7:50
How To Get an A* in A-Level Maths
Wasteman
Overview
This video outlines a three-step strategy for achieving an A* in A-Level Maths, emphasizing self-study and consistent effort. It details a method for rapidly covering content, followed by deeper learning through textbook exercises and targeted video explanations. The final stage focuses on mastery through rigorous exam practice under timed conditions. The presenter stresses the importance of a strong motivation, embracing mistakes as learning opportunities, and the concept of spaced repetition for long-term retention. The core message is that dedication and strategic study habits, rather than innate talent, are key to excelling in mathematics.
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Chapters
- Self-study and getting ahead of the class is the primary strategy for excelling in maths.
- Cover all content as quickly as possible without deep understanding initially.
- Utilize resources like Maths Genie, watching videos at higher speeds to save time.
- This initial pass builds foundational familiarity, making future learning faster (acquisition curve).
This initial rapid coverage ensures you've seen all topics before your classmates, giving you a significant advantage and making subsequent learning in class much easier.
In the summer after Year 11, the presenter taught themselves all of Year 1 and Year 2 pure maths content by watching Maths Genie videos and completing corresponding worksheets at an accelerated pace.
- Engage in deeper learning by working through textbook exercises and supplementary videos.
- Focus on understanding examples and explanations before tackling problems.
- Complete a significant portion of textbook questions (e.g., every other question) to reinforce learning and leave problems for review.
- Dedicate consistent, focused time daily to this learning process.
This stage builds a solid understanding of concepts, moving beyond superficial recognition to genuine problem-solving ability, which is crucial for tackling more complex exam questions.
During the Christmas holidays of the second year, the presenter woke up early, made coffee, and studied integration outdoors for two hours daily until the topic was mastered, using the cold as motivation to stay focused.
- Achieve mastery through timed exam paper practice to simulate real exam conditions.
- Embrace mistakes and low scores initially as essential feedback for identifying weaknesses.
- Learn from the mark scheme strategically, attempting to solve problems independently before consulting it.
- Consistent practice leads to exponential improvement, reducing marks lost over time.
This final stage hones your exam technique, time management, and ability to recall and apply knowledge under pressure, which is what ultimately secures top grades.
The presenter initially scored only 40% on practice papers but, through consistent effort and analysis of mistakes, eventually reached a point where they lost no more than five marks per paper.
- A strong, personal reason (Step Zero) is fundamental to sustaining the effort required.
- Cultivate a competitive spirit and the desire to excel, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth.
- Recognize that consistent effort and time management, not just innate talent, lead to success.
- Understand that the brain is adaptable and capable of forming new memories through focused practice.
A robust motivation and a resilient mindset are essential for overcoming the inevitable difficulties and plateaus encountered during intensive study, ensuring long-term commitment.
The presenter's motivation included a desire to show off how far ahead they were, highlighting the role of competitive spirit and pride in driving performance.
Key takeaways
- Proactive self-study and covering material ahead of the class provides a significant academic advantage.
- The 'acquisition curve' principle suggests that re-learning forgotten material is much faster than initial learning.
- Consistent, focused daily practice is more effective than sporadic, intense study sessions.
- Exam practice under timed conditions is crucial for identifying weaknesses and developing exam technique.
- Mistakes and failure in practice are valuable learning opportunities that strengthen memory retention.
- Strategic use of resources like textbooks and mark schemes, combined with independent problem-solving, accelerates learning.
- A strong personal motivation is the bedrock upon which sustained effort and academic success are built.
Key terms
Self-studyAcquisition curveForgetting curveBroad strokesDeeper learningMasteryTimed conditionsMark schemeSpaced repetition
Test your understanding
- What is the 'acquisition curve' and how does it differ from the forgetting curve?
- How can watching videos at higher speeds contribute to efficient learning in A-Level Maths?
- Why is it important to practice exam papers under timed conditions, even if initial scores are low?
- Describe the recommended approach to using a mark scheme when practicing exam questions.
- What role does motivation play in the three-step learning process for A-Level Maths?