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AS level tips!!

Everyone talks about the huge jump from GCSE's to A level. So can you guys please give me the best study tips or advise you have?
The subjects I'm doing are Biology,Maths, Chemistry and Psychology.
Any tips for the individual subject or just in general is much appreciated.

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My biggest tip is to start revising a little bit each day from the get go, especially with psychology and biology as you'll have so much to memorise. Don't let yourself fall behind, if you don't understand keep studying until you do, don't wait months in the hope that you'll just eventually get it.

For maths, I recommend using the examsolutions website, and also Solomon papers and worksheets for a bit of a challenge.

For all of them, read mark schemes and look at how marks are awarded. It's surprisingly easy to lose silly marks by not explaining in enough detail.


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Hiya Ive also applied to take biology and chemistry. What exam board does your school/college do as i know there are revision sites that give revision help to certain exam boards.
Original post by sultanan09
Everyone talks about the huge jump from GCSE's to A level. So can you guys please give me the best study tips or advise you have?
The subjects I'm doing are Biology,Maths, Chemistry and Psychology.
Any tips for the individual subject or just in general is much appreciated.


For bio and Chem always make sure you understand fully what you're taught or you'll end up with a lot to do later on. And make sure at the end of every chapter you do good separate notes and keep rereading them throughout the year. For maths just keep up with it and ensure you haven't forgotten how to do things you've been taught before and you understand everything FULLY, then nearer exams, keep practising basically and you'll be fine

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Reply 4
Original post by November229
Hiya Ive also applied to take biology and chemistry. What exam board does your school/college do as i know there are revision sites that give revision help to certain exam boards.


Biology: edexcel
Chemistry: OCR
Reply 5
Original post by skyakdu
For bio and Chem always make sure you understand fully what you're taught or you'll end up with a lot to do later on. And make sure at the end of every chapter you do good separate notes and keep rereading them throughout the year. For maths just keep up with it and ensure you haven't forgotten how to do things you've been taught before and you understand everything FULLY, then nearer exams, keep practising basically and you'll be fine

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What did you get in your AS levels?
Just keep on top of classwork and make sure to complete every H/W you get, the more effort you put in the more you'll remember when you eventually start revising and practising for your exams when Easter starts. Make sure to aim for a high grade in every test you're given in class too for the same reason as before. Could give you more tips but that's around exam time instead of early in the year.

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Original post by sultanan09
Everyone talks about the huge jump from GCSE's to A level. So can you guys please give me the best study tips or advise you have?
The subjects I'm doing are Biology,Maths, Chemistry and Psychology.
Any tips for the individual subject or just in general is much appreciated.


Two words (which apply especially to the subjects you've chosen) PAST PAPERS!!

I wish someone had told me at the start of my A Levels that instead of wasting my time making colourful and pretty notes, i should be doing as many past papers as humanly possible.

These are important mainly because once you do them youll realise that alot of the questions and the pattern of the questions asked repeats itself from year to year. So practicing past papers (especially in timed conditions) gives you a good idea of how to attempt your paper and how to structure your answers.

So my point being do ****loads of past papers 😃


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Reply 8
Original post by sofiamalik_1995
Two words (which apply especially to the subjects you've chosen) PAST PAPERS!!

I wish someone had told me at the start of my A Levels that instead of wasting my time making colourful and pretty notes, i should be doing as many past papers as humanly possible.

These are important mainly because once you do them youll realise that alot of the questions and the pattern of the questions asked repeats itself from year to year. So practicing past papers (especially in timed conditions) gives you a good idea of how to attempt your paper and how to structure your answers.

So my point being do ****loads of past papers ������


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DEFO! along with pretty notes :smile:
Reply 9
Original post by sofiamalik_1995
Two words (which apply especially to the subjects you've chosen) PAST PAPERS!!

I wish someone had told me at the start of my A Levels that instead of wasting my time making colourful and pretty notes, i should be doing as many past papers as humanly possible.

These are important mainly because once you do them youll realise that alot of the questions and the pattern of the questions asked repeats itself from year to year. So practicing past papers (especially in timed conditions) gives you a good idea of how to attempt your paper and how to structure your answers.

So my point being do ****loads of past papers 😃


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second this!!!
Be organised, but don't waste time rewriting loads of notes like they may tell you. Rip the **** out of past papers to ensure you can ace those exams. You don't have january exams anymore so you need as much practice as possible!


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Reply 10
Original post by sultanan09
Everyone talks about the huge jump from GCSE's to A level. So can you guys please give me the best study tips or advise you have?
The subjects I'm doing are Biology,Maths, Chemistry and Psychology.
Any tips for the individual subject or just in general is much appreciated.


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 :smile: 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! :smile:


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Original post by sultanan09
Everyone talks about the huge jump from GCSE's to A level. So can you guys please give me the best study tips or advise you have?
The subjects I'm doing are Biology,Maths, Chemistry and Psychology.
Any tips for the individual subject or just in general is much appreciated.


I think people have already given the same advice I would give, but it's all good stuff.

- Biology: There is a lot of detail to memorize in this. Make sure your notes are detailed and up to date with your current learning. Revise little and often, otherwise you'll be like me looking back at my notes and thinking whaaaaat.
- Chemistry: Clear up anything you don't understand there and then. Not the next day or exam time, straight away. This might seem obvious, but this is especially true when you're writing notes for something you didn't understand first time round: write them so that they make sense to you. You're probably not as silly as I am though :tongue:
- Maths: Practice and practice. Past papers are a godsend when it comes to this. Making notes that you understand and devising your own strategies are essential. My Maths is also a great help!

General: Revise little and often, get homework done on the night, re-write notes, and come exam time, PAST PAPERS. I am carrying those three subjects to A2 come September, so feel free to ask for any help and I will try my best to help. Best of luck! :smile:
Reply 12
Original post by JustaDreamer
I think people have already given the same advice I would give, but it's all good stuff.

- Biology: There is a lot of detail to memorize in this. Make sure your notes are detailed and up to date with your current learning. Revise little and often, otherwise you'll be like me looking back at my notes and thinking whaaaaat.
- Chemistry: Clear up anything you don't understand there and then. Not the next day or exam time, straight away. This might seem obvious, but this is especially true when you're writing notes for something you didn't understand first time round: write them so that they make sense to you. You're probably not as silly as I am though :tongue:
- Maths: Practice and practice. Past papers are a godsend when it comes to this. Making notes that you understand and devising your own strategies are essential. My Maths is also a great help!

General: Revise little and often, get homework done on the night, re-write notes, and come exam time, PAST PAPERS. I am carrying those three subjects to A2 come September, so feel free to ask for any help and I will try my best to help. Best of luck! :smile:




thanks!
Reply 13
Original post by chayg
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 :smile: 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! :smile:


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Thank you!!! so detailed and super helpful!
Original post by sofiamalik_1995
Two words (which apply especially to the subjects you've chosen) PAST PAPERS!!

I wish someone had told me at the start of my A Levels that instead of wasting my time making colourful and pretty notes, i should be doing as many past papers as humanly possible.

These are important mainly because once you do them youll realise that alot of the questions and the pattern of the questions asked repeats itself from year to year. So practicing past papers (especially in timed conditions) gives you a good idea of how to attempt your paper and how to structure your answers.

So my point being do ****loads of past papers ������


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Very good point about over elaborate notes. Complete waste of time.
Original post by sultanan09
Biology: edexcel
Chemistry: OCR



Ahh okay thats the same as my school who do OCR. 'My a level chemistry' is a good website but only covers AQA to date as i think the creator is making an OCR version soon. I would also recommend CGP books specialised in your exam board thats what I'm doing with biology! :wink:
Reply 16
I have just finished my AS in Bio, chem, maths and art. after flying through gcse's i didnt think i would struggle much. I was so wrong. my teachers didnt give a **** about us. we never were given any work to do. many people complained in my class but I decided to go with it and just teach my self. If you need help or dont think the work your doing in school is helping you make sure that you do something about it. I revised hard and had dreams of being a dentist. in the exam i put into my mind that i need to do good. this freaked me out and i came out with BBCC. I learnt everything that there is but i panicked. when starting your first year you should always know what you want to do after finishing school. but have a back up plan!! its really important you have something to fall back on. try to get work experience it will motivate you and just focus on school not friends, tv shows or earning money. school is you life!!!!!
Reply 17
Original post by sultanan09
Thank you!!! so detailed and super helpful!


Welcome :smile: have a good year and message me if you have any further questions.


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Original post by Old_Simon
Very good point about over elaborate notes. Complete waste of time.


Yep just wish id realised sooner


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Original post by sofiamalik_1995
Yep just wish id realised sooner


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Hi! sofiamalik_1995

Im starting AS levels in September, and Im doing Maths(AQA), Economics(AQA), Eng Lit (AQA) and History (Edexcel). I only got an A for all of these subjects at gcse. Im especially worried about maths. Is there anything that i should watch out for :smile: And do you have any advice on my selection of subjects in general?

Thanks in advance :tongue:

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