Prepping For A Level Mathematics – The Do’s And Don’ts
The very thought of Mathematics as a subject tends to stress students out. Add in a board exam to this mix, and the stress levels triple. But stressing really won’t help you to crack the A Level Maths examination. What you need is a clear-cut strategy to help demolish this monster!
Here are some simple do’s and don’ts that will help prepare you for this examination.
1. Do organise the required revision materials ahead of time
It is always best to focus on one key textbook instead of having to refer to multiple books. Of course, the guides and the refreshers can help supplement what you take away for the main textbook. Also, any notes you have taken throughout the year should ideally be complete and in full. If you’ve missed any lessons or topics, you could ask a friend to share these with you. Or, you could check for the missing notes online. A level Mathematics syllabus and notes are freely available on online websites. On these sites, separate topics of the syllabus are clearly divided sections and available in bitesize notes for easier learning.
2. Do make short notes
This is particularly useful with regards to remembering all the required formulae. These short notes or list of all formulae will be useful in the multiple revision sessions that you will be doing. Before the day of examination, it will help you to go through the entire syllabus at once.
3. Do revise daily practice
This is key to your preparation for A Level Mathematics paper. Maths cannot be understood through rote learning. You have practice maths every day. Solve past years’ question papers every day and try and devote at least 3-5 hours daily to revising maths.
4. Do schedule breaks in your revision planner
This is important in order to stay energised. Drink plenty of water and eat well to ensure your brain gets the required fuel it needs. It is difficult to concentrate on an empty stomach! A hearty breakfast will ensure you start the day right. Take a ten-minute break after every 1 ½ hours of study. Take a lunch hour to rest in the middle of the day. Then you will be refreshed and ready for another few hours of gruelling revision sessions.
5. Do devise a proper revision schedule
While planning your revision schedule, it is best to divide the chapters according to your ability. Give the difficult chapters some extra time in the schedule. Mix up the easy topics and the difficult ones so as to avoid maths-fatigue!
6. Do test yourself over and over again
We cannot emphasize this strategy enough. Solving past years’ appears in an environment that closely simulates the exam day scenario, is key to getting you ready for the A Level examinations. Try and attempt one full syllabus test every week. When attempting the papers , do analyse the marks in questions and try and solve them accordingly. You could check the paper yourself. Or you could ask your parents/mentor/ guide or your online A level maths tutor to check your answers.
7. Do start at a time that suits you
It is scientifically proven that our brains are more energized and active in the mornings. BUT, you may not be a morning person. Only you know what your optimal study time is. Organise your revision schedule accordingly. However, do try and get proper sleep as well. Taking time out for some fun exercise is also good. It gets you out of the constant sitting position and your mind can relax and absorb what you have learnt better as well.
8. Do revise with friends
This may or may not work for you. Again it is all about timing. Usually, group studying happens at a time when everyone is available. But your mind might not be at its optimal to absorb everything. But revising in a group can be helpful as it leads to brainstorming sessions and pushes you to be attentive. Therefore, but if you have friends that live locally, arrange study groups and revise together as well. Test each other on facts and knowledge, you may pick up some new information that you didn’t know before.
Don’ts!
1. Don’t panic
STAY CALM! The thought of wading through an entire maths syllabus, can feel like a lot. So, the best approach is to break things done into small consumable bite-size formats. Lots of students find that revision is an overwhelming prospect. There is no need to become stressed about revision. Daily practise is key. The more you practice and tackle the topics, the less unknown the A level Maths syllabus will feel.
2. Don’t overwork yourself
Another common mistake one makes while prepping , is to work yourself to the bone. DON’T! Pace your revision and work to a properly, planned schedule to ensure you make the most of your holiday time. Don’t skip meals. Take regular breaks and remember to make time for a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner.
3. Don’t get distracted
Your gadgets are the greatest distraction of your revision schedule. The best thing to do is to keep your mobile phone away from yourself, during study time. The same goes for your other gadgets like tablets, laptops, etc. Revision is best done daily to ensure your brain retains all the information and facts you’ve been learning. Don't try to revise everything on a single day. Study and master a few chapters each day and give your brain some time to absorb the concepts studied.
4. Don’t work in a noisy place
Try and find a nice quiet corner, room at home or in a local library where you can revise in peace and quiet. A home office or dining room where you can sit at a proper table and close the door and shut out the sound of the television, or noisy siblings, parents or pets is ideal!
5. Don’t feel defeated
After a point of time, when you are probably into the 4th week of revision, a sense of great loneliness may grip you. This generally happens when you are dealing with a technical and complex subject like A Level Maths. Well, you are not alone! All your peers are in the same situation. Share your revision techniques with your friends and stay positive. Make plans for what to do after the examinations; this gives you something to look forward to and makes the task at hand feel less burdensome!
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