If you genuinely enjoy maths and are predicted to get good grades (i.e., a minimum of an 8) at GCSE, then you may want to consider studying GCSE Further Maths, too. For those already absorbed in the subject material, Further Maths can be a fantastic additional GCSE to get under your belt and boost your record when it comes to applying for colleges.
As mentioned above, you should only consider taking GCSE Further Maths if you are already predicted a good grade in GCSE Maths. The reality is, Further Maths is a harder and more comprehensive subject than Maths alone. Equally, it’s worth bearing in mind that GCSE Maths is the grade most colleges will be seeking to see you score well in. It’s therefore important to be realistic about your chances of securing a good grade in GCSE Further Maths. Will studying this additional subject have a detrimental effect on your ability to do well in GCSE Maths? Arguably, it may be wise to secure a 9 in standard Maths, rather than risk scoring a 7 and a lower than hoped for score in FM.
However, for those who feel they have the skills, passion, and desire to do well in the subject, Further Maths at GCSE can be a great addition to their academic record. The content of GCSE Further Maths is only a small step below A Level Maths, which means if you are considering pursuing this as an option at college, you’ll already be ahead of the curve. In turn, this means you’re more likely to secure a higher grade in this particular exam when the time comes.
If you have any aspirations to take A Level Further Maths, studying it at GCSE level first will take the pressure off your a Level Maths studies, and free your time up to concentrate on the FM element of your exams. The reality is, the harder you work at GCSE, the easier your studies are likely to be (comparatively) at A Level.
Maths is, without a doubt, one of the core subjects for Colleges and Universities throughout the UK. Securing a good grade at any level, whether that’s solely GCSE Maths, or up to A Level Further Maths, will always ensure you have better options when it comes to choosing the next steps on your academic path.
It’s also important to consider what you may want to do when it comes to a future career or course. Some degree courses such as Economics, Finance, Medicine, and Engineering may require Further Maths as a prerequisite for securing a place. Others such as Psychology, Biology and Physics may be happy to accept A Level Maths or a good grade at GCSE level.
The reality is, having Maths or Further Maths under your belt is never going to hamper your opportunities when it comes to choosing your degree course. Maths provides you with a wide range of transferable skills such as logical thought, analytical reasoning and problem solving. Think about having some online maths tuition. Working with online tutors, for instance an online maths tutor, particularly an A level maths tutor or a GCSE Maths tutor could be very beneficial.
There is absolutely no debate that studying Further Maths, at any level, is a challenge, and not one that should be entered into lightly. However, if you are contemplating it as a choice for A Level, it would be worth discussing your decision with A Level Tutors or your current GCSE Tutor. They will be in the best position to advise you on where you currently are in terms of academic progress, as well as understanding what you’re likely to be facing in the coming weeks and months in terms of new learning and expectations.
Even if you do not currently have the most ideal grades to be considering taking Further Maths, it is worth looking into the benefits of working with a Further Maths Tutor. An A Level Further Maths Tutor or GCSE Further Maths Tutor will be able to support you as you work towards securing higher grades in your current subjects.
Here at Tutorspot we have a wide range of tutors, specialising in different levels of qualifications and from different backgrounds. Some may be current teachers, whilst others are retired. We also have students who are studying Maths courses at university and have already completed their own Further Maths qualifications, therefore have recent hands-on experience when it comes to the studying for these subjects as well as the exams. Maths tuition online could help you to achieve the grades you want to achieve.
Working with a tutor can be one of the best ways to ensure you enhance your current skills and abilities in Maths. Your tutor will be able to see where you are currently and help you identify any gaps in your knowledge. If there are some areas of a topic that are causing you difficulties, they will work with you to ensure that you develop stronger skills and increase your confidence. Then, once you have secured that area, you will be able to move on to the next one, confident that you have the foundations in place to build on.
One of the best things about working with a personal tutor is that they will work at your pace. They will be mindful of ultimate deadlines, such as when your exams will be taking place, but they won’t be under pressure to teach you an entire course syllabus. Instead, they are there to help you solely with the areas you need additional help with to make the progress you want to do. Whilst your tutor will undoubtedly have other students they will be working with, when they are doing a session with you, you have their undivided attention. This is something no student experiences within the school setting; instead, you have to compete for one-to-one support with the rest of your classmates, and time will always be limited.
If you want to secure a higher grade in any of your maths GCSEs or A Levels, find out more about our unique maths tutors today. Why not use our search tool to find the right tutor for you? You can also find a tutor by emailing us at info@tutorspot.co.uk or giving us a call or text on 07480637128.