My name is Ria, and I just finished the IGCSE course for both Extended and Additional Maths. The add maths course was definitely one of my favourites as I learnt a lot and explored more complex topics in comparison to the extended course. I did have several challenges, however I managed to seek help and work diligently in order to be successful at the end. 

When I think of mathematics, I usually get feelings of anxiety but also excitement. I enjoy learning new mathematical concepts and problem solving, however I am aware that I always face challenges in this subject. I am enthusiastic about starting this course as we get to go further into depth and learn a whole lot more than IGCSE. However, this is a difficult course and I know that it takes me a while sometimes to understand certain topics, so this does make me slightly anxious. 

I would put myself middle-right on this continuum because I am usually an independent worker who likes to problem solve and figure things out by myself. However, in maths, I find that I understand concepts more clearly, when it is explained by others who are more comfortable in this subject. They tend to have several ways of problem solving which I find very helpful. 

In the past, I have usually gone through example answers to questions in order to see how they have worked out that specific question, so that I could apply it to other questions. However most of the time I usually go to other peers or my teacher for help, so that they can explain the question in a clear way. 

My biggest strengths in learning mathematics would be, to be diligent, curious, and to be an inquirer. In this subject, I find myself working with others all the time, and also being interested in what we are learning. This all helps me to get a clear understanding of what we are learning. 

One of my areas of focus for the beginning of maths this year, would be to stay resilient. I am aware that the concepts in this subject are only going to get more challenging, so it is important that I stay persistent with my learning and keep on asking questions in order to improve the level of my learning.