How hard do you think GCSE Maths is for a Mature Student?

stamina9008

Hi, i've just completed the Adult Numeracy Level 2 test and got 36/40. I was led to believe that this is equivalent to the GCSE, but it isnt, the GCSE is more extensive and harder.
Im 28, and i dont know why im getting into maths, but i think its because in this world of contradictions and opinions, i like something which seems clear cut and deals with problem solving. Now, i dont know, maybe intense mathematics does contain contradictions germane to it, but..
How hard will a GCSE be for me?
I never took my GCSE'S when i was 16, i was at school up until about 14/15, i liked it and i was ok but, i was bullied pretty hard and decided not to go anymore, i didnt sit the tests because i didnt want to go to Uni and be in another class environment.
Anyway, thats the past.
lol
Please tell me how hard you think a Maths GCSE will be for me.

Edit - Sure, i understand that you cant precisely tell me how hard it will be for me, but, bearing in mind i've just done the Numeracy test i was wondering if you can relate this to the GCSE..
Possibly comparing them can give me an idea as to how difficult i'll find it..

But thanks, i appreciate the replies.

kingfisherblue

It's difficult to say, especially as people sometimes lose their nerve in exam environments. However, I passed my CSE maths at grade 2 (too low to be the equivilent of an O level - showing my age now :rotfl:). A few years ago, at the local community centre, one of the tutors had a GCSE maths paper from a previous year, for her students to practice. I had a quick look at it, and was surprised to find that I could answer many questions fairly easily. There were a couple of questions that I wasn't familiar with, as well as some that I couldn't remember how to do properly, but overall, it wasn't as scary as I would have thought.

I've been thinking of doing my GCSE maths myself, and you are much younger than me. Many jobs have grade C GCSE as a requirement, so i would suggest giving it a go.

Good luck x

aliasojo

stamina9008 wrote: »

Please tell me how hard you think a Maths GCSE will be for me.

I don't know.

Can you tell me how hard learning to knit will be for me please?



Seriously though, how can anyone on the internet tell you if you can cope emotionally/mentally/academically etc etc with doing a Maths GCSE?

What about asking to speak to a Maths teacher at your local high school just to get a feel for things and maybe a few sample papers? You might get a better idea.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained....give it a go.

dizzyrascal

You can get GCSE course work books and practice exam books from Amazon or other book stores, which might be worth buying anyway, if you want to go ahead. They will give you an idea of what you would be up against.
Also I would look at the BBC Bitesize revision website. You should be able to gauge the level from the tests on there.

Horseunderwater

Definitely worth doing if only for the kudos of achieving it. But as another poster said have a look on the BBC bitesize revision site and see what type of phrasing they use in the questions these days. If you get on with them, consider buying a maths GCSE study book, does not need to be totally up to date for practising. If you can do and answer those fine, then go for it next term at local class level.

paddyrg

Seeing how interested you are and how eloquently you phrase the question, 'smartness' clearly isn't going to be the stumbling block. And I doubt maths will be either - 36/40 shows you're not just 'scraping by' but have a capacity for it.

If I were you, I'd give it a go. Of course, nobody can tell for you, but I think you'll be pleasantly surprised and I think you'll get a good reception for showing willing too :-)

marybelle01

I'd agree with trying out some bite size pieces. Maths and numeracy are two entirely different things! You can be entirely numerate and lousy at Maths - me being a case in point.

Sambucus_Nigra

I love maths so am biased [I take maths books on holiday with me = sad] but if you want to go for it then do it.

libra10

When in my forties I went back into adult education and did several GCSEs, followed by four A Levels.

I became friendly with other mature students and was motivated to work hard, achieving good passes in all the subjects taken.

My son enrolled at night school to do GCSE Maths during this time, and as he wasn't confident at this subject, I helped him with the course, reading and studying the topics, using his text books and coming to grips with what he had studied during the week.

Maths became easier to understand - I did the sample questions and learned lots by getting some things wrong. My son gained a C qualification, and couldn't believe how well he had done.

It shows that you understand Maths by gaining such high points.

Go for it, hope you enjoy.

DVardysShadow

stamina9008 wrote: »

Please tell me how hard you think a Maths GCSE will be for me.

Is it even relevant to ask how hard it is? You may hate it more if you find it too easy than if you find it too hard.

Give it a try because you feel it is worth while and because you might enjoy it.

Jemma130

Yeah, just get a few practice maths exam books, I think you will be fine! I got a B at GCSE maths and I really am terrible! Thanks to grade inflation, almost anyone can pass!