O Level Maths rewards two things: knowing each method, and applying it accurately under time pressure. A good plan builds them in that order.
1. Learn by topic, not by paper
Work through the syllabus one topic at a time: algebra, graphs, geometry, trigonometry, statistics. For each topic, make sure you can explain why the method works, not just follow it. A method you understand survives an unfamiliar question; a memorised one does not.
2. Practise exam-style questions on each topic
After each topic, answer exam-style questions on it, with full working. Check each line against a worked solution, not just the final answer. Start here:
- Quadratic equations exam questions
- How to complete the square
- How to solve simultaneous equations
- How to find the nth term of a quadratic sequence
3. Keep a mistake log
Most lost marks are not about hard topics; they are the same few slips repeated: a dropped minus sign, rounding too early, stopping one step short. Write each one down with the correct version. Before a test, read the log, not the textbook.
4. Then sit timed papers
Once the topics are covered, practise full papers under exam timing. Cambridge publishes past papers for schools; your teacher can provide them. Mark each paper strictly against the mark scheme, then add every lost mark to your log.
5. Show the working, always
Method marks are awarded for correct working even when the final answer is wrong. A bare answer that is wrong scores nothing; the same answer with correct working can still earn most of the marks.
A realistic week
- Four short sessions on one topic each: learn, then practise.
- One session of mixed questions from topics already covered.
- One read of your mistake log.
Short, regular sessions beat one long one before the exam.