How to get an A at AS and an A* in Edexcel International A Level Mathematics

Start with your own unit combination

Pearson IAL Mathematics is modular. The usual AS structure includes P1, P2 and an approved applied unit; the full award includes P1–P4 and an approved pair of applied units. Ask your school to confirm your entry and cash-in combination rather than copying a friend’s timetable.

Create a revision page for each unit you are actually taking. Under every topic, record one question you can solve independently and one that still needs attention. A topic becomes secure when you can explain why a method works and use it after a gap, not when a chapter looks familiar.

Make algebra support every later topic

A calculus question can fail because of a fraction error long before the differentiation becomes difficult. Practise factorising, rearranging equations, manipulating indices and handling exact values in small mixed sets. Write intermediate lines instead of expecting your memory to hold every transformation.

Keep an error log that records the decision which caused the mistake: cancelling across addition, losing a negative sign or forgetting a domain restriction. Add a corrected example and a different follow-up question. The goal is to change your next attempt, rather than create a beautiful collection of old mistakes.

Train the first minute of a problem

Before calculating, identify the quantity requested, the information available and a possible route between them. For a maximum problem, define a variable and form the function before differentiating. For an integral, inspect its structure before choosing substitution or integration by parts.

At AS, work on linking familiar techniques into short chains. At A2, spend more time on problems that mix functions, trigonometry and calculus. After solving, ask whether another representation would have helped: a sketch, an exact expression or a substitution. This develops flexibility without relying on memorised question patterns.

Give applied units their own practice

In mechanics, draw a force diagram and state the direction you call positive. In statistics, identify the random variable and its distribution before entering values into a calculator. In decision mathematics, follow the specified algorithm carefully and show its intermediate stages. Revise only the applied units in your confirmed route.

Use a complete timed paper periodically, then separate lost marks into knowledge, method selection, algebra and time management. Reattempt difficult questions without the mark scheme several days later. A higher score on an identical paper immediately after marking mainly shows recall; success on a fresh mixed set is stronger evidence of progress.

Common mistakes—and how to fix them

Your four-week revision plan

Use this as a focused revision cycle alongside your lessons. If you are still learning the course, give unfamiliar topics more time before attempting full papers.

1. Week 1

   Audit your route

   • Confirm units and identify three recurring algebra errors.
   • Attempt one diagnostic set for each current unit.
2. Week 2

   Repair methods

   • Practise mixed algebra and calculus with full working.
   • Write short explanations for mechanics or statistics model choices.
3. Week 3

   Connect topics

   • Solve unfamiliar multi-stage problems without topic labels.
   • Revisit errors from the first week.
4. Week 4

   Rehearse and review

   • Complete timed papers for your actual entries.
   • Use the remaining sessions to repair repeated errors and test them again.

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