Question: Hello! How do you study Maths and do you have any tips for someone in year 10 struggling to keep up?

Luke Humphrey answered on 20 Nov 2025:

I also struggled with maths, especially at school. Here are some things that have helped me:

– Try different learning styles and find what works for you. I am a terrible listener but good at figuring things out by myself, so most of my learning was done in self-study. There are many good resources on-line.

– However, teachers are still very valuable! I don’t listen well in lecture style, but when I come to them with questions and lead the discussion at the pace I’m comfortable with, I learn much better. There is nothing wrong with you if your learning style doesn’t align with the standards set by the school system. Take ownership and responsibility for your development and do what you need to do.

– On a similar note, try to find which teachers you click with the most. I’ve had many maths teachers over the years and some helped me a lot more than others. It’s not that some were bad teachers, just varied communication styles. Teachers who had a more visual style with demonstrations and diagrams helped me the most. If you find a teacher who consistently helps you understand things, priorities going to them for support.

– Do homework / assignments together with friends. The neurodiversity of a friend group increases the chances that topics will click for at least one of you. It’s also good practice to do technical work in a group, which is useful skill in itself. You will also find explaining things to others helps you find unseen gaps in your understanding and address them.

– Take your time and be kind to yourself. Maths is not easy, and sometimes it’s not intuitive. It can’t be crammed last minute. Pace yourself, study little and often rather than all at once. Let it take as long as it takes, even if the world might try to rush you. I know this is easier said than done. Good luck.