Jake Z: AS Further Mathematics exam full marks
Full marks on AS Further Mathematics exams
At Dulwich International High School Programme Suzhou, our students constantly inspire us with their dedication, resilience, and passion. Today, we shine the spotlight on Jake Z, a Year 13 student who recently achieved an extraordinary full mark in his AS Further Mathematics exam. In addition, he also received As in Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.
The Challenge of Further Mathematics
Further Mathematics is a demanding course that goes beyond the standard A Level syllabus, requiring students to master additional topics and problem-solving techniques. For Jake, the decision to take this subject was motivated both by his success at IGCSE and by his ambition to pursue STEM-related university courses.
Reflecting on his first impression, Jake admitted, “At the beginning, it felt very hard. I even had to take an entry test to see if I was eligible. I wasn’t sure I would be allowed to take the course, but it turned out to be less difficult than I expected once I began studying.”
Learning to Push Beyond the Syllabus
One of the toughest aspects of Further Mathematics is its unusual structure, which overlaps with topics scheduled for later exams. Instead of letting this uncertainty discourage him, Jake took a proactive approach, self-studying areas he feared might appear on the test.“I decided to study those parts on my own. Even though they weren’t tested in the end, doing so gave me the confidence that I had prepared for anything,” he explained. His Further Mathematics teacher, Mr. Mckelvey explained:
“Many mathematicians, including myself are relatively happy with a solution and brief explanation, but Jake wants to dig right down to the fundamentals of the content and the questions he asks are both extremely logical and purposeful. His insight and understanding of complex numbers most recently have been very impressive, Jake not only understands how complex numbers work, but also how they link and connect many other areas of mathematics.”
Support That Made a Difference
Jake is quick to acknowledge how much his teachers shaped his learning experience. He highlights how his teachers, Ms. Natalia and Mr. McKelvey, shaped his learning in complementary ways. In Statistics, regular practice provided in class by Ms. Natalia across different types of problems helped him become familiar with the patterns of questions. In Further Maths, classroom discussions often revolved around original problems that had no set answers created by Mr. McKelvey, requiring students to work collaboratively and think critically. These experiences, he explains, deepened his understanding of the subject and gave him the confidence to tackle unfamiliar challenges.
Mr. McKelvey also emphasized that Jake's success goes beyond grades: “I feel that Jake does not always realise just how much of an impact he has on his classmates. Jake is very talented in many areas and extremely intelligent, but his modesty, friendly personality and approachable nature gives him a natural gravitas that his fellow peers appreciate. He works very well with others, and not only contributes, but also listens and fully respects the ideas of others making him a very valuable asset in any group discussion or shared project.”
Habits Behind Success
Behind Jake's full marks was a deliberate study routine. Instead of rushing into past papers, he built a solid foundation with notes and textbook exercises. Only in the final two months did he focus on exam-style practice, timing himself under real conditions. “I also tracked every paper in Excel to make sure I covered them all,” he said. For Jake, success came down to resourcefulness and careful planning.
Looking Ahead
When Jake first saw his results, he was not overly impressed, believing many others had also achieved full marks. “The exam felt easier than past papers, so I thought it was common,” he admitted. Later, realizing how rare it was, he felt proud and motivated. The result gave him the confidence to aim higher in his university applications. He now plans to study Mathematics and Statistics, combining his enjoyment of problem-solving with coding, and hopes to pursue a career as a data scientist or statistician.
“He is very passionate about the subject, and with his blend of logic, creativity and curiosity, Jake fits the discipline of mathematics perfectly. It has been a very long time since I have come across a student as gifted as Jake, and our relationship is such that Jake is not only my student but also inspires me a lot.” Mr. Mckelvey commented when asked about Jake’s future on mathematics.
A Message to Peers
When asked what advice he would give to younger students, Jake kept it simple: “Be confident. Even if a problem looks very difficult, if you take the time to explore it step by step, you’ll find the answer. And if you practice enough past papers, you will succeed.”
Growing in Dulwich
Jake's journey reflects what it truly means to Grow in Dulwich. At Dulwich International High School Programme Suzhou, students are nurtured through a broad and balanced curriculum, rich co-curricular opportunities, and the encouragement of experienced teachers. Jake's resilience in self-studying extra content, his creativity in finding study strategies, and his confidence in tackling challenging problems all embody the values of Responsibility, Confidence, and Excellence that guide our community.
At the same time, his achievement shows how Dulwich students are prepared to Thrive in Life. Through the care of supportive teachers like Ms. Natalia and Mr. McKelvey, Jake not only gained knowledge but also developed collaboration skills and critical thinking skills that will serve him at world-class universities and in his future career. His ability to combine discipline with empathy, working alongside classmates on unfamiliar problems while encouraging others, demonstrates the well-rounded growth we aim for in every learner.
