How to improve your GCSE Maths Grade

GCSE Maths is a really important subject. Employers and sixth form colleges use it as a measure not just of your measure of numeracy, but also your ability to problem solve.

To revise for GCSE Maths, practice consistently. Don’t leave it to the last minute. A maths GCSE exam tests your problem-solving ability as well as maths content and absolutely cannot be “crammed” last minute.

Having a revision programme that runs from much earlier in the year is a really good idea.

Practice consistently and strategically

• Develop your problem solving skills
• Do maths regularly: Avoid just reading notes. The best way to learn is by doing practice questions.
• Rotate topics: Mix up different topics in your revision sessions to reinforce your knowledge across the syllabus.
• Use past papers: Work through past papers to get used to the exam format and build stamina.
• Focus on weaknesses: After completing a paper, mark it using the mark scheme and identify the topics you struggled with. Re-learn these topics.
• Use a reputable source: Ensure that you go to a reputable source to re-learn and practise the topic to ensure full coverage at the right level (Foundation or Higher).
• "Rinse and repeat": Go back and practice questions specifically on the topics you found difficult. There's no need to re-do questions you got right. Focus on the questions that will stretch you.

Utilise revision resources

• Use online tools advised by your school: Websites like Corbettmaths, and Maths Genie offer practice questions, videos, and explanations. Do check that the work is appropriate to your curriculum level and ensure thorough coverage of the topic area. Ask the school if in doubt
• Work with model answers: Understand how questions are tackled and learn from them. However, this comes with a health warning: Ensure that you have tried the question first and then be honest with yourself about the subsequent work required to be successful in your future exam.
• Explicitly develop skills for problem solving: Maths tests problem solving and working under pressure.
• Use revision guides and workbooks: Look for resources that summarize topics and include practice questions. Pay attention to the sections on your weaker areas.
• Explain your workings: Explain your thought process out loud or write it down clearly. This helps solidify your understanding. 

Improve your exam technique

• Read the question carefully: Make sure you understand exactly what the question is asking, although sometimes taking a little at a time and thinking "What Maths can I do now?" is a more accessible way to tackle more challenging questions
• Don't throw away easy marks: Pay attention to questions that seem simple, as they are often an opportunity to earn easy marks.
• Attempt the more challenging questions: Try to answer every part of every question, even if you aren't sure of the answer, as you may get some marks for your working.
• Keep an eye on the time: Work on time management during practice papers to ensure you have enough time to answer all questions in the actual exam. However, don’t do this from too early on. It’s more important that you learn how to answer questions correctly than race through them.

If you want to secure experienced tuition revision support, get in touch today.

https://www.cambridgequalitytuition.co.uk/