Maths at A-level

Deehjay

Deehjay

Deehjay

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Hey, I'd like to ask a question about Maths at A-level. I understand the majority of this forum are older people but I'm hoping to get an answer as some of you may have studied Maths at A-level stage. I'm currently in year 10 (Yes, I'm only 15) but I'm determined to go on to Uni and do a Computer Science & Mathematics course after I leave school. Why '& Mathematics?' you may ask.. simply, my answer is that I feel it'd up a wider range of potential jobs within the area of computing and even a job that just involves major mathematics in general. I was wondering if you would consider Maths at A-level 'hard'?. I know it's a bit of a blunt question considering people would have different opinions based on their capabilities in maths but I'd just like an insight. If it helps, I'm predicted an A in GCSE maths...

Thanks for reading.
 
I didnt take math's at A level but from a lot of my friends that did they said some of it was hard, but some easy so like any A level subject really. A lot of universities actually require A level in maths now days so its a really good choice for you.
 
It's not that bad.

I suck at maths and I had to do A level type maths when I did my Electronics degree and passed, and I mean, I REALLY suck at maths.
 
Depends on your teacher imho, GCSE math I found was very easy. As-A level quite difficult. GCSE maths I was taught by the head of the department, he was a very good teacher. As-A level I was taught by a bloke who kept referring to his text book and when asked a question he didn't know would go and ask the head of the department.

AS-A level in my original class only 5 of us out of 27 passed. However I did engineering at uni and recovered most of the A-level topics and found them much better, be that because I had a better teacher or I was familiar with the concepts I'm not sure.

Overall work hard and study and you'll do fine (I imagine)
 
A Level maths sample questions melt my brain. But then again, I've never been taught it, so that's probably why. Some universities will accept an A* at GCSE for maths, which would otherwise require A Level maths, but it depends on the course you take. How are you doing in GCSE Maths at the moment? When I spoke to a tutor, he said that around 75% of those with a B at GCSE, typically fail A Level maths, and the other 25% only get a C. But he could be wrong. However, I'd say a C at A Level maths is still quite good, seeing as how many good universities value an A Level in Maths.
 
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Deehjay said:
Hey, I'd like to ask a question about Maths at A-level. I understand the majority of this forum are older people but I'm hoping to get an answer as some of you may have studied Maths at A-level stage. I'm currently in year 10 (Yes, I'm only 15) but I'm determined to go on to Uni and do a Computer Science & Mathematics course after I leave school. Why '& Mathematics?' you may ask.. simply, my answer is that I feel it'd up a wider range of potential jobs within the area of computing and even a job that just involves major mathematics in general. I was wondering if you would consider Maths at A-level 'hard'?. I know it's a bit of a blunt question considering people would have different opinions based on their capabilities in maths but I'd just like an insight. If it helps, I'm predicted an A in GCSE maths...

Thanks for reading.
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If you're not going to get an A* in GCSE maths, it may not be easy for you.

I finished my maths A level this month. Some bits of maths are easy, others are hard, depending on what you're into. If you're into pure, theoretical maths, then the core modules of maths will be simple for you. But if you prefer the applied maths, then modules like statistics or mechanics would be easier.

In all honesty, A Level maths is just about doing as many past papers as possible. If you go into an exam and you're able to get 95%+ on any past paper, then you'll do well.

In this sense, maths is one of the easiest subjects, as it does not take much to bump yourself to high grades.
 
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Threads like these tend to be incredibly non-modest and patronising.

With a decent work ethic and some gears grinding away in your head, you should be able to survive.
 
If you want to do computer science, or anything with joint honours maths, or engineering or physics then you will be much better off if you do further maths.

That said, if you aren't going to be getting a star at gcse then you might struggle...
 
It is definitely a rote learning subject, you can pretty much nail the exam just by doing a few. You don't need to open the textbook when revising, you can just go straight to past papers.
 
Also, are Universities strict on their entry requirements? I heard some Uni's aren't and that if A is required you might be let off by 1 grade or a few marks off A or something... The Uni's I have been looking at are Nottingham Trent (Although after looking at a chart and reading it's 95/105th ranked in the UK based on Guardian's score for Computer Science I'm starting to decline that), Birmingam, Leicester, Loughborough and Nottingham. I think I should stop worrying for now and concentrate on my GCSE's but I'd just like to gain an insight into the future :P
 
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Deehjay said:
Also, are Universities strict on their entry requirements? I heard some Uni's aren't and that if A is required you might be let off by 1 grade or a few marks off A or something... The Uni's I have been looking at are Nottingham Trent (Although after looking at a chart and reading it's 95/105 based on Guardian's score for Computer Science), Birmingam, Leicester, Loughborough and Nottingham. I think I should stop worrying for now and concentrate on my GCSE's but I'd just like to gain an insight into the future :P
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Go on their websites and check. If it says they want an A in A Level maths, then it's probably safer to get an A than a B ;)
 
As an indicator of aptitude at mathematics your actual grade at GCSE, to be honest, means naff all.

A-Level maths, and Degree level maths, is 90% not about the Maths you experience at GCSE level. If you attend the lessons and have an interest in the subject it's not hard.

For A-Level, having your own copy of the curriculum and access to past papers makes it easier.
 
Deehjay said:
Also, are Universities strict on their entry requirements? I heard some Uni's aren't and that if A is required you might be let off by 1 grade or a few marks off A or something... The Uni's I have been looking at are Nottingham Trent (Although after looking at a chart and reading it's 95/105 based on Guardian's score for Computer Science), Birmingam, Leicester, Loughborough and Nottingham. I think I should stop worrying for now and concentrate on my GCSE's but I'd just like to gain an insight into the future :P
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Just apply to the best universities you feasibly can and then try the best you can.

I really wouldn't bother with league tables for a subject, just stick with renowned universities.
 
yashiro said:
As an indicator of aptitude at mathematics your actual grade at GCSE, to be honest, means naff all.

A-Level maths, and Degree level maths, is 90% not about the Maths you experience at GCSE level. If you attend the lessons and have an interest in the subject it's not hard.

For A-Level, having your own copy of the curriculum and access to past papers makes it easier.
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Thanks for clearing that up, was getting a little scared that people were saying that there's no point doing it unless I got A* at GCSE.
 
I do fast-track maths (a full A-Level in 1 year). It is 'hard', but not insurmountable. It requires a lot of effort. You have to be prepared to actually study in study when your mates are maybe chatting and at home when you maybe want to do other things.
 
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