How do I convince my physics teacher to let me do physics at A-level?

Question

I only got C in maths but got A* in my science. I am not doing maths at A-;ev;e what can i say to her sensible answers only please

Answer 1

Tell them you would like to do the A level at this school but if not then you would have no option but to go to the local college instead.

You might want to ask why the teacher does not want to let you take it.....

Answer 2

suggest doing this: you get hold of the physics A-level text, and work through problems that she suggests, teaching yourself the necessary maths on the way.

She is quite right to be concerned.  So should you be, but if physics is what really interests you I would strongly encourage you, and actions speak louder than words.

Answer 3

Give her an apple.

Answer 4

Schools are usually desperate to get students to sign on for physics - there is such a shortage. ( What other GCSEs have you got ?- hopefully at A or B) Not doing maths A level can be a problem but if you are prepared to take extra lessons then it should not be -  as long as your basic arithmetic and algebra are Ok you should be able to cope with basic calculus. Enthusiasm and hard work will see you through.

If they wont take you then you should be able to find another school or college nearby who would be glad to take you.  

Answer 5

Physics is a lot more math based than any other science. If you aren't strong in math, you will have a very rough time in physics.  I know it is not the answer you are looking for, but that is the way it is.

Answer 6

Here's how you convince her. You work on getting your math abilities up, find some way to get a certificate of achievement (or some other document showing that your math capabilities are top notch), and you show it to her.

Answer 7

I doubt you will be able to convince your teacher to let you take Physics A-level because of your weak Mathematics.

I suggest you look at one of the sciences that helped you get the A* grade in Science.  Go for what you are good at.  

Answer 8

I remember when  I did A-level physics that there were extra classes for those studying physics but not maths.  This was helpful for students to get to grips with 'calculus'.

Now you usually are introduced to calculus early on in the first year of an A-level maths course, but as you're not doing it then you will need to learn about it as physics draws on it heavily.

What I'd suggest you do is to spend the next week or so going over the core concepts in maths GCSE (like basic algebra and algebraic manipulation, solving equations, drawing graphs, understanding functions), and then to persuade your teacher on the provisal that you will attempt to improve your maths and get to grips with calculus.

Also ask about whether your 6th form college does extra classes in maths for those doing physics but not doing maths A-level, and certainly take them if theyre on offer...

Answer 9

It isn't normally your physics teacher who decides whther or not you get to do A-level, normally it's the "higher-ups" in charge of allocating subjects. (you get a choice don't you)

One way you could show them is an improvement in your maths, Physics requires a lot of maths afterall.

Answer 10

If everybody was good at what they wanted to do before they started it - then there would be no need to start it at all. To become good at something such as mathematics and physics it requires time and study. As an example, consider how Einstein took ten years, from publishing his Special Theory of Relativity in 1905, to formulate and publish his General Theory of Relativity in 1915. During these ten years, Einstein had to approach, his old student friend, Marcel Grossmann   who was a Professor of Mathematics at the Federal Polytechnic Institute in Zurich ( today the ETH Zurich) to teach him descriptive geometry and tensor mathematics. In other words, nobody finds these subjects easy - not even geniuses!

In your interview - be honest with your teacher that you are not as of yet a brilliant student but emphasise that you want to learn A-level physics and that you are willing to apply yourself to its study. You might draw analogy with the Olympic champions who have achieved the top of their chosen sports by application and determined work - after all - many of them were not so good when they started! Hence - be positive and state that A-level physics is what you want to do!

Good luck - and I hope you enjoy studying A-level physics!

Answer 11

I am doing a physics degree now. I FAILED my Maths GCSE the first time around (ie I got a U), got a C the second time around, and only got CC in Double Science.

I was allowed to do A-level Physics, I then failed that. I am now scoring 90%+ regularly on exams and other assessments and I am on my way to a Mphys. It just shows that school doesnt work for everyone.

Don't be put off. Maybe the college you want to go to has a rule where you need to do Maths and Physics and you don't have a good enough grade for maths, which rules you out of physics.

To get into any physics degree you need both maths and physics, usually at A-B.

The maths in a Physics A-level is pretty basic from what I remember, trigonometry, different graphs, algebra, fundamental equations and values and that's about it. There isn't anything more difficult then that.

Tell your Physics teacher that you will retake your Maths GCSE alongside your a-levels (it shouldnt be too hard). Also, ring around other colleges. There wil be spaces on courses if you do it quickly.

Answer 12

A Level Physics does require a good grasp of maths. A C grade most likely indicates that you won't cope. Especially if it is from a lower tier of entry.