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We have just had an open day at the college and it was a busy night. Over four hundred potential students attended, with the aim of getting a better understanding of life at a 6th form college.
Many of the students that came to the Maths department were quite keen and were eager to pursue maths at AS-Level.
Before I answered their question I asked them two questions:
- What is your predicted grade at GCSE maths?
- On a scale of 1 – 10, how do you rate your enjoyment of algebra?
The answer to the first question, for many students was an A or A* and there were of course some students who mentioned that they were predicated a grade B. All of which would be allowed to purse maths beyond GCSE.
The answer to the second question varied quite a lot. No one said 10, but anyone who said less than 7, I told those students, that maths at AS-Level might not be for them – simply because maths at AS Level is Algebra.
For some students, even those being predicted the top grades they found this to be a shock. Yet I believe it to be good advice. Algebra and also trigonometry are at the cornerstone of AS Level Maths and also A2 Maths, and so getting a sold understanding of this at GCSE is vital. Plus, if a student is looking to pursue the full A-Level, then they need to be doing something that they will be enjoying.
I just mentioned enjoyment, and this is a very important point to consider. After all if you are enjoying something then it is more likely that you will succeed in that area compared to if you were not enjoying something.
It is not just enough to be good at Algebra but you need to be able to derive a “buzz” when you are solving a problem and many of the problems in mathematics involve the use of strong skills in algebra.
So, if you are thinking of pursuing maths beyond GCSE, make sure that not only are your skills in algebra top-notch but you are going to really enjoy being in a classroom for nearly two years of your life!
