The Math 30-1 diploma covers the whole course, so cramming the week before rarely works. Here is the plan I use with my students in the weeks leading up to it.
1. Find the weak units first
Go through the course one unit at a time and try a few questions from each without notes. Sort each unit into one of three groups:
- Comfortable: you can do the questions without looking anything up
- Shaky: you get there, but slowly or with a hint
- Lost: you don’t know where to start
Spend most of your time on the shaky and lost units. Reviewing what you already know feels productive, but it doesn’t move your mark.
2. Relearn, then practise
For each weak unit, go back to the concept before doing more questions. Rework a couple of examples from your notes, step by step, until you could explain them to someone else. Then do a set of practice questions on your own.
3. Practise in exam conditions
Alberta Education posts released diploma questions and practice material. Once the weak units are in better shape, do a set of those questions with a timer and only the formula sheet and calculator you will have on exam day. This shows you where you lose time, not just where you lose marks.
4. Review every mistake
Don’t just check the answer key and move on. For every question you got wrong, write down why:
- Didn’t know the concept
- Knew it, but made an algebra or calculator error
- Misread the question
Each reason has a different fix. Concept gaps go back to step 2. Careless errors mean slowing down and writing out every step. Misreading means underlining what the question actually asks before you start.
5. Keep it steady
Short, regular sessions beat one long night. A little every day in the weeks before the exam keeps the whole course fresh.
If your child wants help building a plan like this around their own weak units, I’d be happy to work through it with them. You can book a free trial anytime.