How good is good enough for Maths A Level?

[Barbalalalib]

DD enjoys maths and finds it fairly straightforward. She is of the type that absorbs the information and then gets it back down on the page (mostly) correctly. She is in the top 5% at a leafy/good but not exceptional comp. What she can't do is see round corners, leap off into flights of mathematical fancy or perform complex calculations in seconds in her head. It's all quite mechanistic. She finds algebra OK, but doesn't desperately love it, I undertand ability in algebra is a better guide to A Level rather than general mathematical ability.
How good do you have to be to consider taking it at A Level, other than expecting an 8/9?

I think of you are expecting an 8/9 and you enjoy it then you'll be fine!

Our school won't take anyone for A-level without an 8 or 9 at GCSE. Then there are two "sets" (which is unusual at A-level I think though I don't know specifically in Maths): one for those who are naturally gifted and the other for those who have to work a bit harder.

What she can't do is see round corners, leap off into flights of mathematical fancy or perform complex calculations in seconds in her head

Not a requirement for maths A-level! A mechanistic approach will be fine.

If she wants to do A-level then any time spent practising her algebra skills before September will pay-off. There are lots of resources online about bridging the gap to A-level.

DS started A Level Maths this year - he got a grade 8 in his GCSE's. He's naturally good at Maths, annoyingly find it easy. I think in your daughters case I'd make sure if she's going to do it, to try and keep her algebra skills up to date - esp if she's doesn't get back to school before September. DS found it tough going after being out of school since last month, it sounds like most of his class were a bit rusty! So he regrets not keeping up with his skills over the summer. He's got there now but was regretting it early in the school year

Since last March!

What she can't do is see round corners, leap off into flights of mathematical fancy or perform complex calculations in seconds in her head

Not a requirement for maths A-level! A mechanistic approach will be fine.

Interesting. I think because she's very good in the context of her school she has been to/attended online maths events where there are people like this and she feels a bit like the idiot cousin. She's never been all that great at the UKMT stuff either.

The fact her school is leafy and she can’t see round corners isn’t really relevant to be honest

A natural aptitude and enjoyment of the subject and high markings, is what is required,

A level maths is a massive step up from GCSE, but your DD sounds like she’d be well suited for it! You have to love it, or be effortlessly brilliant at it to really well, in my experience.

The main requirement other than a good gcse is that she enjoys maths - a levels are hard so liking the subjects chosen is important especially if they have to work at the subject more. My dd did maths and found it ok, she worked hard and got an a, but she was as you describe your dd, not naturally amazing at maths - thankfully she was at boarding school and had tutors to help with prep in the evening when she got stuck!

I think your concerns are because you are assuming that A-level is for those majorly talented at maths whereas it’s actually the most popular A-level so definitely not reserved for maths genius types.

You might find more of those taking Further Maths.

Yes, noble, that's one of the things I do consider. I know it's the biggest entry overall and it's the second biggest entry at her school, so rationally not everyone can be a genius!

If she's getting 8/9s and enjoys maths she will be able to do it- if she struggles she will just need to work hard and I'm sure she'll do well.

Maths is a very popular subject and you get those taking it who really shouldn't as some schools only require a 6 maybe 7. I'd assume if she is good enough to get 8/9 she won't be bottom of the class.

There are always people around far better at maths if you go to things designed for people who are good at maths.

Honestly years ago I was by far and away the best mathematician in my year. I found A level maths & further maths relatively straightforward. Then I went to Cambridge to do maths and was mediocre at best.

Take the school's guidance surely. They know her. If they say she should be OK for it, and she wants to do it, then why not.

In my DD's school you need at least an 8/9 at GCSE and they also expect students to be taking further maths GCSE in their own time to supplement their application for A level maths. DD wants to study A level maths as she wants to enter a medical field. Her school are all about 8s and 9s anything below a 7 is frowned upon. The school has a reputation for having some of the highest grades in examinations, so there's added pressure to perform.
She finds further maths easier than the standard GCSE maths as likes to know the ins and outs of things rather than a broader view.

Our local 6th form college requires a 7 to do maths and an 8 to do FM, I think.

I’m a maths teacher- I hate UKMT stuff; it’s not my way of thinking at all.

I got an A at GCSE with a more mechanical approach but still got an A at A-Level as well by working hard.

Her development of seeing round corners etc may come as she gets older and explores more in-depth maths.

If she gets an 8 or 9, and enjoys it and is willing to work hard, she will be fine.

My dc's have done a maths degree and one a masters in a physics type degree and I don't think either of them could do complex calculations in their heads in seconds or see round corners! Honestly she'll be fine.
She needs to learn her tables and number bonds off by heart and always always check the answer is logical.

@Barbalalalib

What she can't do is see round corners, leap off into flights of mathematical fancy or perform complex calculations in seconds in her head

Not a requirement for maths A-level! A mechanistic approach will be fine.

Interesting. I think because she's very good in the context of her school she has been to/attended online maths events where there are people like this and she feels a bit like the idiot cousin. She's never been all that great at the UKMT stuff either.

I got an A* in A-level maths and I was always terrible at the maths challenge / ukmt stuff so I wouldn't use that as a marker !

Thanks, this is all interesting. I suppose it's situations such as Begonias which are frequently quoted on here that make me think, cripes, we're not remotely in that territory. But I'm also aware that MN is not representative in this sense.

My DS got a 9 at GCSE and 'got' maths - always had done since primary. He did A level and really struggled. I think mainly because he'd never really had to work at it before. I think you do have to get the concepts more at A level rather than just seeing the patterns. I also think you do have to really enjoy maths in order to put in the hard work.

I teach maths and whilst it is probably best suited to those with an 8 or 9, those with a 7 sometimes do really well IF they are motivated.

OP, of course she's good enough to do maths A level. She may enjoy the practical aspects such as statistics and mechanics more than the pure maths but the world needs more mathematicians so she should jfdi. As others have said, Further Maths might be more of a decision, but it sounds like vanilla maths A level is a no brainer.

UKMT doesn’t mean everything. My eldest DS never did better than silver but still managed a 1st in maths from Warwick. My youngest regularly got gold, merits in the kangaroo and best in school, and is also studying maths but not quite as successfully as his big brother.