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Original poster

Can i pass a maths GCSE in ten weeks?

260 replies

Hullabalooo · 12/03/2019 00:20

I'm applying to do a social work Masters in September and through this process have realised that the crappy grade E in GCSE maths i got back in 1989 is not going to cut it. So to be accepted i need to retake the exam and get a C or grade 4/5 by the time I start the course this autumn 2019. Or I can't do the course.

I've only just found out. Is this possible?

I've always been rubbish at maths and the thought of this fills me with horror. Especially as simultaneously my EA ex is taking me to court to try to get custody of DC (not did any reason other than control. I'm a good mum so that's not the issue). I know the sensible thing would be to just wait a year and apply but I'm set on starting this year.

I'm sick of being self employed. I want a proper job and to earn some decent money and make a difference and I'd be really good at it. So i have to do this GCSE now.

Please give me ideas about what I can do to pass in the time available!

OP posts:
Original poster
Hullabalooo · 12/03/2019 07:38

@everytimeref what is functional maths?

OP posts:
Original poster
Hullabalooo · 12/03/2019 07:40

They'll take level 3 functional maths whatever that is. Is that easier? Anyone know?

OP posts:
calpop · 12/03/2019 07:40

i reckon you can do this. Get the CGP revision book, right one for your exam board. Maybe go through the ks3 one first.

You're very determined which makes a lot of difference I think. Good luck.

WhenZogateSuperworm · 12/03/2019 07:41

@Persimmonn ha ha! It’s very easy if you are very good at maths and have prepped for the papers.

Without a tutor I would say no chance. With a. Good tutor doing 1 hour teaching a week plus setting you lots of practice outside of sessions then possibly. I think you need professional help and an assessment of where your skills are at right now before you get your hopes up.

For some 10 weeks would be doable, for others it wouldn’t. Really depends on your ability as well as how hard you will work.

ElizabethMainwaring · 12/03/2019 07:42

Functional maths is very basic. It's for people who cannot achieve GCSE. Functional English is usually sat by people with dyslexia or other Sen. It isn't the equivalent of GCSE. Even the lower grades of GCSE.

Original poster
Hullabalooo · 12/03/2019 07:44

Thanks @mrsed1987 but years of being a self employed single parent has completely ground me down. Even social work will be manageable after that.

OP posts:
shaggedthruahedgebackwards · 12/03/2019 07:49

I think it would be possible for most people but you would need to work very hard and apply proper structure to your learning

Are you currently working?

I would say it's definitely possible if you can treat learning maths like a FT job for next 10 weeks but will be a lot harder if you need to fit your study around working.

Saltysea2001 · 12/03/2019 07:50

Where are you? I’m a maths tutor. I’m happy to help out!

noblegiraffe · 12/03/2019 07:59

Level 3 functional maths? Are you sure not level 2 functional maths?

That would be more doable in 10 weeks than GCSE.

Original poster
Hullabalooo · 12/03/2019 08:08

They've just said level 3 and possibly some level 2 courses in maths.. What are they? Arrggh it's all changed so much since my day!

OP posts:
Original poster
Hullabalooo · 12/03/2019 08:08

They've just said level 3 and possibly some level 2 courses in maths.. What are they? Arrggh it's all changed so much since my day!

OP posts:
Original poster
Hullabalooo · 12/03/2019 08:09

@saltysea2001 thanks! I'm in Brighton

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Saltysea2001 · 12/03/2019 08:27

Ok. I’m in London. But the offer stands - if you’re going to be coming this way, or by Skype. I’m happy to help.
I’d recommend working on algebra to start. But I’d start with basic. Ie Y7 and then cover the concepts of the intervening years. Over the course of a day or two. You can just jump into to gcse algebra. But it is the basis of LOADS of the topics you’ll cover.

LooseAtTheSeams · 12/03/2019 08:34

They will take functional skills level 2 in maths by the sound of it. it tests numeracy rather than concepts. I doubt an FE college will enrol you at this stage on the course (but you could try!) but they may let you book the exam there for a fee. Get a tutor and the CGP functional skills book and workbook and look at the past papers on e.g. the Pearson Edexcel website. I reckon you can do it! The good thing about FS is that you can retake it the following month if you need to - the last sitting for this academic year would be July.

JustRichmal · 12/03/2019 08:36

Calpop's advice on getting the CGP books is what I would have given. I used Letts for dd, but they are much the same. We then used Khan Academy for anything she and I were struggling with, as the videos there are so calming for the bits you cannot understand.

Also, try and learn early in the day when the brain is more awake.

Stop when you are finding things a struggle and come back to it. Your subconscious works on things while you are doing something else. Also, it stops that awful feeling of maths being too difficult, so why bother.

Most importantly, you learn maths by doing it, not by reading about it, so do lots of practice questions.

Could you defer a year if it you do not get the grade you need?

Fishwifecalling · 12/03/2019 08:38

Functional maths certainly appears to be a lot easier but level three will obviously be more difficult than level two which is the more common one for people to sit..

LooseAtTheSeams · 12/03/2019 09:01

There can't be a level 3 on functional skills - it only goes up to level 2!

Penguinpandarabbit · 12/03/2019 09:22

There's a CGP Guide to Level 3 Functional Maths for £7 online - might be worth getting that and seeing what its like. Though would ask them what level 2 exam boards they accept.

Se7en11 · 12/03/2019 12:16

I've just PMd you OP good luck

TheFallenMadonna · 12/03/2019 13:09

Functional Skills Maths tests a different domain of knowledge to GCSE. I teach students who get a level 1 pass in Maths GCSE (grades 1-3) but who struggle more with the level 1 Functional Skills, and would not get close to passing level 2. However, someone with good literacy (vital for Maths FS IME) and good numeracy should be able to get to Level 2 in 10 weeks. GCSE is more of a stretch, because there is more to learn. Not because what there is to learn is harder.

Original poster
Hullabalooo · 12/03/2019 18:09

First exam date is 21st May and 2nd is 6th June.

OP posts:
Original poster
Hullabalooo · 12/03/2019 18:12

I'm meeting a tutor tomorrow.

I couldn't find any functional skills courses available so looks like it's the gcse.

The second uni won't take functional skills only GCSE so probably best to stick to that to keep my options open.

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Original poster
Hullabalooo · 12/03/2019 18:13

Thank you @saltysea2001. I'll pm you. Appreciate it xx

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Original poster
Hullabalooo · 12/03/2019 20:50

Thanks @justrichmal that's useful.. might start getting up early to have a go. So tired at night.

OP posts:
HotpotLawyer · 13/03/2019 07:16

Make sure you are registered for the exam: is that still possible! I think it’s happening now.

Make sure you have the curriculum course book and revision book for the Board / course you are doing.

Sounds obvious, I know but my friend thought Maths was Maths and it wouldn’t make a difference...

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