How hard is A Level Maths?
Being the most challenging subject among other A Level exams, A Level Maths is also considered as the most prevailing subject that facilitates students in different fields. In this article, you will be given information on whether you should take an A Level Maths exam and how hard is A Level Maths .
1. Is A Level Maths really hard?
In fact, A Level Maths, among other subjects in A Level exam, is the most difficult one due to its complex formula, challenging questions and the need to practice consistently. However, the actual statistics indicates that the number of high-scoring performances at A Level Maths among students is higher than some of other A Level exams, which is good news for those wondering whether to choose to study Maths at A Level or not. It is definitely possible for students to get top grades in A Level Maths with the continuous endeavor.
Especially, A Level Maths is regarded favorably by institutions and firms where maths skill is one of the requiring criteria. Therefore, students are highly recommended to sit an A Level Maths exam in order to both broaden their knowledge and create opportunities for tertiary education or future career.
2. How hard is A Level Maths compared to GCSE Maths?
In terms of topics containing in an A Level Maths exam as opposed to a GCSE Maths exam, there is quite a huge gap. To be specific, A Level Maths covers a lot of ground with 3 separate components including:
- A Level Maths Pure Maths:
– Algebra and Functions
– Sequences and Series
– Coordinate Geometry
– Trigonometry
– Differentiation
– Integration
– Numerical Methods
– Vectors
– Proof
– Exponentials and Logarithms
- A Level Maths Statistics:
– Data Presentation and Interpretation
– Statistical Sampling
– Statistical Distributions
– Statistical Hypothesis Testing
– Probability
- A Level Maths Mechanics:
– Kinematics
– Quantities and Units in Mechanics
– Moments
– Forces and Newton’s Laws
On the other hand, GCSE Maths consists of 9 topics in total:
– Algebra
– Geometry
– Probability
– Statistics
– Number
– Ratio
– Proportion
– Rates of Change
– Measures
So, from the two lists of topics abovementioned, it can be seen that the number of topics in A Level Maths nearly doubles those in CGSE Maths.
Notwithstanding the pretty similar content style, A Level Maths is still considered to be much harder than GCSE Maths. This can be explained by the extensive syllabus of A Level Maths being the step up from GCSE Maths to some extent. Questions in GCSE Maths are mostly basic in the form of components of a paragraph in order to direct students the right flow of answering. In contrast, A Level Maths is quite independent with concrete questions.
For each question in A Level Maths, it can be up to 12 points, compared to normally 5 to 7 points in GCSE Maths. In total, there are 3 linear papers worth 100 points for each whereas each out of three papers in GCSE worths 80 points.
Nonetheless, a novelty feature of A Level Maths is that it allows students to use calculators, in other words, A Level Maths is the first calculus exam. This may first appear as a nightmare for students, especially for ones who are new to GCSE Further Maths, but as long as you prepare an right calculator, you can gain an competitive edge among other students.
In short, A Level Maths is really hard in comparison to GCSE Maths. In order to well prepare for the A Level Maths exam, it is pivotal to prepare the appropriate mathematical equipment as well as have a deep insight into this subject or you may fall behinds with your studies.
3. What are the minimum requirements to study A Level Maths?
Firstly, you need to complete at least 5 GCSE subjects at grades of 4-9 (C-A*) for each subject. Also, A Level English is another requisite subject.
Then, you need to make the grade with Maths in generally or GCSE Maths at more than 6 (B) before applying for A Level Maths.
In case your grades are unqualified and you’re immensely into Maths and want to study A Level Maths, you may convince the colleges that your scores were unexpected and you know how exactly to recharge yourself and get better results at A Level Maths.
Because A Level Maths needs really hard work, determination and persistence, colleges may give you a chance after looking at your CV with all the activities and awards you have in order to decide whether you’re eligible for the course.
4. How to improve at Maths?
To conquer Maths as a subject, specific and realistic goals should be taken into consideration. It is rather unwise to cram with thousands of formula and concepts right before the exam, hence, you need to first identify the strengths and weaknesses and note down what your struggles are. After that, a detailed plan to fix those issues should be made in order to reach the goal.
Self-learning, on the other hand, is essential for Maths learners. However, you should engage more with your Maths tutor or teachers if any difficulties or concerns are raised so that you can keep up with other students at class.
Also, nothing is more important than hard work and consistent practice. In most Maths questions, the same concepts are asked using different values and figures, but the concepts are the same. Therefore, try to wrap your head around all the concepts and practice with different question as much as possible. Once you understand the core concepts in-depth, your practice can go with ease. You can practice with diverse papers, or more conveniently, you can access online website or mobile apps providing Maths lessons and practice questions. With A Level Maths, our website is quite an ideal place to head to (trích website vào đây ạ) or you can download the app on your mobile phone.
In conclusion, although A Level Maths is a really hard subject compared to others, you can master this exam by practicing on a daily basis with determination and specific goals for yourself. Let’s practice with A Level Maths Practice Questions now on our website or mobile application.