Preparing for ALevels after GCSEs?

Im starting Alevels in september, I've chosen Chemistry, Biology, PE and Maths. Im mostly scared for the sciences and maths as Ive heard from many others how hard these subjects are. However i havent heard anything about PE alevel. Although i havent got my GCSE results, based on the exams im hoping for 2A*s and 2As in these four subjects. Do you have any advice for the transition between GCSEs and Alevels and specifically for these subjects? i know all alevels are ridiculously hard, but am i setting myself up to fail with this combination although i like all the topics? Any advice would be nice :smile:

(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 1

SophM12

Original post by J C

Im starting Alevels in september, I've chosen Chemistry, Biology, PE and Maths. Im mostly scared for the sciences and maths as Ive heard from many others how hard these subjects are. However i havent heard anything about PE alevel. Although i havent got my GCSE results, based on the exams im hoping for 2A*s and 2As in these four subjects. Do you have any advice for the transition between GCSEs and Alevels and specifically for these subjects? i know all alevels are ridiculously hard, but am i setting myself up to fail with this combination although i like all the topics? Any advice would be nice :smile:

Hey! From my point of view I didn't find the transition too difficult because I went to a school that gave quite a big work load during GCSEs. To be honest, without the set textbooks there isn't too much you can do before actually starting in September. My advice would be to enjoy your summer because it is difficult to socialise with ALevels and maybe look online for some basic understanding into the subjects and look on here and see what others have said about them :smile:

Reply 2

J C

OP

4

Ah thank you, youve put my mind at ease!

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Reply 3

SophM12

Original post by J C

Ah thank you, youve put my mind at ease!

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you are welcome, good luck with everything! :smile:

Reply 4

nataliet97

6

Original post by J C

Im starting Alevels in september, I've chosen Chemistry, Biology, PE and Maths. Im mostly scared for the sciences and maths as Ive heard from many others how hard these subjects are. However i havent heard anything about PE alevel. Although i havent got my GCSE results, based on the exams im hoping for 2A*s and 2As in these four subjects. Do you have any advice for the transition between GCSEs and Alevels and specifically for these subjects? i know all alevels are ridiculously hard, but am i setting myself up to fail with this combination although i like all the topics? Any advice would be nice :smile:

To put it realistically, there is a big jump between GCSEs and A Levels; you go from being spoon-fed everything to actually gaining a level of independence. It is hard, but it is more than worth it. A Levels require a lot more work in a lot more detail; but, don't be too worried - your teachers will still teach you and help you with anything that you need; however, you NEED to have the right attitude. You need to set yourself a target and do your best to achieve it; because if you don't have the right attitude and are lazy then you will get behind very quickly.

To prepare for you A Levels, read around your subjects and look at specifications and examiner reports on the exam board websites. They are really helpful and will give you a feel for the subjects that you are going to be studying. You also have to remember that A Levels are a lot harder than GCSEs, therefore - you need to make sure that you have an interest in the subjects that you have chosen; and will want to study it regularly. If you don't understand something, make sure that you ask a teacher - don't suffer in silence because it will just build up and up and then you will struggle.

Although, A Levels are definitely worth it; if you are willing to work and sacrifice parts of your social life/sleeping pattern!

Good Luck!

Reply 5

J C

OP

4

Original post by nataliet97

To put it realistically, there is a big jump between GCSEs and A Levels; you go from being spoon-fed everything to actually gaining a level of independence. It is hard, but it is more than worth it. A Levels require a lot more work in a lot more detail; but, don't be too worried - your teachers will still teach you and help you with anything that you need; however, you NEED to have the right attitude. You need to set yourself a target and do your best to achieve it; because if you don't have the right attitude and are lazy then you will get behind very quickly.

To prepare for you A Levels, read around your subjects and look at specifications and examiner reports on the exam board websites. They are really helpful and will give you a feel for the subjects that you are going to be studying. You also have to remember that A Levels are a lot harder than GCSEs, therefore - you need to make sure that you have an interest in the subjects that you have chosen; and will want to study it regularly. If you don't understand something, make sure that you ask a teacher - don't suffer in silence because it will just build up and up and then you will struggle.

Although, A Levels are definitely worth it; if you are willing to work and sacrifice parts of your social life/sleeping pattern!

Good Luck!

Thank you, ive checked out the specs and very sure of my options now, what A Levels did you do/are you doing?

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Reply 6

nataliet97

6

Original post by J C

Thank you, ive checked out the specs and very sure of my options now, what A Levels did you do/are you doing?

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I am currently studying Psychology, Sociology, English Literature and Geography - love all of my subjects & wouldn't change them for anything. I have just sat my AS exams & they went okay :smile:

A levels are hard - but at the end of the day, they are worth it & will set you up for a good future - by giving you a very solid foundation. Any more questions, feel free to ask :smile:

Reply 7

J C

OP

4

Original post by nataliet97

I am currently studying Psychology, Sociology, English Literature and Geography - love all of my subjects & wouldn't change them for anything. I have just sat my AS exams & they went okay :smile:

A levels are hard - but at the end of the day, they are worth it & will set you up for a good future - by giving you a very solid foundation. Any more questions, feel free to ask :smile:

What are you planning on doing once you've finished your A2s? And have you done General Studies for an additional AS, because I have to and everyone I've spoken to that is currently at my sixth form says its such a waste of time, so is it something that will stress me out, or something I don't need to even worry about? Also (sorry for the questions!) are you doing/thinking about doing the EPQ? :smile:

Reply 8

nataliet97

6

Hi, I am planning on going to uni and studying either Psychology or Geography - I then want to become a teacher :smile:

tbh, general studies is a bit of a waste of time - if you look at uni websites, their entry requirements (in top unis) usually do not accept general studies - therefore, it is a bit of a waste of time. However, if you want to do it, you may as well; it is always something to put on your CV, but, not always worth it.
Yeah, my teachers have mentioned it - I am starting it next week & currently planning ideas; not sure what to do yet; EPQ is good for your CV and allows you to work independently - therefore, worth it :smile:

Reply 9

J C

OP

4