Bridging The Gap Between Gcse And As Maths

After tutoring AS Maths for numerous years, there are two main messages I would like to get across to all students who plan to start A-level Maths.

Firstly, your GCSE grade do not have to influence how well you do in A Level Maths. I saw students struggling with AS Maths, who got an A in GCSE, while others got a B in GCSE and they found it easier. The reason for this is gaps in knowledge from GCSE which also leads to lack in confidence. It is essential that you don't struggle with basic skills when you start AS Maths.

Secondly, save yourself from falling behind at a crucial time(starting AS Maths) by spending time over the summer holidays to practise the most difficult topics from GCSE Maths. Although most A Level courses start with topics you`ll already have covered, they move quickly and there is not enough time to cover the basics again. You need to consolidate on difficult GCSE topics, especially Algebra.

There is a pretty big jump between GCSE to AS Maths, many students find it quite a challenge, even those who got an A in GCSE. You need to put yourself in a good position to start the A Level Maths course in September. To help you with the transition and make the best possible start to the course, you need a firm grasp of the knowledge and skills you have already developed at GCSE level. Some colleges or schools start in September with an assessment and if you don't get a significant good mark, they consider it a fail and could deny you access on the course.

You need to revise mostly Algebra and Geometry topics, the more fluent you are with the grade A and A* GCSE work, the easier the transition to AS Maths will be. Good Algebra skills are especially important. There are books available on Bridging the Gap between GCSE and A Level, you could work through them independently or find helpful sheets online.

Alternatively, you can do a revision course or get a Tutor to help. Please contact me or any other Maths Tutor on this site for help to bridge the gap.

Topics you need to revise to get a head start by bridging the gap: Surds; Indices. Algebra: Solving Linear equations; Linear inequalities; Solving quadratic equation by factorising; Completing the square; Solving a quadratic equation using the formula; Solving equations simultaneously. Coordinate geometry: Straight line graphs; The equation of the line; Parallel and perpendicular lines; Intersection of lines; Transformation of graphs; Sketching curves; Intersection points of graphs; Trigonometry and triangles; Sine and Cosine Rules. Differentiation, if you didn't do IGCSE (this can be helpful, but is not essential)