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Heya all! I was so relieved to open my gcse results in the summer and see the following grades:
English Lit: 9
English Lang: 9
Maths: 9
IGCSE French: A*
Latin: 9
History: 9
Art: 9
Biology: 9
IGCSE Chemistry: A*
Physics: 9
I did put a lot of effort in during the first year of my course, however there were certain things I learnt which could also help those whose exams are this year. Here are some tips and tricks:
1) don’t burn out!!! Make sure to pace yourself and prioritise your health and well being. Staying up until 3am to revise for a test the next day is never a good idea as ultimately, the information won’t stick and you will be sleep deprived! Instead you could use the opportunity to see how much information has made it into your long term memory already.
2) experiment with resources. I was always someone who rewrote my notes to revise, despite what people told me. However by the summer I had found that different ways of learning suited my different subjects. For example I used freesciencelessons for last minute science revision and made mind maps for history.
3) reward yourself! One way which might work for you, but sounds ridiculous, is to put a square of chocolate in between the pages of the section of the textbook you are studying. That way you get a small reward every time you finish a page. However the motivation could also be long term, such as planning a fun thing to do in the holidays after gcses.
4) control your phone use. I really struggled with this one however found that certain screen tracking apps such as Moment really helped me stop procrastinating. I also often put my phone outside my room, however this may not be necessary for you.
5) don’t put too much emphasis on the exams. Ultimately GCSEs are just a stepping stone to further education. It is also important to remember that everything is in perspective. Someone who usually gets 4s getting a 6 is just as impressive as someone who usually gets 6s getting an 8.
Hope that helped! Feel free to add to the list below .
English Lit: 9
English Lang: 9
Maths: 9
IGCSE French: A*
Latin: 9
History: 9
Art: 9
Biology: 9
IGCSE Chemistry: A*
Physics: 9
I did put a lot of effort in during the first year of my course, however there were certain things I learnt which could also help those whose exams are this year. Here are some tips and tricks:
1) don’t burn out!!! Make sure to pace yourself and prioritise your health and well being. Staying up until 3am to revise for a test the next day is never a good idea as ultimately, the information won’t stick and you will be sleep deprived! Instead you could use the opportunity to see how much information has made it into your long term memory already.
2) experiment with resources. I was always someone who rewrote my notes to revise, despite what people told me. However by the summer I had found that different ways of learning suited my different subjects. For example I used freesciencelessons for last minute science revision and made mind maps for history.
3) reward yourself! One way which might work for you, but sounds ridiculous, is to put a square of chocolate in between the pages of the section of the textbook you are studying. That way you get a small reward every time you finish a page. However the motivation could also be long term, such as planning a fun thing to do in the holidays after gcses.
4) control your phone use. I really struggled with this one however found that certain screen tracking apps such as Moment really helped me stop procrastinating. I also often put my phone outside my room, however this may not be necessary for you.
5) don’t put too much emphasis on the exams. Ultimately GCSEs are just a stepping stone to further education. It is also important to remember that everything is in perspective. Someone who usually gets 4s getting a 6 is just as impressive as someone who usually gets 6s getting an 8.
Hope that helped! Feel free to add to the list below .
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#2
Thank you for this! How long did you revise for each day and when did you start revising? Do you have tips for each subject individually? Like a specific thing to do with each subject?
Btw congratulations on your results - you’re so awesome! I have mocks soon but I need to get into a study habit.
Btw congratulations on your results - you’re so awesome! I have mocks soon but I need to get into a study habit.
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#3
omg I did the chocolate thing for gcses
(had to make sure I didn’t forget to exercise
)
(had to make sure I didn’t forget to exercise
)
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(Original post by AngelStarfire)
Thank you for this! How long did you revise for each day and when did you start revising? Do you have tips for each subject individually? Like a specific thing to do with each subject?
Btw congratulations on your results - you’re so awesome! I have mocks soon but I need to get into a study habit.
Thank you for this! How long did you revise for each day and when did you start revising? Do you have tips for each subject individually? Like a specific thing to do with each subject?
Btw congratulations on your results - you’re so awesome! I have mocks soon but I need to get into a study habit.
English Lit - actually read your set texts! I know it can be difficult if you hate the book but it gives you a rounded view of the book as a whole and it is much easier to make links between themes. You could try an audiobook if you are struggling.
English Lang - there weren’t that many practice papers for us so I would recommend putting as much effort as you can into each one. If you find creative writing difficult, you could try to write a little each day (maybe 15 mins) to develop your skill over time.
Maths - it is all about the practice. Also if you don’t understand something don’t just leave it - often you will build on it later so it’s important that the foundations of your knowledge are strong.
French - you could try recording yourself speaking your presentation and then listening to it back. I find it quite difficult to judge how well I’m speaking otherwise and this could also be another way to learn it.
Latin: quizlet really is your best friend for learning vocab! I also would recommend learning your set texts asap as it’s so much easier when they’re in your long term memory.
History- By the end of my course I often found I didn’t have the energy to write essays in full, but by planning them alone I achieved just as much. Also try to learn the facts which overlap with your different themes - you don’t need to know everything in the text book!
Art- I did art and design so my course was a little bit more relaxed. Actually focus on things you’re interested in and try not to just write a biography for the artist you’re studying. Try to keep an open mind to what’s possible - one of my projects was basically just creative photo editing.
Bio - flash cards really helped me here! I would write out the syllabus in questions on the front of the card and answers on the back. This way you can also test your self.
Chemistry: cgp guide really summarised the syllabus well and made revision a lot easier. Like maths, make sure you have a good grip of the basics because otherwise nothing else will make sense.
Physics - this may not work for everyone but I put my success entirely down to my cgp revision and practice book. It explained things much better than my teacher and the practice questions were really useful.
Wow that was a lot of writing lol. Thank you for your congratulations! And good luck!
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#5
(Original post by zooxanthellae)
Heya all! I was so relieved to open my gcse results in the summer and see the following grades:
English Lit: 9
English Lang: 9
Maths: 9
IGCSE French: A*
Latin: 9
History: 9
Art: 9
Biology: 9
IGCSE Chemistry: A*
Physics: 9
I did put a lot of effort in during the first year of my course, however there were certain things I learnt which could also help those whose exams are this year. Here are some tips and tricks:
1) don’t burn out!!! Make sure to pace yourself and prioritise your health and well being. Staying up until 3am to revise for a test the next day is never a good idea as ultimately, the information won’t stick and you will be sleep deprived! Instead you could use the opportunity to see how much information has made it into your long term memory already.
2) experiment with resources. I was always someone who rewrote my notes to revise, despite what people told me. However by the summer I had found that different ways of learning suited my different subjects. For example I used freesciencelessons for last minute science revision and made mind maps for history.
3) reward yourself! One way which might work for you, but sounds ridiculous, is to put a square of chocolate in between the pages of the section of the textbook you are studying. That way you get a small reward every time you finish a page. However the motivation could also be long term, such as planning a fun thing to do in the holidays after gcses.
4) control your phone use. I really struggled with this one however found that certain screen tracking apps such as Moment really helped me stop procrastinating. I also often put my phone outside my room, however this may not be necessary for you.
5) don’t put too much emphasis on the exams. Ultimately GCSEs are just a stepping stone to further education. It is also important to remember that everything is in perspective. Someone who usually gets 4s getting a 6 is just as impressive as someone who usually gets 6s getting an 8.
Hope that helped! Feel free to add to the list below .
Heya all! I was so relieved to open my gcse results in the summer and see the following grades:
English Lit: 9
English Lang: 9
Maths: 9
IGCSE French: A*
Latin: 9
History: 9
Art: 9
Biology: 9
IGCSE Chemistry: A*
Physics: 9
I did put a lot of effort in during the first year of my course, however there were certain things I learnt which could also help those whose exams are this year. Here are some tips and tricks:
1) don’t burn out!!! Make sure to pace yourself and prioritise your health and well being. Staying up until 3am to revise for a test the next day is never a good idea as ultimately, the information won’t stick and you will be sleep deprived! Instead you could use the opportunity to see how much information has made it into your long term memory already.
2) experiment with resources. I was always someone who rewrote my notes to revise, despite what people told me. However by the summer I had found that different ways of learning suited my different subjects. For example I used freesciencelessons for last minute science revision and made mind maps for history.
3) reward yourself! One way which might work for you, but sounds ridiculous, is to put a square of chocolate in between the pages of the section of the textbook you are studying. That way you get a small reward every time you finish a page. However the motivation could also be long term, such as planning a fun thing to do in the holidays after gcses.
4) control your phone use. I really struggled with this one however found that certain screen tracking apps such as Moment really helped me stop procrastinating. I also often put my phone outside my room, however this may not be necessary for you.
5) don’t put too much emphasis on the exams. Ultimately GCSEs are just a stepping stone to further education. It is also important to remember that everything is in perspective. Someone who usually gets 4s getting a 6 is just as impressive as someone who usually gets 6s getting an 8.
Hope that helped! Feel free to add to the list below .
Thanks for making this thread!
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#6
(Original post by zooxanthellae)
Heya all! I was so relieved to open my gcse results in the summer and see the following grades:
English Lit: 9
English Lang: 9
Maths: 9
IGCSE French: A*
Latin: 9
History: 9
Art: 9
Biology: 9
IGCSE Chemistry: A*
Physics: 9
I did put a lot of effort in during the first year of my course, however there were certain things I learnt which could also help those whose exams are this year. Here are some tips and tricks:
1) don’t burn out!!! Make sure to pace yourself and prioritise your health and well being. Staying up until 3am to revise for a test the next day is never a good idea as ultimately, the information won’t stick and you will be sleep deprived! Instead you could use the opportunity to see how much information has made it into your long term memory already.
2) experiment with resources. I was always someone who rewrote my notes to revise, despite what people told me. However by the summer I had found that different ways of learning suited my different subjects. For example I used freesciencelessons for last minute science revision and made mind maps for history.
3) reward yourself! One way which might work for you, but sounds ridiculous, is to put a square of chocolate in between the pages of the section of the textbook you are studying. That way you get a small reward every time you finish a page. However the motivation could also be long term, such as planning a fun thing to do in the holidays after gcses.
4) control your phone use. I really struggled with this one however found that certain screen tracking apps such as Moment really helped me stop procrastinating. I also often put my phone outside my room, however this may not be necessary for you.
5) don’t put too much emphasis on the exams. Ultimately GCSEs are just a stepping stone to further education. It is also important to remember that everything is in perspective. Someone who usually gets 4s getting a 6 is just as impressive as someone who usually gets 6s getting an 8.
Hope that helped! Feel free to add to the list below .
Heya all! I was so relieved to open my gcse results in the summer and see the following grades:
English Lit: 9
English Lang: 9
Maths: 9
IGCSE French: A*
Latin: 9
History: 9
Art: 9
Biology: 9
IGCSE Chemistry: A*
Physics: 9
I did put a lot of effort in during the first year of my course, however there were certain things I learnt which could also help those whose exams are this year. Here are some tips and tricks:
1) don’t burn out!!! Make sure to pace yourself and prioritise your health and well being. Staying up until 3am to revise for a test the next day is never a good idea as ultimately, the information won’t stick and you will be sleep deprived! Instead you could use the opportunity to see how much information has made it into your long term memory already.
2) experiment with resources. I was always someone who rewrote my notes to revise, despite what people told me. However by the summer I had found that different ways of learning suited my different subjects. For example I used freesciencelessons for last minute science revision and made mind maps for history.
3) reward yourself! One way which might work for you, but sounds ridiculous, is to put a square of chocolate in between the pages of the section of the textbook you are studying. That way you get a small reward every time you finish a page. However the motivation could also be long term, such as planning a fun thing to do in the holidays after gcses.
4) control your phone use. I really struggled with this one however found that certain screen tracking apps such as Moment really helped me stop procrastinating. I also often put my phone outside my room, however this may not be necessary for you.
5) don’t put too much emphasis on the exams. Ultimately GCSEs are just a stepping stone to further education. It is also important to remember that everything is in perspective. Someone who usually gets 4s getting a 6 is just as impressive as someone who usually gets 6s getting an 8.
Hope that helped! Feel free to add to the list below .
I didn't know what I was doing... I still don't. 
What A-Levels are you taking?
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#7
(Original post by zooxanthellae)
One way which might work for you, but sounds ridiculous, is to put a square of chocolate in between the pages of the section of the textbook you are studying. That way you get a small reward every time you finish a page.
One way which might work for you, but sounds ridiculous, is to put a square of chocolate in between the pages of the section of the textbook you are studying. That way you get a small reward every time you finish a page.
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(Original post by Kroznox)
Do you have any tips regarding how to get an A* in IGCSE Chemistry? I'm struggling with Inorganic Analysis (cation and anion tests) and it's quite difficult.
Thanks for making this thread!
Do you have any tips regarding how to get an A* in IGCSE Chemistry? I'm struggling with Inorganic Analysis (cation and anion tests) and it's quite difficult.
Thanks for making this thread!
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(Original post by MaizieAmyr)
Congrats, those are amazing grades. I look back now at how I revised for GCSEs and facepalm.
I didn't know what I was doing... I still don't. 
What A-Levels are you taking?
Congrats, those are amazing grades. I look back now at how I revised for GCSEs and facepalm.
I didn't know what I was doing... I still don't. What A-Levels are you taking?
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#11
(Original post by zooxanthellae)
Thank you! I am currently studying Biology, Chemistry, English Lit and Maths.
Thank you! I am currently studying Biology, Chemistry, English Lit and Maths.
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(Original post by Mxf.e)
Hi, what would you like to do at uni? Because I am considering history, maths or chemistry and bio. However, I would like to maths rather than chemistry as I don’t have that much of a passion for chemistry but chemistry is supposedly better for keeping your options open. I want to go into law but I am also interested in genetics and the female biology. Not really sure what works best for me.
Hi, what would you like to do at uni? Because I am considering history, maths or chemistry and bio. However, I would like to maths rather than chemistry as I don’t have that much of a passion for chemistry but chemistry is supposedly better for keeping your options open. I want to go into law but I am also interested in genetics and the female biology. Not really sure what works best for me.
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#13
(Original post by Mxf.e)
Hi, what would you like to do at uni? Because I am considering history, maths or chemistry and bio. However, I would like to maths rather than chemistry as I don’t have that much of a passion for chemistry but chemistry is supposedly better for keeping your options open. I want to go into law but I am also interested in genetics and the female biology. Not really sure what works best for me.
Hi, what would you like to do at uni? Because I am considering history, maths or chemistry and bio. However, I would like to maths rather than chemistry as I don’t have that much of a passion for chemistry but chemistry is supposedly better for keeping your options open. I want to go into law but I am also interested in genetics and the female biology. Not really sure what works best for me.
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#14
(Original post by zooxanthellae)
Heya all! I was so relieved to open my gcse results in the summer and see the following grades:
English Lit: 9
English Lang: 9
Maths: 9
IGCSE French: A*
Latin: 9
History: 9
Art: 9
Biology: 9
IGCSE Chemistry: A*
Physics: 9
I did put a lot of effort in during the first year of my course, however there were certain things I learnt which could also help those whose exams are this year. Here are some tips and tricks:
1) don’t burn out!!! Make sure to pace yourself and prioritise your health and well being. Staying up until 3am to revise for a test the next day is never a good idea as ultimately, the information won’t stick and you will be sleep deprived! Instead you could use the opportunity to see how much information has made it into your long term memory already.
2) experiment with resources. I was always someone who rewrote my notes to revise, despite what people told me. However by the summer I had found that different ways of learning suited my different subjects. For example I used freesciencelessons for last minute science revision and made mind maps for history.
3) reward yourself! One way which might work for you, but sounds ridiculous, is to put a square of chocolate in between the pages of the section of the textbook you are studying. That way you get a small reward every time you finish a page. However the motivation could also be long term, such as planning a fun thing to do in the holidays after gcses.
4) control your phone use. I really struggled with this one however found that certain screen tracking apps such as Moment really helped me stop procrastinating. I also often put my phone outside my room, however this may not be necessary for you.
5) don’t put too much emphasis on the exams. Ultimately GCSEs are just a stepping stone to further education. It is also important to remember that everything is in perspective. Someone who usually gets 4s getting a 6 is just as impressive as someone who usually gets 6s getting an 8.
Hope that helped! Feel free to add to the list below .
Heya all! I was so relieved to open my gcse results in the summer and see the following grades:
English Lit: 9
English Lang: 9
Maths: 9
IGCSE French: A*
Latin: 9
History: 9
Art: 9
Biology: 9
IGCSE Chemistry: A*
Physics: 9
I did put a lot of effort in during the first year of my course, however there were certain things I learnt which could also help those whose exams are this year. Here are some tips and tricks:
1) don’t burn out!!! Make sure to pace yourself and prioritise your health and well being. Staying up until 3am to revise for a test the next day is never a good idea as ultimately, the information won’t stick and you will be sleep deprived! Instead you could use the opportunity to see how much information has made it into your long term memory already.
2) experiment with resources. I was always someone who rewrote my notes to revise, despite what people told me. However by the summer I had found that different ways of learning suited my different subjects. For example I used freesciencelessons for last minute science revision and made mind maps for history.
3) reward yourself! One way which might work for you, but sounds ridiculous, is to put a square of chocolate in between the pages of the section of the textbook you are studying. That way you get a small reward every time you finish a page. However the motivation could also be long term, such as planning a fun thing to do in the holidays after gcses.
4) control your phone use. I really struggled with this one however found that certain screen tracking apps such as Moment really helped me stop procrastinating. I also often put my phone outside my room, however this may not be necessary for you.
5) don’t put too much emphasis on the exams. Ultimately GCSEs are just a stepping stone to further education. It is also important to remember that everything is in perspective. Someone who usually gets 4s getting a 6 is just as impressive as someone who usually gets 6s getting an 8.
Hope that helped! Feel free to add to the list below .
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#15
(Original post by zooxanthellae)
I started revising for mocks at Christmas however lots of my revision was done pretty last minute which was quite stressful! I would recommend starting as early as you can as it’s so much better to pace yourself.
English Lit - actually read your set texts! I know it can be difficult if you hate the book but it gives you a rounded view of the book as a whole and it is much easier to make links between themes. You could try an audiobook if you are struggling.
English Lang - there weren’t that many practice papers for us so I would recommend putting as much effort as you can into each one. If you find creative writing difficult, you could try to write a little each day (maybe 15 mins) to develop your skill over time.
Maths - it is all about the practice. Also if you don’t understand something don’t just leave it - often you will build on it later so it’s important that the foundations of your knowledge are strong.
French - you could try recording yourself speaking your presentation and then listening to it back. I find it quite difficult to judge how well I’m speaking otherwise and this could also be another way to learn it.
Latin: quizlet really is your best friend for learning vocab! I also would recommend learning your set texts asap as it’s so much easier when they’re in your long term memory.
History- By the end of my course I often found I didn’t have the energy to write essays in full, but by planning them alone I achieved just as much. Also try to learn the facts which overlap with your different themes - you don’t need to know everything in the text book!
Art- I did art and design so my course was a little bit more relaxed. Actually focus on things you’re interested in and try not to just write a biography for the artist you’re studying. Try to keep an open mind to what’s possible - one of my projects was basically just creative photo editing.
Bio - flash cards really helped me here! I would write out the syllabus in questions on the front of the card and answers on the back. This way you can also test your self.
Chemistry: cgp guide really summarised the syllabus well and made revision a lot easier. Like maths, make sure you have a good grip of the basics because otherwise nothing else will make sense.
Physics - this may not work for everyone but I put my success entirely down to my cgp revision and practice book. It explained things much better than my teacher and the practice questions were really useful.
Wow that was a lot of writing lol. Thank you for your congratulations! And good luck!
I started revising for mocks at Christmas however lots of my revision was done pretty last minute which was quite stressful! I would recommend starting as early as you can as it’s so much better to pace yourself.
English Lit - actually read your set texts! I know it can be difficult if you hate the book but it gives you a rounded view of the book as a whole and it is much easier to make links between themes. You could try an audiobook if you are struggling.
English Lang - there weren’t that many practice papers for us so I would recommend putting as much effort as you can into each one. If you find creative writing difficult, you could try to write a little each day (maybe 15 mins) to develop your skill over time.
Maths - it is all about the practice. Also if you don’t understand something don’t just leave it - often you will build on it later so it’s important that the foundations of your knowledge are strong.
French - you could try recording yourself speaking your presentation and then listening to it back. I find it quite difficult to judge how well I’m speaking otherwise and this could also be another way to learn it.
Latin: quizlet really is your best friend for learning vocab! I also would recommend learning your set texts asap as it’s so much easier when they’re in your long term memory.
History- By the end of my course I often found I didn’t have the energy to write essays in full, but by planning them alone I achieved just as much. Also try to learn the facts which overlap with your different themes - you don’t need to know everything in the text book!
Art- I did art and design so my course was a little bit more relaxed. Actually focus on things you’re interested in and try not to just write a biography for the artist you’re studying. Try to keep an open mind to what’s possible - one of my projects was basically just creative photo editing.
Bio - flash cards really helped me here! I would write out the syllabus in questions on the front of the card and answers on the back. This way you can also test your self.
Chemistry: cgp guide really summarised the syllabus well and made revision a lot easier. Like maths, make sure you have a good grip of the basics because otherwise nothing else will make sense.
Physics - this may not work for everyone but I put my success entirely down to my cgp revision and practice book. It explained things much better than my teacher and the practice questions were really useful.
Wow that was a lot of writing lol. Thank you for your congratulations! And good luck!
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#16
(Original post by zooxanthellae)
I’m really interested in natural science or biology at uni however it’s taken me a while to realise this and I could easily change my mind! My advice would be to thoroughly research the courses and see what excites you most. University is a serious commitment so prioritise what you enjoy over what you think will keep your options open - that way you’re much more likely to be motivated and succeed.
I’m really interested in natural science or biology at uni however it’s taken me a while to realise this and I could easily change my mind! My advice would be to thoroughly research the courses and see what excites you most. University is a serious commitment so prioritise what you enjoy over what you think will keep your options open - that way you’re much more likely to be motivated and succeed.
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#17
(Original post by whaaaaaaaaaat)
If you're genuinely very interested in Biology I think Chemistry would be a really good option for you as they do compliment each other nicely. That way you could do an undergraduate degree in biology and then do a graduate law degree after that. Hope everything works out for you.
If you're genuinely very interested in Biology I think Chemistry would be a really good option for you as they do compliment each other nicely. That way you could do an undergraduate degree in biology and then do a graduate law degree after that. Hope everything works out for you.
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#18
(Original post by Mxf.e)
This sounds like a good idea. Do you know if chemistry is needed to study just biology at uni?
This sounds like a good idea. Do you know if chemistry is needed to study just biology at uni?
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#19
Well done for your grades!
Which revision techniquees/ methods did you find were the best? And
How much revision did you do in y10/ any tips??
Which revision techniquees/ methods did you find were the best? And
How much revision did you do in y10/ any tips??
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