5 tips for GCSE Math exams

Posted by sofia comas on July 4th, 2019

Let's face it; GCSE Maths is not a popular topic for most students in the United Kingdom. Many students find the topic boring, irrelevant, or too difficult. As a local tutor in Mathematics, we have experienced many of these opinions first hand regarding GCSE mathematics.

So, what is the secret of success in GCSE Maths? Long before going into detail, we want first to delineate the 5 key areas where students make mistakes. From here, it will be clear how to be successful in the subject.

"I do not understand the subject; therefore, I will never do it."

Getting rid of limiting beliefs is a key area to succeed in the subject. We have lost count the number of times we have heard students say that they will never understand Algebra or Trigonometry. This simply is not true. First, learn the step-by-step procedures in Algebra, Trigonometry, or whatever you are having problems in with the help of English and Maths tuition in Brentwood. This is the magic recipe, if you prefer, you can apply to help solve the problems. From there, you can apply this to more difficult problems.

Not practicing enough, "There are not enough practice results in poor performance."

Remember that GCSE Maths is very similar to a sport, you need to practice, and otherwise, you will become rusty. We realize that not many schools allow students to take home GCSE Maths textbooks. In this case, you must take responsibility and obtain a GCSE Maths textbook from the library. The reason is that you can do the exercises in the book and then verify your answers. GCSE tuitions in Brentwood also recommend solving previous year questions so you can practice and have an idea of how they are going to be.

Poor GCSE Study skills "A poor organization produces poor progress."

This is a general study council here that you can apply to all your topics. Remember that you must organize your time effectively. Plan your week, meticulously. Exercise when you can devote time to math, English, science, etc. Then, within this plan, divide your time. Then, for example, you can assign 8 hours a week for Mathematics. From these 2 hours could be spent on previous documents, 3 hours on weak issues and 3 hours of revision, etc.

Spending too much on topics where you are good at "ignoring weaknesses results in failure."

We see again and again many students who focus too much on subjects where they are stronger. What is the point of this? Remember that the test will test a wide range of subjects, including those in which it is not so good, so you should make sure to cover as many weak areas as possible so that they reach the same standard as your more solid subjects.

Not receiving help "I'll look stupid if I ask for help."

Nobody in the background likes to admit that they need help; they feel it is a weakness and something that will expose a failure. We would say it shows a strength of character. After all, do not you want to improve your situation and improve? If you struggle with Maths, then a GCSE tutor is an invaluable resource.