Mathematics Assessment Study Plan
Assessment Due: November 3rd
Follow this daily study plan to prepare effectively. Topics are split to gradually cover all chapters and allow revision before the exam.
Classroom whiteboards and extra resources
Advanced math resources. Complete all exercises in each of the resources. If you don't get the exercise right, go back to the explaination.
Tips for Clear Math Work
1. Write down what you’re solving for first
- Clearly state the goal before starting any calculations.
- This keeps your working focused and shows you understand the question.
- Examples:
- Solve for x
- Find the value of y
- Determine the equation of the line
- This helps markers follow your intent and gives structure to your solution.
2. Break the problem into small, clear steps
- Each line should perform only one mathematical action.
- Avoid jumping straight from the question to the final answer.
- Small steps reduce mistakes and allow partial marks if an error occurs.
- If more than one change happens in a line, split it into two lines.
3. Justify each step (explain why)
- Briefly explain why each step is valid.
- Use short notes such as:
- Subtract 7 from both sides
- Divide both sides by 3
- Factorising
- Using the quadratic formula
- Justifications show understanding, not memorisation.
4. Use clear notation and layout
- Align equals signs vertically.
- Avoid arrows unless explaining reasoning.
- Do not skip steps or mix algebra across lines.
- Neat layout makes logic easier to follow and reduces errors.
5. Check your final answer
- Substitute your answer back into the original equation.
- Confirm both sides are equal.
- Writing a short check shows good mathematical practice.
- This step often catches simple arithmetic mistakes.
6. Compare your method with a solver
- Use tools like Symbolab or Photomath after attempting the question yourself.
- Compare:
- Step order
- Notation
- Justifications
- Adjust your working to match clear, logical standards.
Gold-standard mindset
- Ask yourself: “Could someone who missed the lesson understand my solution?”
- If the answer is yes, your working is clear and well-structured.
HELM Resources
HELM: Basic Algebra. Date due: 2025-12-09
HELM: Basic Functions. Date due: 2025-12-12
HELM: Equations, Inequalities & Partial Fractions. Date due: 2025-12-15
HELM: Functions and Modelling. Date due: 2025-12-24
HELM: Exponential & Logarithmic Functions. Date due: 2025-12-27
HELM: Trigonometry. Date due: 2025-12-30
HELM: Functions of Several Variables. Date due: 2026-01-02
HELM: Differentiation. Date due: 2026-01-05
HELM: Applications of Differentiation. Date due: 2026-01-08
HELM: Integration. Date due: 2026-01-11
HELM: Applications of Integration – Part 1. Date due: 2026-01-14
HELM: Applications of Integration – Part 2. Date due: 2026-01-17
HELM: Applications of Integration – Part 2. Date due: 2026-01-17
03/02/2026 Follow the clear math method to complete the square.
10/03/2026 Solving equations