Guide to Effective A-Level Mathematics Revision
This guide aims to provide precise instructions for A-Level Mathematics students on how to effectively revise for their exams.
When to revise
Revision for A-Level Mathematics can be categorised into two main phases:
1. Consolidation of knowledge immediately after each lesson:
This type of revision is crucial and should be prioritised. Starting revision right after a lesson ensures better understanding and makes exam preparation easier. It involves completing any assigned exercises or worksheets thoroughly. Although it may be time-consuming and sometimes challenging, committing to this type of revision yields excellent results, often practised discreetly by top-performing students.
2. Exam paper practice:
Attempting past exam papers is essential, but it's advisable to do so after consolidating learning from lessons. Rushing into full past paper attempts before fully grasping the concepts can be demoralising. It's more beneficial to save full past paper attempts until nearing the end of a specific subsection of the course to avoid solely focusing on familiar questions, which provides limited benefits.
What to Revise
Before delving into revision techniques, it's essential to identify weak areas for improvement. Rather than solely focusing on weakest topics, it's equally important to enhance proficiency in topics where one is merely "OK." Here's how to identify and prioritise revision topics:
1. Analyse past papers:
Attempt each question in a past paper and stop when encountering incorrect answers or challenges. These areas indicate topics requiring further revision.
2. Focus on the identified topic:
Set aside the exam paper and concentrate solely on revising the identified topic. Avoid creating extensive revision lists, as they can be demotivating.
Revision Techniques
Once weak areas are identified, the following revision techniques can be employed:
1. YouTube Videos:
Utilise tutorial videos available on platforms like YouTube. Follow along with a question while watching the video, pausing to reproduce key steps on the question being attempted.
2. Textbook Examples:
Refer to textbook examples related to challenging questions and complete textbook exercises. Consistent practice is key, moving on to exam questions once textbook exercises become repetitive or easy.
3. Exam Questions by Category:
Search for and attempt exam questions similar to those causing difficulty. Utilise resources like Google Classroom for additional practice questions.
By diligently practising these techniques until mastery is achieved, students ensure comprehensive understanding and readiness for exams. While this approach may require considerable time investment, it leaves no concept unexplored, leading to better exam performance.
In conclusion, consistent revision immediately following lessons alleviates exam pressure and enhances success. Last-minute revision is effective, but early and thorough revision is paramount for top grades. Success in A-Level Mathematics hinges on repetition and diligent practice.