Making A Success Of Your A-level Mathematics

An undeniable truth about YOUR A-Level Maths Course, is the fact that YOU need to be in absolute control of your subject from the very onset. You want to be able to make an excellent grade right from the start.

So how do YOU approach your studies ? Many students , at the start of the academic year, are still in , what I refer to as `the GCSE mode`. Especially you would find students at both ends of the attainment spectrum- those who attained an A/A* Grade and those obtaining B/C- still reminiscing over the past year`s success or disappointment, and so fail to actually give themselves a "fresh start", as it were.

Due to this and other intrinsic reasons, many have suffered the consequences: being unsuccessful, at first attempt, and having to re-sit some, if not all, of their AS papers. This then goes on to have a dominoes effect on their A2 papers to follow. It is worth noting that , due to the overall structure of the Math A-Level course, there is no escaping , the dire effects of not really `enjoying` and hence making a real success of each module from day one.

How do you give Yourself a head-start?

1. Be well Equipped. Ensure that you acquaint yourself with your school`s subject area of specialty. This will ensure that you enroll on courses that you are most likely to get the strongest support- do not settle for any less! Additionally, ensure you have access to textbooks and their corresponding revision guides or websites, that would easily serve as self-help as well as revision tools for you, on a daily basis.

2. Give yourself a `fresh start`. Embrace the new year with a positive mind. Whichever topics that you thought were your strengths or weaknesses might present you with fresh challenges. So being positive will mean that you focus intently during lessons and most importantly give your new teacher your apt attention. You will be pleasantly surprised what you are able to gain out of your lessons, as a result. Try not to dwell on past mistakes. Because YOU cannot undo them! What you are in control of, is what happens from now on and beyond.

3. Be alert to fresh opportunities to expand your knowledge and understanding of the Mathematics. Offer yourself willingly ,to explain a concept to your classmates and challenge yourself by looking up unfamiliar concepts and principles. Ensure you `grab` any opportunities to enhance your knowledge. Aim to make as positive and lasting impression, when it come to YOUR attitude to Learning.

4. Seek eminent Support . Do not leave any challenging areas in your learning to chance. If you do not seek support, support will not seek you! So , ensuring that you make ample provisions for getting extra help with ALL your work , will go a long way to ensure that you emerge with the BEST grade(s) you could possibly attain. First make good use of your teachers` expertise at school. Even if that requires you to wait after school for it. You have the added option to seek out an experienced tutor , one just right for your needs.

Remember help is at hand at any stage , so do not leave it till the exams term. The sooner you make that choice of "taking ownership of your Learning", the sooner you will see your grades improve and the better your appreciation will be for this "Beautiful Subject": Mathematics.