It's not just about the studying you do, but how you do it. It's not all spend 6 hours doing Chemistry work and you've done enough for the day. What have you taken in? Did you actually focus for those 6 hours?
Don't spend hours working with no breaks. It will not pay off. I know people that were glued to their revision guides from the get go, hours on end. All they did was stress out and lose on the exams. A friend of mine, predicted AAAA got ADDD from stress and over-doing it. I was predicted AAAA but came out with ABCD. You see? Stress is not the way to go. Hell, I may have studied hours on end. Did it pay off? No. When I got into the hall and sat those 10 papers I was practically giddy from stress. I panicked in every situation. Don't let the paper become your enemy, work efficiently.
I'm not saying don't get glued from the get go, definitely get ahead and start straight away: it doesn't matter if nobody else is doing as much revision as you or that the teachers are laid back at this point in the year- set yourself goals and challenges. Do not sit back and leave it until March next year to look back at all the exams you have to smash and realise it's too late, and that you can't do it.
Work your butt off but don't do work that isn't beneficial.
If you get bored? Spend an hour break exercising or watching TV. Don't sit and procrastinate. It doesn't matter how slow you go, do not stop or give up- I love that bit of advice.
I did Bio, Chem, Maths and F.Maths. Up until March I was doing a fifth subject; Geography, and I struggled, so I dropped it. If I had known this would happen, I would have focused on my other subjects more.
Maths: examsolutions is now your best friend - he may take long to explain things, but once you get it, you really get it.
Chemistry: I never liked chemistry (probably because of the way things were taught), but the concepts are so interesting. Again, don't waste time making loads of notes... Just revise and practice. Take in the knowledge efficiently.
Biology: ahh... This may become your easiest subject, it certainly was my security. But don't think that you don't need to work for it. The amount of content you have to know borders extortionate. (Just kidding, but it is a lot).
I can't vouch for psychology, but i'm sure from witnessing others, that practice and taking in the content is what it's about.
Please, whatever you do, don't leave it until the last minute. And when it comes to around Nov/Dec when you're always tired, slacking at school and just cannot be bothered- this is when you need to pick yourself up most. Take a vitamin or something, don't let the season affect your mood. When I say work I mean work on homework, set tasks, extra challenges, revision guides, work around the subject- do questions and most of all past paper exam questions. I cannot stress how much help they are.
I really enjoyed maths (and further maths) throughout the year, and I was doing exam questions along with Solomon papers (which you can get online) and this really enhanced my ability and interest. Maths is a great subject and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Chemistry was a real journey; I took many a learning curve throughout the year, ha. But generally it is a great subject with great concepts. With practice and determination, it is possible.
Biology is a great, well-rounded subject. However, there is a lot to learn. GCSE sort of revision may help- because knowledge is key here and memory is vital.
I really did enjoy this year. The learning was great. But don't let the stress get to you. If you feel something coming along, sort it out straight away, because it could cost you your grades. Not saying it will, I know so many people that went through year 12 with no trouble (unfortunately, I was not one of them) and came out with ace grades in the end.
Just think about the rewards at the end, and you will be rewarded. By the way no matter what you come out with, there are other options. It may mean more work for the next year or even a different route, but it's not the end.
At the end of the day: work hard, don't give up, and practice.
Also don't spend too much time making lovely, organised notes as the teachers may tell you. If you understand the content, why are you trashing your memory with stuff that you already get? Practice and learn. No point rope learning or memorising, unless it is the only way forward. Memorising of course helps, but it won't work word-for-word
hope I haven't scared you at all, if I have don't be scared. You'll have a great year and it isn't that much different. If you have any other questions to ask please do.
Good luck!
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