For most students, mathematics is a difficult subject to master. It can be daunting to sit down and revise for an upcoming maths exam, but with the right approach, you can succeed in your studies.
Whether you’re studying maths at a GCSE or A-level, there are several steps you can take to make sure you get the best grade possible.
Read on to find helpful tips on effectively revising for A level maths exam so you can ace it! You might also enjoy reading: Is A Level Maths Worth It? (Yes! and here’s why)
How To Revise A Level Maths
Revising A level Maths or any subject can be tricky; however, with the proper strategy, you should be fine and ace the exam. I found some revision techniques that helped my students succeed in A level maths exams.
1- Set Up a Revision Plan
The most important step all my students find helpful is setting up a revision plan. I suggest you break down your syllabus into manageable chunks and map out what topics need more focus than others.
Setting up a proper revision plan will help you determine which areas require extra work and help you create a revision plan that works for you. Make sure to schedule in plenty of breaks – revising for too long can negatively affect your productivity.
Moreover, creating a study plan will give you an idea of the amount of work that needs to be done and help you prioritize the topics that require more attention than others. Additionally, having a plan will help ensure that you don’t get overwhelmed or run out of time before the exam.
2- Practice Regularly, And Don’t Just Rely On Reading Your Notes
I find out that the more students practice, the higher they score on their exams. Generally, the level of practice determines your success on the A level maths. Making sure you practice exam questions regularly is key if you want to score highly in your exams.
Aim to answer as many practice papers as possible until you feel really confident with the material and the types of questions that come up.
It’s also important to make sure that when practicing, you use different types of resources, including your textbooks, online tutorials, YouTube videos, and question banks, as this will give you exposure to different styles of teaching, which may help when trying to gain an understanding of difficult areas.
3- Study with Friends or Form a Study Group
Studying with friends or forming a study group can be incredibly beneficial when revising for the A level maths; it allows for discussion and debate surrounding topics, which may provide clarity or even insight into areas that may have been previously confusing.
Working together is also often fun and can break up the monotony of solo studying sessions. However, I suggest you be careful when forming your group and ensure you choose serious study partners.
In addition, having someone who understands the material well enough to explain it clearly can be invaluable during times when you are unsure about certain topics.
4- Use Old Exam Papers Under Timed Conditions To Test Your Readiness
In addition to setting up a revision plan, practicing with old exam papers will help you do a general exam review. A few of my students told me that they found practicing with old exams very helpful.
In my experience, one of the best ways to prepare for an upcoming maths exam is by practicing with old papers from past years. You can find these online or ask your teacher or other students if they have any available.
Practicing with old exams will give you an idea of what types of questions may appear on the paper and also allow you to practice solving problems under timed conditions, similar to the actual exam.
Watch the video below to review past exams.
5- Ensure You Understand The Theory Behind The Questions
I suggest that during your practice, always ask yourself what you learned and what math concept is being tested.
I don’t think that it is enough to just know how to solve problems; understanding why certain solutions work (and why others don’t) is key when it comes to revising for A level maths exams.
I also recommend you take some time each day to read through your notes and really grasp the underlying theory behind each question type so that when it comes time for the actual test, you understand why certain answers are correct while others are incorrect.
6- Create Flashcards With Key Formulae And Equations
A level maths has a lot of formulae and equations to remember; I suggest you make flashcards containing fundamental formulae and equations.
For instance, you can include all variations of sin, cos, and tan graphs. I suggest you regularly go through your flashcards to solidify your knowledge.
The good news is that you revise your flashcards anywhere while waiting for the bus or with friends. Review your flashcards the night before an exam to ensure that you remember all the essential formulas and equations.
7- Familiarize Yourself With Your Calculator
Many students think that any exam question that allows you to use a calculator is easy, and they believe that all calculators work the same.
Unfortunately, it is not true; generally, calculators work differently. You will be faster and avoid mistakes if you are familiar with all the commands on your calculator for many questions, including trigonometry, Pythagoras, negative numbers, and indices.
Also, practicing with your calculator allows you to anticipate any issue and fix it before the exam date.
If you are interested in learning more about graphing calculators, I wrote a whole article about how to pick the best one!
8- Be Consistent, Persistent, And Work Hard
These 3 words are the most important words to remember when preparing for the A level maths. Maths is a fascinating subject, meaning the more questions you answer, the better you will do. The best advice is to practice consistently for your A level maths exam daily instead of cramming in the last week.
Daily practicing a few questions will help you build and retain new skills that will help you even in the long run.
For example, I suggest you plan on doing past exam papers if you have a day with less homework or a few free periods. Alternatively, you can revise your flashcards or pick a topic and answer a few questions if it is a hectic day.
9- Relax You Got This!
While preparing for your A level maths exam, I suggest you take care of your health, relax, eat healthily, and exercise whenever possible.
Follow the tips above, mainly about setting up a revision plan, being familiar with your calculator, and consistently practicing past exams. Revising for A level maths (or any other exam) should not be stressful and painful.
What to read next:
- A Level Vs. IB: Which one do top universities prefer?
- A Level Vs. AP Exam: Which One Is Right For You? (Including their key differences)
- Introduction to Logarithmic Functions.
Wrapping Up
Revising for A level maths exam doesn’t have to be difficult, stressful, or overwhelming. With a proper revision plan, you should be able to ace your A level exam.
By following these tips: creating a study plan, practicing with old papers, and understanding the theory behind each question type, you will be well on your way toward success in your upcoming maths exams.
Practicing regularly using traditional textbooks and online resources such as YouTube videos will give exposure to different teaching methods, which may prove useful when revising tough topics. Finally, don’t underestimate the power of working together – whether with friends or forming a study group – working collaboratively on maths problems can be extremely helpful.