Tips for the exam

› Before the exam check that your calculator is working and that you have a compass, ruler, protractor, set squares, a pencil and different coloured pens. Also check the location of the formulas in the Maths tables. More importantly, make a list of formulas and facts that are not in the tables. Make sure that you know these facts before sitting the exam.

› Time management: Timing is critical for both papers. The maximum time you should spend on any question is half the number of marks for that question. If you spend longer than this, you will be faced with time difficulties at the end of the exam. It is wise to cut your losses, on occasion, in order to focus on more important, mark-heavy questions.

› Memory wipe: At the start of the exam, I recommend that students do a memory wipe. There are several formulas and facts that students need to learn before going into the exam. Unfortunately, students go blank during the exam. To counteract this, start the exam by writing down the memorised material on the exam paper.

› Highlight the keywords of the question and write down the formulas or key facts that are associated with that keyword. › Start the question by writing the relevant formula. Marks are awarded for any correct steps in the method.

› Blank spaces: Never leave a blank space in Maths. It is essential for students to attempt the question in order to pick up some attempt marks. The marking scheme is designed so that students will be awarded marks for getting the steps of the method correct. Show your workings throughout.

› Never use Tipp-Ex or an eraser. Simply put a line through your work and move on. There is plenty of extra paper available at the back of the exam paper.

› Units of measurement: It is very easy to forget the units of a question. Always check the units of your solution.

› Language of Maths: Think about the language of the question. One of the skills that I encourage students to improve upon is their competency in relation to the language of Maths. Always highlight the keywords of a question and write down the key point/formula for that keyword.

› Logic and mathematical reasoning: Always check your answers in relation to the original question. Your answer might not make logical sense.

› Start the exam with the questions that you find easiest. This will help build your confidence in the exam. Finish the exam with your least favourite topic.

will test all facets of your ability. Thankfully, there typically comes a point during the year when a light bulb goes off and things begin to click. This ‘Eureka moment’ is the biggest indication of success. After this, you will get to a stage where you’re competent and comfortable with the concepts of Maths. Working towards building a strong, fundamental foundation helps to achieve this.

List of mistakes

Throughout the year, make a list of mistakes you have made in class and in your assessments. Homework and assessments are important learning opportunities for students because they enable them to recognise their most common mistakes. Albert Einstein said the definition of insanity is doing something over and over again and expecting a different result. Learn from these mistakes because you don’t want to repeat them in the actual exam. Making mistakes is inevitable, but learning from your mistakes will ensure your success in Maths. In the words of Samuel Beckett: “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.”