From IGCSE to A-Level: how to bridge the jump in difficulty
Students are often surprised by how much harder A-Level feels. What changes, and how to prepare in the summer before.
Concept clarificationIGCSE, A-Level, Cambridge, EdexcelMathematics4 min read
Many students who did well at IGCSE find the first months of A-Level a shock. The pace is faster, the topics go deeper and the questions expect more independent thinking.
What changes
- Fewer subjects, studied in much more depth.
- Questions that combine several ideas.
- More independent study outside lessons.
- Stronger algebra and problem-solving needed, especially in sciences and Maths.
Before you start
Review your IGCSE algebra, graphs and units, since A-Level builds on them constantly. A few weeks of light revision in the summer makes the first term smoother.
In the first term
Do the practice questions after each topic, not only before tests. Keep a log of mistakes, and ask for help as soon as a topic feels unclear.
Get support early
A short block of one-to-one lessons at the start of AS-Level can close gaps before they grow.