I think it really sucks for Year 9 future Triple Scientists.
To have to remember the entire 2 year courses including the higher tier difficulty and extensions is really hard.
It was hard enough for me to do the modules (1a, 1b, 2, 3) as I was doing constant revision. I have done well - but we chose to do coursework for Physics and Chemistry because apparently the C3 and P3 exams are super hard, and I mean last year a straight A* student got a D in C3 exam. Ouch.
Right now with Biology 3 I think I've covered everything, Biology is the easiest memory-wise anyway. The way they phrase questions is harder for them I reckon.
But to remember the entire course over 2 years, no way. That's terrible.
It works for History because a lot of the questions are source or opinion based, and if you are able to understand history then all you need to do is refer to a few facts for each sub topic. It's a lot to learn but I find it sticks more.
I completely agree with the remark on exam-centric lessons. In English the whole of our second year was focused purely on exam based questions. The teacher we had before failed our English Language exam (and subsequently scarpered to Spain), and because of the time wasted, we have had to learn (deep breath)
Language Unit 1 (For the school-wide re-sit...)
Shakespeare and War poetry Controlled Assessment
About a Boy
To Kill a Mockingbird
Inspector Calls
Unseen Poetry
Language Unit 2 (Writing)
All within the year, and consider that Year 11 is shorter than Year 10 anyway! Right now we're having switching lessons all the time! One day it's Inspector Calls, then the next we're doing persuasive writing, then unseen poetry! And the exam is in 2 weeks time.
Because of this we have no fun learning the content at all. It's simple read, highlight, techniques for the exam, and exam practice.
And I think it really sucks because you can't re-sit the new 2013 exams. One bad day and you're out.