Can i pass a maths GCSE in ten weeks?

[Hullabalooo]

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!

And remember practice makes progress

If it helps I got U in my O level maths in 1983 and 84.

I would consider myself to be poor at maths.

I "tutored" Dd for six months for her GCSE Statistics about five years ago supported by an actual maths tutor once a fortnight.

By the time she sat the exam I'm pretty confident I would have got a C should I have taken it myself.

You've got this!

@ElizabethMainwaring I have an MA and a recent job only wanted evidence that I had a GCSE in maths and English. They didn't want my MA certificate

Black prism, that doesn't surprise me one bit. I was a TA for years and all they were interested in was GCSES. I had to do an NVQ to get a pay rise. I also have an MA.
Anyway, good luck Hullabaloo, I'm glad you've got a really good tutor. All the very best to you.

Just wanted to say good luck. I believed I was bad at maths in my school days. Many decades later I am helping my DC with his maths, and was surprised that I found it very easy. I now know that the belief that I wasn't good at maths was a barrier. Logical thinking ability keeps on developing well beyond school years. Stay positive, and believe that you are good at it now!

I think having a parent shout at me that I was stupid whilst trying to do my maths homework back in the 1980s didn't help much.

You've got to totally forget about your past and just work your backside off now Hullabaloo. Do it now.

Ah yes, 80s parenting: A child will improve by pointing out to them that they are stupid, preferably very loudly as they are also slightly deaf as well as stupid. smile.
Good luck with the GCSE. Please let us know how it goes.

Well, that went wrong. Ironically I now feel stupid. You will just have to imagine a smiley face.

Thanks everyone! This has made me feel far more upbeat about this whole nuts process.

I'll keep you all updated. There may be some interim weeping though I'm afraid. 🙄

Another one rooting for you! I admire your determination for even giving it a try. I've crammed music grade exams in a similar time frame as an adult. Your life will have to be super regimented, but you can do it.

Good luck Hullabaloo! Do keep us posted!

I don't suppose anyone here has an Edexcel log in? Trying to source past papers but they're all locked unless you have an account. Could really do with these.

I have to buy graph paper today. I don't think I even knew it existed!

Last year's papers are locked, but those from 2017 are not. I would get the 2017 papers from all the boards to practice with.

AQA has lots of stuff here.

Thank you @thefallenmadonna

This is a good website for revision materials including past papers.

This site allows you to test yourself with online papers - it is self marking.

Thanks for these!

My maths books still haven't arrived. I'm working today but would like to do something this eve. What is best to do. Look at past papers?

@Hullabalooo I am very admiring of your resolution. I didn't do very well at school and sometimes think about going back and seeing what I could do now.

Would love to hear about any parts where you feel you get stuck. We could work through them together. 😀

There is a free revision website called Seneca that I use with my students for English but it was has all the main subjects on it. It’s really useful and breaks things down into smaller chunks and then quizzes you.

Brilliant @blueemeraldagain that's really useful!

@finallyhere I'll let you know

OP I presume you've got a first degree? So you're used to studying.

I did a Masters in Social Work and dont remember anyone checking if I had maths gcse. That was many years ago though.

Got a first degree late 1990s then post grad certificate few years back but numbers do make me shudder