How to Achieve A* in A-level Maths
- Dickson Wong
- Jan 17
- 5 min read
Did you know that nearly 40% of students in the UK find Maths the most challenging A-Level subject? But with the right strategies, you can turn that around and achieve top grades in this subject. A-Level Maths is a critical subject for many university degrees and careers. Doing well in it not only also boosts your problem-solving skills but also opens plenty of doors for life after university. I would like to share with you 5 top tips that will help you study smarter and get the A* that is within your reach.
Tip #1: Master the Basics
The A-Level Maths course is a combination of three areas of Maths: Pure, Statistics and Mechanics. It builds on top of GCSE Maths, particularly on the Core branch, but at a much deeper level. The key to doing well is understanding the basic topics like algebra, calculus and trigonometry. With this trio that forms a solid foundation, it would be much easier to manage more complex topics within the syllabus.
So go back and review GCSE-level topics, especially algebra, which underpins much of the A-Level Maths course. Concepts like manipulating equations, understanding functions, and solving simultaneous equations etc should be second nature at this stage. Take differentiation and integration for instance. If you are not confident with manipulating algebraic expressions, then how are you going to apply these calculus concepts effectively? If need be, spend extra time on areas where you’re weak to ensure fluency on algebraic manipulation.
Remember, having a firm grip on the basics sets the groundwork for success, especially when you encounter multi-step problems in exams that combine different areas of Maths.
Tip #2: Understand, Not Memorise
One of the biggest mistakes students make is memorisation of formulas or steps without truly understanding why or how they use them. This may have worked at GCSE level for the simpler problems, but this does not work at A-level Maths where questions are more complex and concepts more sophisticated in terms of breadth and depth.
So what should we do instead? Take time to understand what you are doing and why you are doing it. For example, when studying the differentiation, instead of memorising that the derivative of x^n is nx^(n-1), make sure you understand how differentiation works and what differentiating an equation actually help us accomplish. This allows you to tackle questions where they are sometimes presented in an unfamiliar way during exams, which is where my A* Maths tutees excel.
Tip #3: Learn From Your Mistakes
Mistakes are inevitable in Maths, but they are also one of the most valuable learning tools. Every time you answer a question wrong, there is a lesson to be learned there. Look back at each mistake you make in homework or in practice questions, note on why you made that mistake and re-attempt them or similar questions until you are able to solve them like “water off a duck’s back”.
In the beginning, you may find yourself making plenty of mistakes and it takes you more time than usual to do these essential corrections, but over time you will start to recognise common pitfalls and avoid them in the exam when it truly matters. So embrace these mistakes, for they are opportunities for learning and development. By tracking and reviewing your errors early, you ensure that you don’t repeat the same mistakes when it counts, and thereby significantly improve exam performance and ultimately, boost your grade.
But whenever possible, be aware of frequent errors like miscalculations or overlooking important information. Take a moment to check your calculations, as research shows that students who double-check their work improve their accuracy by up to 15%.
Tip #4: Use Calculator Shortcuts
Many A-Level Maths exams allow the use of specific calculators like the Casio series. Make sure you're familiar with every function that these calculators offer. The exams may require you to perform complex calculations, such as solving binomial distribution questions, differentiating functions, or matrix operations etc. Knowing shortcuts on your calculator allows you to complete these tasks quickly and efficiently. This is crucial given the time limits in exams, where every minute counts.
Additionally, using calculator shortcuts reduces the risk of human error, especially in error-prone operations like finding logarithms, solving trigonometric equations, or working with large datasets etc. By using shortcuts, you can be confident that the calculator is performing the correct operation, leading to much more accurate results. Of course, even some questions where handwritten steps are mandatory, using calculator shortcuts helps you check and verify your answers quickly, so that you know your manually derived solutions are indeed correct.
Tip #5: Practice, Practise, Practise
Maths is an acquired skill, and like any skill, the more you practice, the better you become. Understanding a concept at the first instance is not enough—you need to apply that knowledge through regular practice to ensure it sticks. Do exam-style questions regularly will help you familiarise with the exam format and allows you to see how examiners phrase questions. On topics that you find difficult, aim to complete more questions than usual. If you’re using your textbook as a primary source for questions, focus on the latter questions on each exercise as well as the mixed or review exercise at the end of each chapter.
Remember, the more you practice, the more your brain will recognise patterns in questions, which helps you respond quickly and accurately in the exam. Consistent practice over time is what separates A* students from the rest.
Achieving A* in A-Level Maths is not about innate talent—it is about strategy, persistence, and working smart. By following these tips, you are setting yourself up for academic success. The earlier you begin implementing these tips, the more confident and prepared you will be when exam time comes around. Remember, the extra mile is never too crowded.
Are you ready to unleash your full potential through consistent practice? The choice is yours, and the possibilities are endless. Start today and pave the way for a brighter academic future! Stay Connected with Dickson!
For additional study tips, resources, and updates, visit my website (dwtutoring.com) and connect with me on social media. Together we can create a community of passionate tutors and learners striving to achieving academic excellence.
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