Getting an A* in A Level Maths is tough, but it is completely achievable and within your reach. An A* requires around 85% across your papers; however, exact boundaries change by exam board. You need the best math skills in your chosen applied modules. A* students not just memorize, they understand and gain knowledge of unfamiliar problems. Strategic revision, past paper practice, and learning from mark schemes are essential. With the right approach and consistent effort from an A-level Maths tutor, you can achieve the top grade. In this guide, you will learn about A level maths, its structure, and key skills to achieve your goals.

What does an A* in A level Maths mean?

An A* in A-level Maths typically requires you to score around 85% or more across all your papers. Although exact grade boundaries shift each year, depending on paper difficulty and the exam board. For example, an A grade usually sits around 75%. That 10% difference might not seem challenging, but it requires significant knowledge in mathematical ability and exam technique.

Here's what makes A-level Maths different from regular Maths. A level Maths helps estimate your understanding into more critical thinking across a broader range of topics. For example, complex numbers, advanced calculus, matrices, and further applied mathematics are offered in the optional modules.

In both A Level Maths and Further Maths, the examiners are not just testing whether you can solve familiar problems. They want to see if you can apply your knowledge to questions you have never seen before. This flexibility and depth of understanding can be what separates A* students from the rest.

Understand the Exam Structure

Before you can get the top grades in A-level Maths, you need to understand exactly what you are going to deal with. The structure varies depending on your exam board.

• Edexcel: Students typically sit two compulsory pure papers (Core Pure 1 and Core Pure 2). Plus two optional applied papers chosen from Further Pure, Mechanics, Statistics, or Decision Maths.
• AQA: You will follow a similar pattern with compulsory pure content and optional applied modules, though the specific content breakdown varies slightly.
• OCR: It offers two specifications, OCR A and OCR B. Both include compulsory pure mathematics and optional modules. But OCR B tends to focus more on applied problem-solving and modelling.

Pure mathematics forms the foundation. You will spend at least half your exam time on pure mathematical course content, so this needs to be a strength for you. Your applied modules matter too. Depending on which options you are studying, you may find these complement and extend your knowledge from A Level Maths. For options that are more different, like Decision or Discrete Maths, it is important to know exactly what is in the specification from the exam board.

Key Skills that Separate A* Students from A Students

So what actually separates an A* student from someone who only gets an A? It comes down to four essential skills.

Process Fluency

A* students move through algebraic manipulations smoothly and confidently. They do not get stuck on algebra and other intermediate steps or complex number operations. But they understand proof techniques confidently and can construct clear, logical arguments. The more confident you are with the processes involved in an answer, the more you can think about the overall strategy and direction of solving it.

Calculus Confidence

You should be clear about topics like integration techniques, differential equations, parametric equations, and fundamental differentiation. A* students don't just know the methods, they know when to apply each technique and can spot connections between different approaches. Through practicing enough problems, you should be able to identify which techniques and strategies will help you most effectively.

Mathematical Problem-Solving

When faced with an unfamiliar question, A* students do not feel stressed. They identify the basic mathematical structure, connect it to familiar concepts, and build a solution step by step. They read questions carefully, extract the essential information, and make logical assumptions where needed. This is especially important as many students struggle with more advanced and contextual questions. So you need to do extra practice on this to increase your chances of getting an A*.

Exam Efficiency

Time management matters hugely in A-level Maths. Students who want A* work quickly but accurately. They know which questions to attempt first, when to move on from a difficult problem, and how to maximize marks even when they cannot complete every part.

How to Revise to get an A* in A level Maths

Below are some key tips specific to attaining an A* in A level Maths, which have been used by the highest attaining students. There are many revision strategies you should implement anyway, no matter what grade you are aiming for. For example, complete all the past papers. But these are more specific for those aiming for an A*.

Mark Scheme and Examiner’s Reports

Always read the alternative methods of mark schemes and the examiner reports. Being able to answer a question one way is good, but you should be able to consider multiple strategies and select the best one. It could be an alternate strategy you did not spot before that may help you solve a problem on the real paper. The examiner's reports can also highlight some important complications or misconceptions to avoid.

Help Other Students

Helping other students who are struggling with an A level Maths problem can be really useful to boost your own knowledge too. For example, think about why this method works for this problem. Or how do you know how to choose that method? These are all questions that can improve your knowledge, or maybe identify areas you are not as sure of as you thought you were.

Using Past Papers

Past papers are your most valuable revision resource. But simply completing papers is not enough. You need to use them strategically. Start with topic-specific questions and past paper notes from Mixt Academy or your exam board. Build confidence in individual topics before dealing with full papers. Time yourself strictly and work without notes or textbooks. This builds stamina and highlights what you actually know.

Don’t Just Use One Textbook 

Different textbooks and websites may focus on different elements of the specification and include different worked examples and problems. Practicing the hardest, usually the last couple of questions in each exercise, can be really useful to boost your knowledge about the course.

Time Management

This is the closest you can get to the real situation, and adjusting your time management through a paper will help reduce your stress levels in the exam and therefore improve your performance. Timed conditions will also help you practice strategies for approaching the paper. You may consider looking through the whole paper first and rapidly answering the easy questions first.

Expert Maths Tutors

Private mathematics tutoring allows you to maximize the resources and support available throughout your studies. It gives you the best chance to succeed in whatever levels you choose to pursue next. If you are willing to hire an online A level Maths tutors in UAE or beyond, contact Mixt Academy. The support of specialized subject teachers keeps you on the right track and helps you to complete your academic dreams.

Bottom Line

Achieving an A* in A Level Maths is challenging, but it is absolutely possible with the right approach. Success requires solid mathematical foundations, excellent exam technique, and confident problem-solving ability. Start with Mixt Academy your exam structure and identifying your weaker topics. Revise strategically using regular revisions and mixed practice. Use past papers extensively and learn from examiner reports. Hire an expert Maths tutor for A-level to keep you on track and support you in addressing the weak areas of the subject. Most importantly, believe in yourself. With consistent effort and smart revision strategies, that A* is within your bucket.

FAQs

How is online math tutoring different from in-person tutoring?

Online math tutoring has a lot of the same benefits as in-person tutoring. The benefit of online tutoring is that you have access to a much wider network of tutors based on your schedule and learning style. 

How do I find a good A level math tutor?

When looking for an A level math tutor, keep an eye out for their teaching or tutoring experience, any special training or education they have received, and the math subjects and student age groups they specialize in.

Do we get to choose our math tutor?

Yes! Our academic coordinator will make a recommendation after consulting on your child’s unique needs and learning style. It is ultimately up to you and your child whether to work with that tutor or another from our network.

What does a math tutor do?

Our math tutors get to know each student’s learning style and specific math struggles. They customize their lesson plans and teaching style to help students improve their understanding and problem-solving skills.

How soon can my child start working with a dedicated math tutor?

We take the time to pair your child with the best math tutor for their grade level and learning style. Once the match occurs, you can schedule your first tutoring session within 48 hours.

How does online math tutoring work?

We use an innovative online classroom to give students a positive environment to work with their tutor. With features like an interactive whiteboard and the ability to upload homework problems or sample tests, students get hands-on practice.

How much does an A level maths tutor charge?

An A-level maths tutor's average prices vary depending on each tutor's experience, math subject, level of teaching, and the number of tutoring hours you purchase.