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Starting Year 11

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Student tips on how to make the most of year 11

So you're moving up to year 11. But what should you expect, and how can you get ahead?

Below, we'll share student answers to common questions about your final year of GCSEs – including when you should start revising and how important mocks are. 

You can also take a look at our GCSEs forum to see what else students are saying about their experiences of year 11.

More like this: students who got grade 9s at GCSEs share study tips everyone can follow

Is year 11 a lot harder than year 10?

The topics you cover won't necessarily be harder, but you will probably be a lot busier as you revise for your exams.

And if it does start to feel difficult, there are things you can do to make life easier for yourself.

It’s really not that different to year 10, so you should be okay, and just try to remember that u have worked hard for this.

Try not to worry, and just take each challenge as it comes.

saraalegria (2024)

I'm year 11 right now. It's definitely OK at the start of the year, although time does fly.

GCSEs are stressful but you'll probably get bored before anything else. 

skitter12 (2024)

Personally, I wouldn't say that the step up is that big because year 10 is where the GCSEs are introduced so the teachers want to prepare you for them and will, therefore, treat you about the same as a year 11.

TODTEMPLE01
More like this: how to prepare for revision

 

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What if I don’t understand something – does it mean I’m going to fail my exams?

It can take time to get to grips with a topic, so it doesn't mean you'll fail if you don't get it straight away. 

If you're feeling stuck with any of your subjects, just ask your teachers for help – it’s what they’re there for.

I'd advise to listen to your teachers more as it is really the time to lock in.

They may offer after school or break and lunch sessions in subjects that u may not understand – attend even if its with a friend.

mz.0 (2024)

Do mock exams in year 11 matter?

Your mock exams won’t count towards your final grades, although teachers could base your predicted grades on your mock results. 

And even though they won’t affect your final grades, mock exams can you help you perfect your exam technique and find any weak areas you should focus your revision on.

Make sure you review all your mocks and exam topics – log down your mistakes, review them and revise your weakest concepts! 

Minisalty (2024)

Treat your mocks as the real thing! That way you'll have already revised everything and you'll get a much better sense of what the real exams are like.

classicsgal
More like this: how to use your mock exams to improve for the real thing

 

When should I start revising for my GSCE exams?

You don't want to start too early and burn out, but a general rule of thumb is to start revising around February or March. 

Get the most out of the time you have by making a study planner – this article is packed with tips for creating a revision timetable that you’ll actually use.

It’s best to start revision early – but remember to not overwork yourself as you could get burnt out by the time exam season comes.

jelllyfiiish (2024)

I'd kinda recommend to start revising now...time will go fast and then it will be May/June getting closer and closer. It's better to revise when you're not panicking.

You won't regret it. I'm not saying to use all of your time on studying as it is kind of early – just do the subjects you're most worried about, even if it's for an hour.

mz.0 (2024)

Pace yourself well. Do not revise for 12 hours a day from September as you will collapse before you even get to mocks.

I started revision for the final exams around February time and although I haven't got my results yet, that felt pretty perfect for me as that allowed me to finish all my notes and revise consistently until June and I didn't quite burn out (although I got pretty close...).

ecila21

The reality is that you 'revise' for your GCSEs every time you do a topic test, or study for a mock exam. So you're essentially revising for your exams all year round.

gnewton04
More like this: how to study effectively for your exams

 

maths student concept art

When should I start making revision resources?

It's a good idea to get your revision resources ready early. The first step will be getting all your revision notes together.

Making sure you’re prepared to start your revision will be a big help.

My tip for year 11 is that you should start planning revision and make sure to make all resources before Christmas. It will ease stress and ensure revision goes as smoothly as possible!

Make a revision timetable or something similar that works for you and your learning style.

Trickia (2024)

You can reduce the workload as exams approach by getting your revision notes done early.

Ideally, aim to have all of your notes done as far as possible before the Easter holidays so that from that point onwards, you are just revising rather than trying to condense notes into the appropriate format.

ecila21

Exams-wise, try to have your revision resources completed by like February at the latest, so that throughout exam season you can focus on actually revising topics rather than making those resources.

tinydance.r
More like this: ace your exams with our guide to free revision resources

 

Don’t forget to take time off from studying

Of course revision and studying is important, but don't forget to spend time doing the things you enjoy.

With your free time, work out something that completely removes you from your learning. Personally, I got a Saturday job.

It allowed me to get out of the studying frame of mind and a chance to try something different. Work and stress can easily build up in year 11, especially if you have other things going on.

Take the breaks you deserve and try not to let things get overwhelming.

generalidea

Overall, it really isn't that bad. But don't forget to also enjoy the year because the year goes by really quick! Above all, don't panic and stress.

Just stay focused and work hard, but also make sure you do things you enjoy doing like going out with friends, and hopefully you'll do well.

Safiya122
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Article by Hayley Pearce on Wednesday 21 August 2019
Last edited by Ryan Lunn on Tuesday 13 August 2024