The mathematics GCSE is an important qualification that many job opportunities tend to ask for (along with English). However, it can be a difficult subject to master. I achieved 2 x B grade, whilst my eldest son had 2 x A*. Some children have a natural aptitude for the subject. Others myself included need much more help and support. So, I wrote this article about how you can hopefully get a higher grade at mathematics GCSE.

Hire A Private Tutor

School classes are getting bigger, and it is said to be harming children’s progress in subjects. Not everyone can afford a private education with smaller classes, as much as we might like that opportunity for our children. But a private tutor for a few hours here and there is much more achievable financially. Tutorhunt offers maths tuition which can be a real asset mastering the subject. Having a personal tutor gives your child the attention they need on a one to one basis.

In school children who are struggling to keep up can soon get left behind and not meet their full potential. A private tutor can work at your child’s pace, focusing on the areas they find particularly difficult or even just going over exam paper questions so they know what to expect. Helping your child be better prepared makes those exams seem less scary! It can really take the pressure off your child and yourself!

Let’s be honest coaxing your child to revise is no easy feat I can tell you. I don’t quite feel ready to face it again so soon. But my youngest is in year 10 so next academic year its back to pleading/begging or even bribing my child to revise! Instead by having set sessions with a private maths tutor makes sure they keep on target. They have to do maths at set times even if new content downloads on their favourite computer game. They have a scheduled time so have to focus on that, everything else can wait!

Keep Doing Mathematics

A great way to be better at mathematics is to keep doing it. There are lots of places you can find helpful resources and information, some are free to use such as BBC Bitesize. Whilst others charge a fee like Smartick (which I previously reviewed). The more mathematics problems and questions you attempt the more confident you will become at solving them. Mathematics can look quite daunting so practicing really does make a big difference. You might find certain topics more difficult so they will need more time and attention. Some schools even offer subscription to sites such as MyMaths for free so its worthwhile checking to see if your child’s school offers anything like that.

Make The Most Of After School Lessons

In the run up to the exams most schools offer after school sessions covering various topics to prepare the children for their GCSE’s. Don’t let them miss out this incredible opportunity. Make sure they attend as many of these as they can, they are very focused and useful. They especially work well with children that struggle to revise because it gives them a set time they have to knuckle down and work. At home there can be lots of distractions which reduce the quality of their revision or stop it happening entirely.

Don’t Think You Can’t Do It

With enough preparation and hard work, you can master anything, mathematics included. The danger is when you don’t think you are good at something you loose faith. You might not try as hard, or you come up with more excuses. My eldest son had a thing in his head where he thought he wasn’t as good at English Language or Literature. It tends to make them underperform because they just think they can’t do it anyway and, in his case, he probably didn’t work to his full potential. If that’s how your child feels about Mathematics try and change their mindset as quickly as possible. Show them how with more practise their confidence will soon grow.

Have A Dedicated Study Space

Children need a suitable space to concentrate on their studies. To get a higher grade in any exam they will need a quiet area without distractions. Some children like to listen to music when they revise, I was worried that doing so would cause my eldest not to concentrate fully. However, given his exam results I would say it wasn’t really an issue for him. Some studies have shown that music does not impact concentration and memory so that is reassuring. Perhaps if you have a child reluctant to revise music would help as it can make the revision more palatable.

Print Off Past Papers

It’s very important to keep practising past papers if you want to get a higher grade at mathematics GCSE. You can print them off examination board websites – its simple to do and completely free and they go back a fair few years so you can really check how well your revision is going and work on any gaps in your knowledge. Also make sure you print off the mark schemes, so you see where points are awarded. This is very important as you will become more familiar at answering questions in the best way to get the most marks.   You may also want to consider making use of some free maths worksheets if you are keen to really give yourself the best possible chance of success.

Get To Grips With Your Calculator

Some of the papers you can use a calculator so make sure you are familiar with the one you have. You will probably have had the type to buy already suggested by your school, if not just make sure it’s a scientific calculator not a basic model. Take time to familiarize yourself with the calculator functions.

Use All Of Your Time

If you finish your exam early use that time to go back and double check your answers. Have you showed your working out? with mathematics there are valuable points to be earned for showing how you got your answer, those extra points might help you get a higher grade. Is everything legible and easy for the answer to interpret? Fix any issues before submitting your paper.