Thinking of studying MATHS A-Level? Watch this FIRST! 😳 📐

[@RishikaSinghthetraveler]

I got an A in maths and I would honestly not be here if it wasn’t for your videos. During lockdown it helped me so much and made me continue to work hard. To all future maths a level students I would say watching bicen maths would be my tip🙂.

[@BicenMaths]

This is such a lovely comment - thank you for sharing it! Congratulations on your fantastic grade - well done 👏🏼

[@RishikaSinghthetraveler]

@@BicenMaths thank you !!

[@haz00003]

omg same

[@InexorableVideos]

Great video! Just want to say I got a 6 at GCSE and now doing maths and further maths A levels with predicted grade A in maths. I don't have a predicted grade for further yet as not formally starting it until year 13 however I have finished most of core pure 1 on my own. If you enjoy maths and are willing to put in *a lot* of time you can get a great grade. I'm not even good at maths tbh and it's not hard if you put time in. Hope this helps someone!

[@BicenMaths]

Thank you so much for sharing this! It sounds like you’ve really worked hard to get to where you are, well done! It certainly can be done, but it really does take some hard graft - congratulations, and good luck for all your studies!

[@darenkaulsay8076]

It helped to ease my nerves, so thank you! Alot of people, including my parents, have been trying to change my mind in taking Further Maths as they are saying its " too difficult" and all that. This has been adding to my worries unfortunately

[@BicenMaths]

It’s certainly not “too difficult” if you are committed and put the right amount of time into your studies - I’m sure it will go well! Wishing you the best of luck 😃

[@hungerquest7862]

@@darenkaulsay8076 further maths is not too difficult if given the right time you can still get an A in it if you try your best however only advice I can give you is that take further maths statistics rather then mechanics, mechanics is a night mare statistics still somewhat doable for many it might be as well easy for some people there is also a 3rd option relating to algorithm idk about that not seen people take this Is my advice

[@alishaanimations3058]

Thank you…really

[@IceHockeyCreamer]

One other really important note is that in the Pure year 1 textbook, over half of the chapters are topics from GCSE Maths but with slightly more content. You will not learn a lot of new stuff in the Year 1 Pure Module apart from Differentiation, Integration, Binomial Expansion, Lograthims and Exponentials. The chapters also fully recap the knowledge that you have already learnt from GCSE. So for example in Chapter 5 which is the chapter on Straight Line Graphs, the first exercise is on how to find the gradient of a straight line, the y-intercept and how to form an equation of a straight line. Most GCSE students have covered this in their GCSE course, but for those who don’t fully understand this the textbook provides you with detailed explanations and practise questions ranging from very easy difficulty to harder difficulty. So for those who are nervous about not knowing much of the basic content for A-Level maths, just know that the textbook will cover the most basic content first, then moves onto the new A-Level content.

[@abir3299]

Hi I have a question if you don't mind I am nearing the end of year 11 and I am set 4 for maths although I love maths my english wasn't great a couple of years ago which hindered my ability to understand my teachers. Now I feel like I am in a better position but being in set 4 means I didn't cover grade 8-9 topics although I am doing as much as I can at home I wanted to know do the teachers in a level go through the basics in the first lesson as vectors and probability are my weakness I would say or do they expect to know the GCSE grade 8-9 topics as not everyone does a level from set 1 right?

[@BicenMaths]

They will cover the things that are in the course (or they should do!), and lots overlaps GCSE, but it would definitely be worth your while spending the summer working on the Grade 8-9 topics that come up, or even getting a head start on the topics (you can find them all on my channel home page!). Good luck!

[@jaanpaul1330]

I’m doing my GCSES right now im predicted a 8 in GCSE maths, got a 8 in the mock. Im naturally not a mathematical genius but really feel it would help me so much as a A level on the whole, as I wanna go into economics/finance.

[@aiilaaa]

I just wanted to leave a comment saying you’re one of the best teachers I’ve ever had (and I’ve never even been taught by you in person). Your youtube videos are so helpful sir and you’re honestly doing an amazing. I hope you know how much students appreciate you. Everyone in my school thinks you’re the GOAT. (Which is tru)

[@BicenMaths]

Wow - this is such an amazing thing to say, thank you so much! I hope that all your studies are going well - let me know if there's anything I can do to help! :)

[@notacademicallyperfect4183]

0:25 Does that grade requirement come from the exam board itself or is it set by the school? Are there any entry requirements for A Level Maths at an exam level where you're the one choosing the exam board? I suppose there isn't as you can technically sit as many A Levels as you like and IGCSE grades aren't taken accounted into, and technically there's no upper age limit (as that comes from the school)? Also many schools set grade 8 at IGCSE requirement for Maths, and grade 9 at IGCSE for Further Maths? Harrow School, Westminster School and London Academy of Excellence have this requirement? Why does this differ between schools? Do you teach at one of these schools - Eton College, Harrow School, Westminster School, Charterhouse, St Paul's School, Winchester College, Warwick School, Tonbridge School, Lancing College, Merchant Taylors' School, Radley College, Rugby School, Shrewsbury School, The Perse School, Brighton College, Bancroft’s School, etc? If none of them, which independent school are you teaching at?

[@BicenMaths]

The grade requirement is set by individual schools, so will vary - make sure you check carefully for where you are applying! Certain schools have higher entry requirements to make it more competitive and ensure that they have students with top grades - making their A-Level results look even more impressive! If a school takes the 'best' students, it's not surprising when their A-Level results are high. I do not teach in an independent school, and never have done :)

[@mollieisabellereynolds]

Since autumn, I was so sure I wanted to take photography, english lit, and drama and theatre. I only wanted to do photography because I wanted to do graphic design (for career path) and haven't honestly enjoyed fine art gcse. But I really enjoy maths and am doing additional maths. I got an A in numeracy and am predicted A in maths but am working really hard towards an A*. Still, I'm not sure if A level maths might be too difficult... but still I have 3 months to decide :).

[@BicenMaths]

If you're enjoying maths, give it a go! You could always watch a few of my Year 1 videos to see if it's something that you might enjoy?

[@markthompson1819]

I'm one who found the jump from CSE (below O Level ffs) to A Level far too much to cope with. However, I always enjoyed learning maths and spent the 44 years since I left school irritated that I never got my head around calculus. I've just spent a number of weeks tutoring my son through his GCSE resit so I've had to revisit subjects I've not thought about for decades. I really enjoyed it tbh. So id like to do A Level maths. Do you think it would be possible to learn everything I need to know though self tutoring using books and KZbin? That way I can learn at my own pace. I'm 59. I'm only doing it for personal satisfaction. Unless I become a TA.

[@BicenMaths]

Of course! Self teaching is totally possible using the textbook and my videos/online resources. Many people do this, and see great success with it! Let me know if there’s any advice you need - sounds like a great plan to be doing something that you’ll enjoy and get satisfaction from!

[@Bavana-h3j]

Hello, I am doing foundation in GCSE math coz it’s only been 3 years since I came to uk I asked my teacher that I want to do higher they said they won’t change me to higher but I really want to do A level math but I don’t know is I can do or not coz every sixth form expecting grade 6 or 7 as you said but i really love math and I want to do math for my A level is there any way??? Please can you reply?…… and I am going to do my GCSEs in 2025 so it’s important please reply????

[@BicenMaths]

If you end up only sitting Foundation, I'm afraid that there are no colleges that will accept you for A-Level Maths - it is essential that you have 6, and for many places, a 7. See if you are able to get moved to Higher over the coming months! Good luck!

[@Bavana-h3j]

Thx for replying but our school not letting me I don’t know they are not even giving me a higher per to try 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@bendaly1953]

Looking at the split in the course if you can't work out that 2/3 + 1/6 +1/6 equals 1, then maybe A Level maths isn't for you...

[@jamesde7775]

Question from someone who is quite a lot older than your target demographic. Can I teach myself A Level Maths? I got a B in my GCSE in 1995 and have done no maths since. My school wouldn't let me do A level and its always bugged me. I think i need to do it for myself. Would you recommend any of the online providers?

[@BicenMaths]

You absolutely can do this! Other mature students have taught themselves solely from my channel and the textbook - 100% free, and (in my view!) good quality teaching. I have a Google Drive with loads of resources in too. I'd rather you save the money, as the online providers are expensive, and I don't always thing they are that good. Happy to answer more questions.

[@jamesde7775]

@BicenMaths going to give it a go, Thanks for the reply

[@jamesde7775]

one question I have, is there an order I should study in?

[@BicenMaths]

@@jamesde7775 I recommend using Edexcel, as it matches all my teaching. And the order of the textbook is pretty good actually!

[@maysaamir694]

I got a grade 6 in gcse math, and am currently taking chemistry, biology (and business as my school doesnt offer maths or further maths) so I am considering learning maths or fm on my own. Im thinking of going into computer science but im still not sure as im indecisive so I want to keep my options open. I definetly could do well if I put in the effort but I just want to know generally if it would benefit me and keep my options open to take maths or fm. And what majors do you think I could go into from this?

[@BicenMaths]

Really surprised your school doesn’t offer maths, that’s crazy! Self studying maths is definitely an option, lots of people do this, and it’s really important to study comp sci in top unis. Have a look at some unis and computer science courses they offer and see what their requirements are - that might help you decide!

[@maysaamir694]

@@BicenMaths well actually, they do offer AS math as a part of the cirruculum but not A level math. And I was unable to do further maths as I was the only one in my year who wanted to take it, so they simply couldnt allow it. Comp science is what Im considering and studying in Germany, so I'll look into the requirements at the top unis there, My teacher said I may be able to get in with my AS maths aswell but im not sure

[@aworkingperson5834]

As level is was easy because my algebra is good. But covid happened, and I'm catching up. I was lucky to miss integration year 2 as I got the covid

[@reload2832]

Right now I'm about to finish my GCSE's and one of my subjects is Edexcel statistics, is the A-level maths statistics section similar to GCSE stats?

[@BicenMaths]

There is indeed lots of overlap, but some different content as well!

[@broty9692]

Hi I'm a gcse student and I don't really have an idea of what l want to do in the future I heard futher maths is insane and so is a level maths I got a 7 last mock and I'm hoping on a 8 this gcse I don't know if its a good idea to do both I was thinking of doing both futher and A level and applied science

[@BicenMaths]

I would recommend speaking to your teachers, and to your parents - yes, maths A-Level is hard, but not so hard that it's impossible! Lots of students take it and really enjoy it. The main thing is if you enjoy maths - if you do, then you'll enjoy A-Level! Good luck making your decision!

[@shakiraiddrisu4645]

Basically i plan to apply to cambridge university in year 13 and I'm unsure whether they would take me without maths as an a level.... the course I want to do (law) has no direct maths in it but will maths give me an advantage?

[@BicenMaths]

I'm afraid I can't say whether it would give you an advantage or not as I don't have that inside info - but I'd recommend picking subjects that interest you, and as long as you have the requirements for the law degree, then you should pursue your interests!

[@depuxray]

i think i scraped a 6 in gcse math with a alot of revision should i still do a level math

[@BicenMaths]

Of course it is your choice, but I would generally recommend students in your position to consider if there are other subjects that they believe they could achieve more highly in. This doesn’t mean to say that you cannot do well in A-Level Maths, but I have found in the past that the journey for students in your position is much, much more challenging than for those who achieved more highly at GCSE. I hope you’re able to come to a decision that suits you!

[@depuxray]

@@BicenMaths its just that i want to do web development or architecture in the future but i think math is necessery but thanks for the advice

[@BicenMaths]

Yes, maths is indeed necessary. It’d be a huge amount of work, but if you were willing to put the time in from day one there’s a possibility you could do well. It’s really worth considering what you feel you’d achieve better in though - and there are always so many other kinds of careers to go into!

[@Samuel.Gry_]

@@depuxray what did you end up doing?

[@nathanhawey294]

I have a little question.When you find further maths easy am I near to degree maths?

[@BicenMaths]

Degree maths is quite different to A-Level and becomes quite conceptual, with lots of proof! But if you’re coping well with FM, I’m sure you’d enjoy degree level!

[@michaelswahla4927]

Hey Mr Bicen! Thanks for the video! I heard that taking Further Maths GCSE helps bridge the gap between a level maths and gcse maths! Is it good to take this course?

[@BicenMaths]

Absolutely! But I wouldn’t say it was totally necessary, as many schools don’t offer the further maths GCSE. If it’s available to you, and you enjoy maths, then I would totally recommend it :)

[@michaelswahla4927]

@@BicenMaths I take the course as a matter of a fact! Thanks for letting me know! I do GCSE Statistics along with it, because it helps with a level stats too!

[@BicenMaths]

Oh wow, you are set up so well for A-Levels! I’m guess you want to take Further Maths A-Level too? Well done on the dedication!

[@michaelswahla4927]

@@BicenMaths Yeah. However, the school I want to go to picks us to do stats and mechanics... however I really wanted to do decision as it would match up with computer science... is it a big deal if i just do the modules they force me to do?

[@BicenMaths]

Not at all - Decision is quite simple stuff that you’ll be able to learn when doing computer science. Don’t worry about it at all, won’t make any difference to you!

[@nafiskhan8801]

I am a commerce student I have business and accounting I a levels Do I really need maths for these ?

[@BicenMaths]

Maybe not, but I would check some universities that you are interested in and see what their entry requirements are, just to make sure. Not many places offer accounting at A-Level, so I expect many universities will ask for maths. Have a look and see!

[@nafiskhan8801]

@@BicenMaths ok 👍

[@iqrau1689]

a bit of advice :) im currently doing year 1 as will be going into year 2 this September and people have told me it gets harder ? i that true 😅

[@BicenMaths]

Yes, it’s absolutely true! But nothing to be scared of - you just need to make sure you’re really on top of everything from Year 1 over the summer so that you’re building on strong foundations for next year. Check out any of my playlists for topics you’re not so strong on - they’re all on my homepage 😊

[@MiseryComplaints]

hey im really interested in economics and im thinking of doing maths a level but im only in set 2 for maths at school, would i be up to it

[@BicenMaths]

I wouldn't worry too much what set you are in, but it's perhaps good to reflect on what grade you're expecting in GCSE - you should be aiming for at least a 7 to feel comfortable. Different sets in different schools mean different things, really, so try not to feel demotivated! If you enjoy maths, then I'd recommend A-Level. And if you're wanting to Economics, maths is going to be essential to get into the top universities. If you're willing to put in the hard work, I wouldn't worry!

[@OC74.]

Can I get tuition in the independent study time

[@BicenMaths]

I don't see why not! Something that would be worth asking your school about. (Sorry for the delay in replying!)

[@OC74.]

@@BicenMaths that’s okay, I got a 6 in the exam so I’m going to have to work really hard to get the top grades along side my btec in engineering

[@anil6408]

A very good KZbin knowledge site, and I would like to ask two things, pls: 1) Are you using Pearson Student Books in the videos? 2) What was the model number of the more expensive Casio calculator?

[@BicenMaths]

1) yes the Pearson books - the pure has a blue cover, and applied is brown 2) it’s the Casio fx cg-50

[@mathboy1066]

Do I have to have both calculators if I am doing maths and further maths.

[@BicenMaths]

No you don’t - you don’t HAVE to have the graphics one, but I think it’s great. Hang on to your GCSE one, though, as you’ll probably still be quicker at typing into it as you’re already used to it! You can take in two into the exam. 👍🏼