How best to revise for Maths

If you are getting ready for A Level maths exams, firstly congratulations – you’ve made a great choice of subject.  Maths is a really useful stepping stone to whatever you choose to go to next.  But it has its challenges – the rewards do not come easily for most, there is a great deal of hard work and learning needed in order to achieve success.  Here are some pointers that might help that process a little easier.

1. Start early.

You probably have heard this before, but it really is never too early to revise what you have covered.  Even in the first weeks of the course it is worth reviewing what you have covered – even 5 minutes helps.  That is how your memory works – repeating things means you’re more likely to recall them in future.  Spending time early will help you later on.

Having said that, it’s also never too late to start, so don’t be put off if you haven’t started yet.  Just do what you can.

You will probably find that, once you start, it gets easier, and that you can spend a little longer on it each time and get more reward from it.

So basically, just start!

2. Know what is in the formula book or pages.

The formula book, or formula pages, available in the exam paper for some boards is a really useful resource. Start early having it by your side and referring to it when you need a formula or table.  Then in the exam you will waste less time thumbing through pages to find what you need.

3. Know what is not in the formula book.

The A Level examiners can – and will – have all the GCSE syllabus to call on as “assumed knowledge” so make sure you are aware of things like the sine and cosine rules and volumes of various shapes as you never know when they might turn up. 

4. Know your calculator.

An A Level calculator is a very powerful tool and can do a lot for you – but that makes the keys and processes more complex.  Make sure you are familiar with all the things you need on a calculator. 

5. Learn about the large data set.

Exam regulations say there must be a “material advantage” to students who have studied the large data set and know something about it.  It’s impossible to know everything but do spend some time learning about what the different variables are and how they are measured.

6. Learn and understand.

When you revise the content, do try to really understand what the topics are about and their implications.  For instance, remembering that a sine function has a maximum of one is essential when they ask about the maximum of a more complicated trig function.  With the binomial distribution they will not just ask about the conditions for it to be valid, but you have to reflect on how it applies in particular situations. 

7. Practice and understand.

There is no substitute for practicing questions from past papers.  Take them slowly and ensure you understand all stages of the solution.  Learn to identify key phrases – for instance “show that” means you need to show all stages in how you work out a solution which is already given – miss a stage out and you are liable to lose marks. 

Often the first part of a question is a ‘show that’ and gives you the answer.  If you can’t solve it don’t give up on the rest of the question because it is often based on using the answer given, so you can often complete further parts of the question successfully.

8. Make use of your teachers and tutors.

One of the best resources are your teachers, and if you attend a revision course such as OXSS’s excellent ones, do make effective use of your time with them.  If you are unsure of something don’t stay quiet but ask and they will be delighted to help you.

All this sounds like hard work, and it is.  Maths A Level does involve hard work but if you put the work in, I think it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do.

All the best