Proof read letter.

[zawmbee]

If anyone could proof read this letter, that would be great help! General check for grammar mistakes: comma splices, run ons and other fragments.

Dear Math department representatives:

I am writing this letter in regards to [...] I was shocked and disheartened to hear from peers that students currently in the Foundation tier are unable to take Maths at A-levels. It took me many years to finally figure out what I wanted to do in life, and what I hope to study in further education, only to find out I am unable to focus on the subject which will help me prepare for the future I am planning; Mathematics. I feel saddened by this realisation. When deciding who is fit and able to take Maths, why do you only look at the current situation? It is a short sighted approach in judging true ability (I don't mean to cause offence). If you look at my overall approach and result in Maths, you'll find I am a highly competent, determined, high-achieving student who is eager to learn.

I've become more and more interested in Maths recently, but around my year 9 days I made a poor effort because of my lethargic attitude. I understand that it is my fault for not showing full initiative and overachievement in higher tier Maths, as well as not setting Maths at a high enough priority, but can you blame me? I was not aware my future would be so dependent on Maths for University; I made a huge mistake in not taking Maths seriously and acting nonchalant. I was not moved down because I couldn't cope with Higher learning. I very much could. Also, this is not an excuse, this is an explanation.

But don't think I am too behind in education to make drastic improvements to my learning ethics. I will put in the effort, because if I don't, I'm only failing myself.

I excel in Foundation (Straight C's), but was unable to move up even with several pleas. I was told to take the "safer option" and stay in the Foundation tier for GCSE. I regret that decision. I wish I was able to take that chance. The "safer option" wasn't the best option. I moved down from set 4 to set 5 because of one D grade, which I re-sat in Foundation and bumped it up to a B, which was ignored.

I am very much capable; I have showed this in my years of higher tier studying and continued to show capability in my days in Foundation.

Meanwhile, others around me are now candidates for higher tier solely because they had their parents/carers intervene -- that isn't independent or fair; however, it did inspire me to finally take affirmative action and present my points to you, as change is possible. Being in Foundation doesn't limit your abilities. It is narrow-minded to assume everyone in Foundation is an inadequate mathematician. There are those who want to be pushed to their limit and achieve their desired grade, only to be rejected for further Maths on the grounds that we're not capable enough. I would have reached a B if I was able to sit the Higher paper -- while this is little too late and can't be proven, I am adamant about my ability.

I like Maths. I try to push myself all the time and make sure not to give myself tasks that are too hard to solve -- in these cases, time is a virtue. I can actually manage to solve a large part of anything I am dealt with. I see Maths as neither overwhelming nor boring.

What we have to remember is that Maths isn't just for the naturally logically gifted (even though I am a linear thinker); it's very much a skill that I can achieve by hard work. I admit, it may take some time, but if I spend say at least two hours per day with Higher tier maths tasks, I WILL get better. I can guarantee that. It's only fair you see me through and give me a chance. Everyone is capable, what do you truly have to lose? Your A* - B achievement won't fluctuate. I can pull off B's; I have done so in the past.

Higher tier work isn't necessarily harder -- at least not for me. It seems to just be a step further from the Foundation work, which acts as in introduction, i.e. "Recognising sequences" to "Quadratic sequences", "Parallel and perpendicular lines", "Symbols, solving inequalities and graphs" to "More than one inequality - Higher". We have covered this in theory. We were just denied further learning and testing. So getting back up to scratch with Higher tier work isn't necessarily a drastic change in pace or new learning; it isn't hard to re-adjust to Higher learning. But even then, I have been doing Maths on the side with my Math tutor and resources provided by Kumon and Future School. Also, I am willing to take further classes over the Summer to catch up with the Higher theory that I have missed. If A-levels Mathematics is a direct continuation from GCSE, then I will be prepared; if it's not, then I will have learned useful skills and will be prepared for whatever A-levels have to offer.

Mathematics will make my University studies so much easier. For a subject which is so influential in the University scene, I am curious as to why everyone who requests it isn't entitled to it. To deny Maths to those you don't see fit or able is to deny them proper requirements to do well In the future. It's not too late to turn things around. Most people have more potential in Math than they realise. Those who get discouraged early on don't try as hard and don't do as well. Those who have early success (even by chance) tend to become motivated and end up trying harder and getting better. Judging by the efforts and skills I've learned from my teaching myself and tutorial sessions, I know I have a lot of potential in Maths.

More importantly, this letter is not a deduced plan to twist your arm, cheat, or pressure you into making rash decisions. I am merely telling you why I feel I am a great candidate for A-level Maths. Not further Maths or Economics, I just need maths. This isn't a sob story (no matter how much it may seem). I understand the intentions of the decision to disallow Foundation students take Maths. After all, it is in our best interest. It gives us a safe haven into 6th form or a desired college. You definitely do care about our needs. But understand not everyone in Foundation shares the same nonchalant attitude; not all of us want the easier option. The decision should be able to be mine. If I feel I can handle the responsibility, I think I should be able to. At the end of the day it's your decision to make; I can only persuade you to re-evaluate said decision.

This is my final plea for you to reconsider me for A-level Mathematics. I am a fast, independent and sturdy learner; please give me a chance to prove it. While this is a late confutation and response, I thought about this request for a long time and I truly want to take A-level Mathematics. Don't let my current status hinder your decision. I have only been in Foundation for a year; all the other years I was an exceptional learner. I still am. I now see the importance of Maths, only to be denied my chance to prove my abilities. I feel guilty for not seeing the importance of Maths sooner, but it is not unusual for us not to know what we want to do at this age. However, I do. Give me the chance to be what I want to be.

Thank you for reading.

[Coop]

At 5/30/11 01:41 PM, zawmbee wrote: If anyone could proof read this letter, that would be great help! General check for grammar mistakes: comma splices, run ons and other fragments.

Um... sure, I'll give it a look over, but I think that they are ultimatley correct in this - there is a chasmic void between GCSE and A-Level Mathematics. I got a B for Maths at GCSE, yet I failed A-Level, due to poor performance in Pure Maths. I was great at statistics, but that is not enough to carry one through the remaining modules. (Stats made up 2 of my 6 modules)

Alterations are highlighted in italics:

Dear Maths department representatives:

I am writing this letter in regards to [...] I was shocked and disheartened to hear from peers that students currently in the Foundation tier are unable to take Maths at A-levels. It took me many years to finally figure out what I wanted to do in life, and what I hope to study in further education, only to find out I am unable to focus on the subject which will help me prepare for the future I am planning; Mathematics. I feel saddened by this realisation. When deciding who is fit and able to take Maths, why do you only look at the current situation? It is a short sighted approach in judging true ability (I don't mean to cause offence). If you look at my overall approach and result in Maths, you'll find I am a highly competent, determined, high-achieving student who is eager to learn.

I have become more and more interested in Maths recently, but when I was in year 9, I made a poor effort because of my lethargic attitude. I understand that it is my fault for not showing full initiative and achievement in higher tier Maths, as well as not setting Maths at a high enough priority, but can you blame me? I was not aware my future would be so dependent upon Maths for University; I made a huge mistake in not taking Maths seriously and acting nonchalant. I was not moved down because I couldn't cope with Higher learning. I very much could. Also, this is not an excuse, this is an explanation.

Please do not think I am too far behind in my education to make drastic improvements to my learning ethics. I will put in the effort, because if I don't, I am only failing myself.

I excel in Foundation (Straight C's), but was unable to move up even with several pleas. I was told to take the "safer option" and stay in the Foundation tier for GCSE. I regret that decision. I wish I was able to take that chance. The "safer option" wasn't the best option. I moved down from set 4 to set 5 because of one D grade, which I re-sat in Foundation and bumped it up to a B, which was ignored.

I feel that I am highly capable; I have shown this in my years of higher tier studying and continued to show capability in my days in Foundation.

Meanwhile, others around me are now candidates for higher tier solely because they had their parents/carers intervene -- this practice is neither independent nor fair -- however, it did inspire me to finally take affirmative action and present my points to you, as change is possible. Being in Foundation doesn't limit your abilities. It is narrow-minded to assume everyone in Foundation is an inadequate mathematician. There are those who want to be pushed to their limit and achieve their desired grade, only to be rejected for further Maths on the grounds that we're not capable enough. I would have reached a B if I was able to sit the Higher paper -- while this is little too late and can't be proven, I am adamant about my ability.

I like Maths. I try to push myself all the time and make sure not to give myself tasks that are too hard to solve -- in these cases, time is a virtue. I can actually manage to solve a large part of anything I am dealt with. I see Maths as neither overwhelming nor boring.

What we have to remember is that Maths isn't just for the naturally logically gifted (even though I am a linear thinker); it's very much a skill that I can achieve by hard work. I admit, it may take some time, but if I spend say at least two hours per day with Higher tier maths tasks, I WILL get better. I can guarantee that. It's only fair you see me through and give me a chance. Everyone is capable, what do you truly have to lose? Your A* - B achievement won't fluctuate. I can pull off B's; I have done so in the past.

Higher tier work isn't necessarily harder -- at least not for me. It seems to just be a step further from the Foundation work, which acts as in introduction, i.e. "Recognising sequences" to "Quadratic sequences", "Parallel and perpendicular lines", "Symbols, solving inequalities and graphs" to "More than one inequality - Higher". We have covered this in theory. We were just denied further learning and testing. So getting back up to scratch with Higher tier work isn't necessarily a drastic change in pace or new learning; it isn't hard to re-adjust to Higher learning. But even then, I have been doing Maths on the side with my Math tutor and resources provided by Kumon and Future School. Also, I am willing to take further classes over the Summer to catch up with the Higher theory that I have missed. If A-levels Mathematics is a direct continuation from GCSE, then I will be prepared; if it's not, then I will have learned useful skills and will be prepared for whatever A-levels have to offer.

Mathematics will make my University studies so much easier. For a subject which is so influential in the University scene, I am curious as to why everyone who requests it isn't entitled to it. To deny Maths to those you don't see fit or able is to deny them proper requirements to do well In the future. It's not too late to turn things around. Most people have more potential in Math than they realise. Those who get discouraged early on don't try as hard and don't do as well. Those who have early success (even by chance) tend to become motivated and end up trying harder and getting better. Judging by the efforts and skills I've learned from homework and tutorial sessions, I know I have a lot of potential for Maths.

More importantly, this letter is not a deduced plan to twist your arm, cheat, or pressure you into making rash decisions. I am merely telling you why I feel I am a great candidate for A-level Maths. Not further Maths or Economics, I just need maths. This isn't a sob story (no matter how much it may seem). I understand the intentions of the decision to disallow Foundation students take Maths. After all, it is in our best interest. It gives us a safe haven into 6th form or a desired college. You definitely do care about our needs. But understand not everyone in Foundation shares the same nonchalant attitude; not all of us want the easier option. The decision should be able to be mine. If I feel I can handle the responsibility, I think I should be able to. At the end of the day it's your decision to make; I can only persuade you to re-evaluate said decision.

This is my final plea for you to reconsider me for A-level Mathematics. I am a fast, independent and robust learner; please give me a chance to prove it. While this is a late confutation and response, I thought about this request for a long time and I truly want to take A-level Mathematics. Don't let my current status hinder your decision. I have only been in Foundation for a year; all the other years I was an exceptional learner. I still am. I now see the importance of Maths, only to be denied my chance to prove my abilities. I feel guilty for not seeing the importance of Maths sooner, but it is not unusual for us not to know what we want to do at this age. However, I do. Give me the chance to be what I want to be.

Thank you for reading.

[Coop]

I think that you're going to have to consider this very carefully, for a few more reasons:

1) Don't make it sound like you're begging. State that you want Maths, not that you need it - they will sense your desparation

2) Get rid of the contractions - you're and don't should become you are and do not. It halps to make the letter look more professional.

3) There is a very real reason you may not have considered - the exams are harder. They choose more challenging questions and if you don't reach a certain grade in the exam, you don't drop lower, you fail. Full stop, end of the road sunshine. Yes, they may be governed by league tables and want to get what is best for them, ahead of the students, who are merely statistics after the summer, when exams have all been marked, but this acts as an advert for career progression and so forth.

I'm not expecting you to win them over. If you don't, all is not lost. Consider things like college courses in evenings after your GSCEs have been completed. Perhaps the Open University can help?