Maths as level problem :(

Hello, I am a student in year 12 currently and I’m studying as level Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Business studies. Recently I had a math test and I did horrifically on it and when I was in the test I opened it and immediately forgot everything I learnt.
So yesterday I had a parents evening and my mum spoke to my year head asking if it was too late to swap as levels from maths to media studies as I got a A in media and I got B in maths and the year head said I can but they don’t recommend due to catching up but they said as long as the head of media approves it I can.
Another reason I choose math a level is because I would really love to go into StEM and engineering which has been my dream for ages but also seeing the maths has made me realise how hard it is but I have a back up plan of studying marketing and management degree.
So I have 2 options
1- Switch this week from maths to media if I’m allowed
2- to continue with maths and work really hard and see my result in the January mocks

Pros:
-I think I’d be allowed to swap cause I got an A in media gcse and I fit the requirements for media a level
-Less stress and ruining my mental health
- I can focus on my sciences a lot and get really good results in it

Cons
- Leaving as math would be like I’m giving up too soon
- Making quick decisions
- No chance if engineering unless I do foundation year

Please help me, I’m quite indecisive and very nervous about making the wrong decision

Thank u :smile:

Reply 1

Cutecupcake07

Original post

by aknasa20

Hello, I am a student in year 12 currently and I’m studying as level Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Business studies. Recently I had a math test and I did horrifically on it and when I was in the test I opened it and immediately forgot everything I learnt.
So yesterday I had a parents evening and my mum spoke to my year head asking if it was too late to swap as levels from maths to media studies as I got a A in media and I got B in maths and the year head said I can but they don’t recommend due to catching up but they said as long as the head of media approves it I can.
Another reason I choose math a level is because I would really love to go into StEM and engineering which has been my dream for ages but also seeing the maths has made me realise how hard it is but I have a back up plan of studying marketing and management degree.
So I have 2 options
1- Switch this week from maths to media if I’m allowed
2- to continue with maths and work really hard and see my result in the January mocks
Pros:
-I think I’d be allowed to swap cause I got an A in media gcse and I fit the requirements for media a level
-Less stress and ruining my mental health
- I can focus on my sciences a lot and get really good results in it
Cons
- Leaving as math would be like I’m giving up too soon
- Making quick decisions
- No chance if engineering unless I do foundation year
Please help me, I’m quite indecisive and very nervous about making the wrong decision
Thank u :smile:

Hi,

I don’t think you should stop taking Maths just yet, as you’ve only recently started the course and still have plenty of time to improve. It’s natural to find it challenging at first, but with consistent practice and support, your understanding will grow over time.

Since you’re interested in pursuing engineering, keeping Maths is particularly important. Universities place high value on academic subjects such as Maths, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, especially for courses like engineering that rely heavily on analytical and problem-solving skills. These A Levels are highly respected and can strengthen your university applications.

That said, only you can decide what’s best for you. If you ever find the workload too overwhelming, you can always reassess your options. However, for now, I’d recommend continuing with Maths and giving yourself more time to adjust before making a final decision.

Reply 2

bidd,

Hi, sorry to hear about your situation, it’s terrible. I did my A level maths in year 12 (now year 13 with an A in maths, I sat it after one year) Maths is hard until you get it, I’d persist for now or perhaps look into the possibility of an AS level in maths? My maths exam was not as bad as the tests were before. They tend to give worst case scenarios before the final exam. Especially if engineering is the dream. Always chase your dreams even if they seem unattainable, somehow you’ll get there (probably a foundation year)

Reply 3

Anonymous :3

Hi, I was in a similar position to you in year 12. My subjects were biology, physics, computing and maths. My first exam in Maths around October definitely didn't go as well as I wanted and this was the case for many in my class. Despite possibly getting the worst result I've ever seen, I decided to stay on the course. Now I'm in year 13 working towards Cs and I don't regret it. I'm going to be honest and say that it's tough and requires hard work but I find that it can be rewarding. I also want to add that universities and apprenticeships do value maths and it can help you with taking a STEM route.
But overall this is your decision and I hope that my experience can be of use to you in deciding on how to proceed. I'm also not sure how it works in your school but I had people change courses in January and were able to catch up quickly.

I hope this helps and good luck :smile:

Reply 4

aknasa20

Hello everyone who replied
I just wanted to say thank you for your advice
I have decided to stay with maths for now because I am not the person to ever give up in anything and leave my dream just because of one bad result which is definitely expected at the start of the year. Also, I will do my very best to practice until the January mocks then I will see depending on my mock result if I will drop it and stick to 3 + Welsh bacc too 🙂

Thank you again 🙂

(edited 4 weeks ago)