Are you one of the thousands of students who will be sitting their GCSE maths exam this year? If so, you’ll want to read this post! We’re going to share the top 10 tips on how to pass GCSE maths and advice that will help you ace your exams. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to getting the grade you deserve!
1. Revision Plan
Make a revision plan and stick to it, work out how many hours or days you have until your exams and plan accordingly. This will help you focus on your revision and ensure that you cover all the topics you need to cover. The most crucial thing to remember about writing a revision plan is to set aside your time in advance. You’re less likely to be overwhelmed by the amount of material you have to learn.
To start with, take a look at your syllabus and make a list of all of the topics you need to revise. Once you have done this, break down each topic into smaller sections to make revising them less daunting. For example, studying maths, break it down into topics such as ‘algebra’ and ‘trigonometry’.
Gather together all the textbooks, notes and other materials you’ll need for maths GCSE Revision. This will make it easier when it comes time to actually start revising. It’s important to stick to your revision schedule as much as possible. Of course, life can get in the way sometimes but try not to let it derail your entire plan. A little bit of flexibility is key!
Revision Time Table
As the exams approach, it is important to make a revision timetable in order to utilise your time effectively. This will ensure that you are covering all of the topics you need to revise and avoid last-minute panicking!
Take a look at a free revision timetable to use:
Once you have done this, you can start to fill in your timetable. I would advise allocating a certain amount of time for each topic, depending on how much you need to revise. For example, if algebra is your weakest area, allocate more time to revising this than other topics.
A great way to stick to your timetable is by setting daily or weekly goals. For example, aim to complete two hours of revision per day or revise a certain topic by the end of the week.
2. Start Revision Early
As the exams approach, everyone starts to feel the pressure. The key to success is starting your revision early and staying ahead of the game.
There is no magic formula to success, but starting your maths revision early will give you a head start. It will also allow you to identify any areas where you need to focus more attention. Passing GCSE maths is all about preparation and time spent learning.
If you’re not sure where to start, try breaking down the syllabus into smaller chunks and focusing on one topic at a time. Once you’ve mastered that, move on to the next one. Keep your revision notes for the next time you need them.
3. Use Past Exam Papers and Online Resources
Take mock exams under timed conditions to get used to the pressure. This will also help identify any weaknesses in your knowledge so that you can focus your revision accordingly.
If you want to do well in your exams, it is important to use a range of resources. Past exam papers are a great way to revise and test your knowledge. You can find past exam papers online, at your local library, or at your school or college.
Online resources can also be very useful for studying GCSE maths. There are websites that offer practice papers, questions, sample answers and tips for the maths exam. You can also find video tutorials and articles that explain concepts in more detail on youtube.
When using past exam papers and online resources, it is important to make sure that you understand the material. Do not just memorise answers; try to understand the concepts so that you can apply them to different situations. If you can do this, you will be well prepared for your exams.
Best Past Papers
When it comes to finding the best past papers, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, make sure you know where to look. It’s important that you find the right papers for your needs, so take your time and choose wisely. Second, make sure you look at the mark scheme and find a good revision technique that suits you.
Check out below the best websites for foundation and higher tier past papers:
Click this link for other previous years papers not listed above including statistics.
Best Online Resources
The amount of resources that students have available to them nowadays is incredible! Let’s take a look at the best we could find:
Maths Genie
Exam Solutions Best Values
The above exam boards set the content for GCSE maths, so you need to make sure you understand and can do all of the topics they cover.
4. Revise Revise Revise (Repetition is Key)
Consistently revising is an important part of tacking your GCSE Maths. By breaking down the syllabus into small, manageable chunks, you can make sure that you understand each concept before moving on. Additionally, doing practice questions is key to success as it will help consolidate what you have learned and identify any areas that need improvement.
Of course, everyone learns differently, so finding a revision method that works for you is essential. Some students prefer to study with friends, others prefer to use flashcards or apps, there is no right or wrong way! The important thing is to find a system that helps you learn and remember the information.
Personally, I learned by completing mock exams and going over that paper over and over again. I would write my answers down on a piece of white paper and check the answers at the end. If I got one wrong I would do it again until I got everything right.
5. Ask Your Teacher For Help
If you’re ever feeling stuck on a problem or don’t understand something, don’t be afraid to ask your maths teacher for help. They’re there to help you and want you to succeed!
There’s no shame in admitting that you need assistance and your teacher will be more than happy to provide it. If they can’t help you right then, they’ll point you in the right direction or find someone who can.
So next time you’re struggling, remember to ask your teacher for help. It’s what they’re there for!
6. Work With Others
When you’re revising for exams, it can be helpful to work with other people. Group revision can help you get different perspectives on the material and identify areas where you need more work. Additionally, working with others can make the process more fun and less daunting.
There are a few different ways that you can work with others when revising for exams. One option is to join or create a study group. Another option is to meet up with someone who is also studying for the same exam and go over the material together. Finally, you can also ask a friend or family member to quiz you on the material.
Whichever method you choose, working with others can be a great way to revise for exams and improve your chances of success to pass your GCSE maths. So why not give it a try? You might be surprised at how well it works for you.
7. Take Regular Breaks
Exam season can be stressful, but remember to take care of yourself! Regular breaks will help you stay focused and avoid burnout. So make sure to set a timer and take five minutes for yourself every hour. During your break, do something active like going for a walk or getting a drink of water. Enjoy doing something that takes your mind off revision for that brief period, whether listening to music or going for a walk. Taking care of yourself will help you do your best on exams.
Take a look at this Youtube Video that explains the importance of taking breaks and the improved results you will see when doing so.
8. Don’t Stay Up Too Late
The worst thing you can do when revising for exams is to stay up late into the night. You might think that you can cram in a few extra hours of study time, but this will actually have the opposite effect.
Staying up late will make you tired and less able to focus on your work. It’s much better to get a good night’s sleep and wake up early to revise. You’ll be more alert and able to retain information better. So next time you’re tempted to pull an all-nighter, just remember that it’s not going to help you!
Doing well in exams doesn’t just depend on how much revision you do, it’s also important to revise effectively. That means making sure you understand the material and can apply it, rather than just memorising facts and figures. If you’re not sure how well you’re really grasping the subject matter, try testing yourself by writing out answers to practice questions. This will help you identify any areas where you need to do more work.
9. Revision Techniques
It is no secret that maths can be one of the most challenging subjects at school. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! With our top tips and revision techniques, you’ll be on your way to acing your GCSE Maths exams in no time.
Here are our top tips for how to pass GCSE Maths:
Flashcards
One of the best revision techniques for GCSE Maths is to create flashcards. Write down key formulas, terms and definitions on one side of the card, and on the other side, write down an example or a short explanation. This way, you can quickly test yourself on key concepts. Not only that but making your own flashcards is a great way to actively engage with the material and ensure that you’re really learning the content.
Mind Maps
Another helpful technique for revising for GCSE Maths is to create mind maps. Start by writing down the main topic in the centre of a piece of paper. Then, draw branches out from the centre, and write down sub-topics, key points and examples. This is a great way to visually see the connections between different concepts, and it can also help you to remember information more easily.
Timed Revision Conditions
One of the best ways to prepare for your GCSE Maths exams is to practise under timed conditions. This will help you to get used to working quickly and under pressure, and it’s a great way to find out which areas you need to focus on. Set yourself a time limit, and see how much you can get through in that time. Then, try to beat your score each time you practise.
Get a Tutor
If you’re struggling with GCSE Maths, another great option is to get a tutor. A tutor can help you understand difficult concepts, work on your problem-solving skills, and provide guidance on effectively revising for your exams.
10. Relax and Believe In Yourself!
Finally, relax and believe in yourself. On exam day, try to relax and stay positive. The more revision you complete, the more likely you will feel comfortable in the exam. You will be more prepared and less likely to be anxious going into it. Believe in yourself and that you can do it!
Conclusion
We hope this helps you while sitting your exams, we know how hard it is to stay focused. Let us know if you have any other tips and tricks and how you got on!