How to prepare and get ready for A-Levels

How to prepare and get ready for A-Levels

We have all been there; we have all gotten to the very stressful few months before university where the word A-Level makes you shiver.

 

Here is an in-depth description of the process for those who don’t know what A-Levels are.

After passing the GCSEs, in England, students enter the Sixth Form phase (Year 12 and 13 – we could define them as the two years of high school) and prepare for university with the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level, known as A-Level. It is necessary to choose which A-Level to support, usually three or four subjects of which a very in-depth study is carried out given what you will want to study at the university.

The period of the A-Level exams is usually between May and June. Still, the overall results are disclosed only a couple of months later, on a Thursday closest to August 15th (this year, the ”A-Level Results Day was just August 15th)—a day of anxiety waiting for thousands of British children. Let’sLet’s see why.

 

Why does an excellent A-Level grade matter so much?

The score obtained at the end of the A-Level is one, if not the main criteria taken into consideration by British universities when accepting the application for enrollment of first-year students. The score obtained is converted into UCAS points (Universities and Colleges Admission Center), and the result, to be admitted to the chosen university, must fall within the parameters established by this university. Otherwise, the student will have to ask other universities hoping to be accepted.

Thousands of English 18-year-olds on Thursday of the week in mid-August, the day when A-Level results are traditionally published, eagerly await their scores. The whole nation is talking about it, particularly on the news; it is a crucial moment for the country. A more or less high rating represents a natural watershed in the life of young English adults!

 

However, how do students prepare and study for these final exams? We have a few tips up our sleeves.

Be Organised

Plan your revision timetable ahead of time. Trust the way you want to study and how. This timetable will allow you to not rush for final revisions at all last minute and be realistic about your daily goals.

 

Time is your friend

The earlier you start, the more time you will have for a final revision of all the subjects in your A-Level. Spend more time studying topics you find more challenging and leave the easy subjects last, as you will have more energy and focus on what you don’t understand. Speak to former sixth-grade students that did the exams the year before and ask for the best way to tackle the revision; this might help even if everyone has their study method, and you need to find what suits you best.

 

Assessment Objectives

Make sure that you understand the questions you will get asked and prepare a couple of answers before time. The more knowledge you have on the topic, the easier it will be to answer.

 

Find your learning method

There are many ways to study. You need to find what is good for you. Do you read and then summarise everything you have read to memorise? Do you listen to audiobooks or make notes of the lectures to get the concept in your head? you can find different methodologies at the link here: https://www.usa.edu/blog/study-techniques/

 

Try different materials

Don’t just stick to your textbook but be engaged and find the best books or materials to revise for the exams. The Internet is your oyster: podcasts, articles, books and essays are all you can see in the palm of your hand.

 

The past is a great practice

Check past papers; what were the typical questions asked, the typology of correct answers, and how were they formulated correctly? Ask your teachers and tutors for past articles. You can also usually find past papers online.

 

Break Time

Your brain has to rest too to absorb information faster. Short, constant breaks help studying. Breaks are instrumental if you’re finding a particular topic challenging. Incorporate sport in your breaks; moving your body give you more energy to continue learning.

 

Avoid distractions

Your phone is going to be your worst enemy. When you approach your scheduled revision, switch off your phone and use your computer only for research. Phones are dangerous, and the allure of social media, and other apps, can be too distracting.

 

Sleep

Sleep is the greatest remedy of all time. It helps your motivation when you study, and the brain is focused on learning. Lack of sleep impairs memory and makes it hard to recall important concepts. Get at least 7 hours of sleep every night.

 

Eat well

What you put into your body will affect the quality of what you put out. Foods that’ll ensure your brain is working properly would include fruit, nuts, seeds, whole grains and vegetables. Don’tDon’t forget to supplement this with plenty of water. Don’t forget to drink lots of water as it will help with thinking more clearly as your brain is roughly 75% water.

 

Good luck everyone!