Title: Year 12 Seeking A* Help: Maths, Further Maths, CS, Economics & EPQ
Hey everyone,
I’m currently in Year 12, and I’ve set myself a very ambitious goal: I want to achieve A*s in all my A-level subjects — Mathematics, Further Mathematics (OCR B MEI), Computer Science (AQA), Economics (AQA), and EPQ (Extended Project Qualification).
I know it’s not going to be easy, especially since OCR B MEI is considered one of the most challenging exam boards for Maths and Further Maths. But I’m genuinely motivated to push myself to the limit. My dream is to either study Mathematics and Computer Science at university or go into a degree apprenticeship in Artificial Intelligence or Software Engineering.
At the moment, I’m struggling with programming in Python for Computer Science, as well as some advanced topics in Maths, Further Maths, and even project management/research skills for EPQ. One of the biggest challenges I face is that my teachers aren’t very helpful — lessons often don’t go into enough depth, explanations can be rushed, and I frequently feel like I’m left figuring things out on my own. Because of this, I’ve decided to take full responsibility for my learning outside of school and actively seek guidance from others who’ve been through these courses.
💡 What I’m asking for:
I’d really appreciate any help, advice, or resources from students, graduates, or anyone with experience in these subjects or exam boards. Specifically, I’m looking for:
📘 For OCR B (MEI) Maths and Further Maths:
Revision notes, summary sheets, or complete topic guides
Practice questions, topic-by-topic worksheets, and exam-style questions
Past papers, mark schemes, or unofficial question banks
YouTube channels, websites, or online courses that explain topics in detail (especially pure maths, mechanics, and statistics)
Study/revision strategies that helped you achieve A or A* grades
💻 For AQA Computer Science:
Python resources (tutorials, problem sets, past coding exam questions, project ideas)
Explanations for tricky topics like algorithms, computational logic, and theory of computation
Revision websites or textbooks that actually make the content understandable
Tips for mastering the NEA project (I’d like to start preparing early)
📈 For AQA Economics:
Essay plans, example essays, and evaluation techniques
Revision guides or online resources that explain real-world application
Tips on how to link economic theory to current examples for higher evaluation marks
📑 For EPQ:
Guidance on choosing strong topics and refining research questions
Advice on project planning, research methods, and presentation skills
Examples of successful EPQs or resources to get top marks
I don’t mind whether the resources are free or paid — I’m happy to invest if something genuinely helps. Please also share any advice about time management, study techniques, or revision timetables that worked for you.
🎯 My Long-Term Goals:
I’m aiming to apply for competitive universities or degree apprenticeships in fields like:
Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning Engineering
Software Engineering / Data Science
Mathematics and Computer Science (BSc or MEng)
If anyone has experience applying for full scholarships, bursaries, or degree apprenticeships in these fields, please let me know how you approached it, what qualifications or extracurriculars helped, and any opportunities I should look into (both in the UK and internationally).
🙏 Final Thoughts:
I know this post is quite long, but I wanted to express how serious I am about achieving my goals. I really want to learn from others and build a community where knowledge is shared rather than gatekeep. My teachers haven’t been able to provide the support I need, so I’m relying on this community to guide me, share resources, and offer practical advice.
If you’ve done these A-levels, know someone who has, or have experience with scholarships, EPQ, or degree apprenticeships, please share your advice or tag others who might help. I’d also love to connect with peers to exchange resources, form study groups, or just motivate each other.
Thank you so much for reading and helping me out. Every bit of guidance matters!
— A very determined Year 12 student chasing As and big dreams!* 🚀