Description: Science and Maths tutor Saloni gives her tips on how to overcome the challenge of succeeding at A-Level.
A-Levels can be very challenging due to the volume of content, especially in stem courses. Here are a few tips and tricks to make the transition easier and really make that difference from an A to an A*.
Keep Lists
Keeping lists and a written record of any tasks you need to do is the ultimate key. It helps to keep organised and avoiding last-minute panic with exam preparation and meeting deadlines. Keep an efficient list with all the requirements from your college/sixth-form. This ensures that the three most important parts of your life are attended to in a time where you may feel it is almost impossible to keep up with anything.
Use Free periods
After transitioning from GCSE, students will only have three to four subjects to attend classes for. This may sound like a lot less, but the workload is similar if not more. It can be easy starting in year 12 to allocate this time to make new friends and other activities and suddenly a useful hour goes by. Although making friends is important it is highly recommended to use at least half of your free periods each week for studying.
This in turn will mean that you are freer in your time at home and in your spare time you can commit to other activities. It will give you time to practise mindfulness and relax however you may desire. Getting into this vital habit through Year 12 will mean you are prepared for Year 13. It becomes clear the level of dedication it requires. As your A levels draw closer you’ve set yourself up to have good habits from the very start and a great routine.
Sleep and Rest
Sleep is important in ensuring humans function at their best. Having a good sleep schedule can mean that you feel good about waking up in the morning. In turn many feel rewarded for sticking to what they have planned. This is where we find contentment. As you are growing up you will find security in your routines and waking up can be a difficult task. The after-hours is where you will feel your best in contrast to when you may have overslept and regret this soon after.
Being Active
Moreover, a small daily activity such as going to the gym or playing a sport can be a really wonderful outlet for all of the emotions or thoughts you are having at the time. Sometimes it may feel overwhelming, and you may want to stop thinking about certain things since it’s consuming you and for this. Physical activity is highly recommended. These small activities that you create time through your busy week for really make difference.
Past Papers and Exam Questions
Once completing a module or topic within college and feeling confident about your subject knowledge, ensure you test yourself. Take note of your exam board and find exam questions specifically on that module or topic. Simply have a go. The first set of questions will always be challenging but follow this up by going through the mark scheme. It is essential to take note of any examiner’s comments. For example, saying that energy is created is unacceptable within the realms of Biology since it is produced via the molecule ATP.
Specific language like this can mean the difference between an A and an A*. The key to succeeding at A-Level is to emphasise this within your notes and add them in. You will find that as you do your second set of questions on this topic you will now include this specific vocabulary.
Always Familiarise Yourself
As you draw towards January to February towards exam season, it is encouraged to start to look through past papers. It is so crucial to look at exam material and sit this within exam conditions before the actual date of your exams. This will help familiarise yourself with these conditions. This will also mean you have an idea of how your paper is structured. You would have also gain lots of confidence within your ability as you start seeing yourself match the marks needed for your aspirational grade.
I hope these tips have given you some insight on where to begin succeeding at A-Level and good luck in your preparation and studying.
By tutor Saloni. Contact Us