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Revising Maths

How to Revise for GCSE Maths

5 min Read|April 04 2023
|Written by:

George Christofi

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If you want to ace your GCSE Maths, you need to make sure that you have a complete understanding of formulas, different theories, and key terms. After all, Maths is a tricky subject that requires attention and practice. However, without feeling overwhelmed, you can easily excel in your Maths exam with the help of a few tricks. First, you simply have to structure your revision session properly and curate a solid plan weeks before the exam day. If the above discussion sounds a little daunting, let’s make it easy for you. Keep reading this article to find ways to revise for and pass your GCSE Maths with flying colours.

Top Tips to Revise for GCSE Maths

Before you explore these tips, remember that every individual lives in a different setting, and some tricks might not apply in your case. So instead of forcing yourself to follow all our suggestions, choose the tips that suit your needs and requirements and may prove helpful in your revision.

Manage Topics According to their Difficulty Levels

Like everyone else, you might find some topics in Maths easier than others. In that case, highlight each chapter with a unique colour code, according to its difficulty level. This exercise will help you find the topics that require more attention from your side. Then, once you have figured them out, manage your time accordingly.

For instance, highlight the hardest chapters with red and give them much attention and time. Similarly, highlight easy topics with yellow and cover them on the last week before the exam, so you still remember them. Don’t take any chapter for granted!

It is always wise to start with the most challenging topic first. This practice will help build confidence in you while you progress.

Revise Often and Little

Revision before exams can get boring and even tiring at times. You may also feel drained and, as a result, might struggle with completing your syllabus.

So the best tip to avoid getting overwhelmed with your preparations is to spend small chunks of your day in revision. Instead of cramming the whole syllabus in one go, choose 20 minutes to revise formulas, 30 minutes to learn about probability and 15 minutes on geometry. Then, you can take a break and go through other subjects, only to come back to your Maths books again.

Go Through All Your Past Papers

Maths revision without spending hours doing past papers is fruitless. And that is why you need to make sure that you are going through every past paper before your GCSE exam. Find all the past papers from the many previous years and finish one in a day or two. The questions in these papers will help you understand the examiner’s vision and the kind of solutions he accepts from you.

While solving past papers, try to group different question categories. For instance, do questions related to vectors and integration together. Similarly, solve probability and geometry queries in one session. Also, if possible, solve these papers in an exam-like environment. In that case, avoid distraction, turn on your timer and prevent using your notes.

Design Posters and Flashcards with Formulas

As explained earlier, GCSE Maths is a huge subject with lots of equations and formulas to cover. It means that you need to be very disciplined with your revision, or otherwise, you might simply skip a formula.

The best way to keep reminding yourself of Maths' major aspects is by designing flashcards and posters. For every unit, prepare a flashcard that has all the key formulas. This tip will help you access the required information without opening your book repeatedly. In addition, it will also make it easy for you to learn a formula or equation even if you are on the go.

Attend All Revision Session

If your school hosts regular revision sessions before exams, make sure to attend every Math class. Such sessions help polish your knowledge and guide you about topics you might have issues with.

Such sessions are also a good way to interact with other students in class and learn a thing or two from them. Before attending a session, ensure to jot down all your queries in a notebook and communicate those problems with your teacher on a timely basis.

Join a Study Group

After attending helpful revision sessions in school, you can join a study group with students like you. These groups can help you with many concepts and are also a great way to build motivation and confidence before the exam day.

In your study group, you can do past papers together or prepare quizzes for each other. In addition, you can make teams with your buddies and revise difficult Math equations in a competitive environment. Revision with a group of buddies or even strangers, also helps you understand and analyse your current state of preparation.

Take Help from Additional Resources and Tuition

Finally, if you can’t grasp a certain topic, don’t hesitate to take external help from a professional. While teachers and your buddies may help you somehow, they might not be available every time to guide you. In that case, if you can find an online tutor, there is nothing better than that. They can help you prepare a revision schedule and may also be available at all times.

Moreover, you can get help from the tutor regarding subjects your school teacher failed to explain properly. A hired tutor may also help you practice Maths by conducting quizzes and short exams every week. Also, there are many helpful resources other than your books that can develop an understanding on difficult topics. You can get these resources online for free as well. So, try them out and reap the benefits.

Final Takeaway

If you want to excel at your GCSE Maths, you need to make sure that your revision plan is achievable and covers all the topics you might face in your exam. In addition, it should also include attending sessions with your school teacher and school buddies to help polish your mathematical skills. Also, if your finances and routine allow, hire a Maths tutor who can help you get through this educational challenge with ease.

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George Christofi

Written by: George Christofi

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Oxford University - Masters Philosophy

George studied undergraduate and masters degrees in Classics and Philosophy at Oxford, as well as spending time at Yale. He specialises in helping students with UK and US university applications, including Oxbridge and the Ivy League. He writes extensively on education including on schools, universities, and pedagogy.

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