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Original poster

Maths A Level - how hard?!

28 replies

dogsandbunnies · 26/10/2025 13:41

DS, current Y11, is contemplating Maths A Level as he is keen on PPE as a degree. He is predicted an 8 in GCSE at the moment. DH and I both got As af GCSE but were told we’d find Maths A Level too hard by our teachers (a long time ago!) so we are worried he won’t be able to get a decent grade in it, despite a potentially great GCSE result. What are your experiences of this? He is hard working and motivated but we’ve never seen him as Maths-y (he is predicted 9s in French, RS, Geography, Business Studies for example).

(I know there are unis that don’t require Maths for PPE.)

OP posts:
Original poster
dogsandbunnies · 26/10/2025 13:47

Interesting that we both have that memory from our own school days @OnlyFangs - maybe things have changed?

The sixth form he’s hoping to stay on for offers Core Maths as an alternative to the EPQ so I’m wondering if my DS should do the A Levels he has a more natural affinity to plus core Maths and just not bother with the PPE courses that require the A Level. I’m not sure he’d enjoy it!

OP posts:
gianfrancogorgonzola · 26/10/2025 13:45

DD got a very high 8 (she did absolutely NO revision for it either) and is finding A Level fine so far, probably her easiest subject although the workload is definitely big - you can't miss a week as they move on fast.

I guess it depends how much he needs to work to get that 8? would that be a breeze or at full pelt with a following wind? but most sixth forms suggest a 7 minimum so it sounds like he'll be fine.

OnlyFangs · 26/10/2025 13:42

Following! DS is predicted 9s but I still worry as I remember brilliant friends finding A level maths hard (or to be fair,.perhaps it was further maths they found hard?).
He lives and breathes maths /physics to be fair but I do worry about what kind of step up it will be.

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