So you’ve finally got your results. After all the confusion and uncertainty, you have been awarded for your efforts via teacher assessment. Congratulations for all the hard work you have put in over the last few years.
Once all of the emotions (whether happy, sad, angry or relief) subside, there is a practical dilemma which every student must go through… what to do next? Here are some scenarios and my advice on what you could do next (just maths related).
1) You got a Grade 7+
Most students getting a grade 7 have the option of studying Maths at A Level and good luck to you, you will enjoy it. Please be aware though that the jump from GCSE to A Level is a big one so you cannot afford any slumps in performance during the two years. Your Algebra also needs to be solid, so if other elements of Maths bumped up your grade, you will need to work on these aspects (see below). Please also remember that some of you may not have done much work in the last 5 months, a 2-month break is bad enough to forget how to factorise a quadratic so you need to get your head back in the game.
2) You got a Grade 6
You may be in limbo, some schools/colleges accept a Grade 6 to study A Level Maths so the option is there for you. If you decide to study maths, YOU WILL NEED TO WORK MUCH BETTER AND SMARTER THAN YOU HAVE DONE BEFORE. Whereas with your GCSE you could get a Grade 6 with average Algebra and strong Number, Geometry, Statistics and Ratio/Proportion, there is huge emphasis on high level Algebra at A Level. You will have to work more to catch-up on these topics in the first few weeks, otherwise you will find that you are always behind the content being taught and will have a mountain to climb later on. The list below summarises what topics I think you need to be strong in from GCSE to be able to build upon in A Level:
Rules of indices
Expanding and simplifying expressions
Solving and rearranging equations
Factorising expressions (including quadratics) and simplifying simple algebraic fractions
Solving quadratic equations (factorising and formula)
Completing the square
Linear simultaneous equations
Straight line graphs (gradients, intercepts, parallel and perpendicular)
Linear inequalities
Trigonometry
Sketching Trigonometric graphs
These are not all-inclusive, but I find are the most common in hindering accessibility of the A Level content for students.
3) You got a Grade 4/5 (and 6 for some)
Well done you passed! Allowing you to progress to Further Education. Some of you may be disappointed as had ambitions to study A Level Maths and if you are still aspiring for this, an option for you is to resit in Autumn and reapply for a new set of subjects next year. I’ve known and tutored students that got a Grade 5 in Summer and a Grade 7 in the November resit so it can be done. Taking a year to right and wrongs is not the end of the world, even though it may seem like it now. If however you’re just happy you passed then look forward to a future without having to sit another Maths exam again…hopefully.
4) You got less than a Grade 4
Unfortunately, you have no choice. You will have to continue studying for and sit an exam for Maths. Not only is it a national expectation, but your school/college are obliged to provide provisions for you to prepare you to pass your exam at a future attempt. But do not despair as there are many cases where students have got a Grade 4 in November resits (the best option in my opinion) and I have tutored several students that improved by two grades for their November exam. It may hold you back from selecting your preferred course(s) by a year but in the long run it is best for you.
These obviously don’t account for all the different and personal situations but hopefully will give you a good starting point for making a positive decision.