Mathematics GCSE

How to revise maths - written instructions

1. Rote learning of:

o Meanings of key maths words

o Formulae for areas, volumes, Pythagoras, trigonometry, quadratic equation

o Methods: how to do certain calculations, constructions, etc.

Use flash cards, posters, have someone test you, write yourself a test and test yourself. Keep repeating this until you can instantly recall the knowledge. Use the same methods as work for you in learning factual knowledge in other subjects.

2. Practise using past papers and exam style questions. After you have attempted the questions, mark them yourself or have them marked. Learn from your mistakes, focus your time on the topics you didn’t do so well on, review the content and try again: you should find you do slightly better next time. Keep repeating this cycle until you are fully fluent. Nearer the exam you should start to time your papers to practise working to a time limit. For calculator papers, use the calculator you will have in the exam so you are familiar with it; for non-calculator questions, don’t be tempted to use one.

3. Ask for help where you don’t understand something. If there is a particular topic, ask your teacher or a friend or family member to work with you on it.