if I don't tell you this you'll fall behind thinking its too hard...
Anyway good luck pal... Get your 9! You deserve it! If you work hard and smart you can do this! Don't over rely on my method, maybe it might not suite you, if not try different ways till I fits perfectly for ya!
GOOD LUCK!!!
Aaahh thank you so much for this and congratulations on your grade boost! That's so good! I'm defo going to copy and paste this into a revision help doc for myself 🤭

Reply 3

Improving your math skills is totally doable, and it’s great that you want to get better. Since you’re already at a G6 level, the key is to figure out where you’re struggling the most and then practice those areas. A good way to start is by looking at your past tests or homework. What questions did you get wrong? Those are probably the topics you should focus on first.
Try breaking it down like this: Spend some time each day reviewing the basics (like fractions, decimals, or whatever feels shaky) and then slowly tackle harder stuff. Apps like DoodleMaths, SpiralLearning (https://spirallearning.pages.dev/app) are great for quick fixes on foundational skills, and Khan Academy is super helpful for brushing up on specific topics with videos and practice problems.
Also, don’t just memorize steps. Try to really understand why things work. If you’re stuck, ask your teacher, a friend, or even watch a YouTube explanation. And practice, practice, practice! The more problems you do, the more confident you’ll get. You got this! 💪

Reply 4

Original post
by sillymousepro
Improving your math skills is totally doable, and it’s great that you want to get better. Since you’re already at a G6 level, the key is to figure out where you’re struggling the most and then practice those areas. A good way to start is by looking at your past tests or homework. What questions did you get wrong? Those are probably the topics you should focus on first.
Try breaking it down like this: Spend some time each day reviewing the basics (like fractions, decimals, or whatever feels shaky) and then slowly tackle harder stuff. Apps like DoodleMaths, SpiralLearning (https://spirallearning.pages.dev/app) are great for quick fixes on foundational skills, and Khan Academy is super helpful for brushing up on specific topics with videos and practice problems.
Also, don’t just memorize steps. Try to really understand why things work. If you’re stuck, ask your teacher, a friend, or even watch a YouTube explanation. And practice, practice, practice! The more problems you do, the more confident you’ll get. You got this! 💪
Thank you so much for the help :-)
Hello there!

It's great that you're reflecting on your current maths level and you want to improve.
I recommend as a first step, to start with identifying the specific topics you struggle with the most.
Go through your past test papers, homework, or revision guides and make a list of the areas where you tend to lose marks. Once you know your weak points, focus your revision on those topics first.

Instead of just reading over notes, try solving problems regularly, especially exam-style questions.
Past paper questions are also very useful.
They help you understand the types of questions you are likely to face and how to apply your knowledge under pressure.

Set yourself a simple, manageable study schedule.
Even 30 to 45 minutes of focused practice a few times a week can make a real difference.
Try using the Pomodoro technique to stay on task, and break topics into smaller chunks.

If you ever get stuck, try to ask for help from teachers, or classmates.

Understanding your mistakes and learning how to correct them is one of the most effective ways to improve.

Keep going!
You’ve got this!

I hope this helps!

Kind regards,
Reka - Coventry University Student Ambassador

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