The Student Room Group

Starting year 12 advice

I'm starting A levels in a couple of weeks (French, History and English Literature :>), and I have a few questions for current and former A level students .

- when should revision start and what kind of routine should you have?
- What stationary is it advisable to buy/have?
- how to organise A level stuff???

I have problems particularly with organisation and motivation, and I would love some tips on how to further develop this skill. I was able to wing my GCSEs and still get good grades, but I know that is just not possible for A Levels (and further education) and I would really appreciate some advice, even if its just about general organisation skills.

Also if there is anyone reading this who did the same subjects as me (All are EDEXEL), than I would greatly appreciate any tips you may have :>
Reply 1
Hello!! As someone who’s going into year 13 after this, (I do French, eng lang, photography, psychology) folders/binders will be your best friend!! I’m very disorganised and I always lack motivation so folders always kept things tidy with minimal effort! Take notes on everything! You’ll never know when you need them! With French, you’ll need to revise vocab and grammar mostly, history with the dates! (I dont know about lit sorry)
Reply 2
I usually use a pomodoro timer (if that’s how you spell it) to revise (when I do…) keep a good few sets of pens (you’ll need them…)

If you have any further questions let me know! I’ll be honest I barely revise due to lack of motivation so I’ve done a lot to try fix that, so if you need tips im always happy to answer/share!

Just ask away I’ll answer anything!
Original post by Ascpea
I usually use a pomodoro timer (if that’s how you spell it) to revise (when I do…) keep a good few sets of pens (you’ll need them…)
If you have any further questions let me know! I’ll be honest I barely revise due to lack of motivation so I’ve done a lot to try fix that, so if you need tips im always happy to answer/share!
Just ask away I’ll answer anything!
HEY! thank you so much for your advice! With revision methods, what do you do mainly for French and are there any methods you wouldn't reccomend? Also how hard was the jump from GCSE French to A level French for you? With folders, do you just have 1 for each subject or do you have more for certain parts e.g. one for paper 1 one for paper 2 kind of thing? Thank you so much, I really appreciate you answering!!!!
Reply 4
I did one folder per subject and used plastic wallets for mini subunits to keep it all where I could find it (I also used stickers to label which subunit was what)
For me the jump from gcse to a level was daunting at first, but honestly you get into it really quickly and it feels fine! You’ll think that gcse was a piece of cake in no time! Trust me, it feels smoother than it looks! With french, use stuff like past papers, that really helped me with my French! With main vocab, you can use flash cards and stuff. But god don’t bombard yourself with them! Cause it’ll feel very overwhelming. Keep it simple with words you really struggle with!
Anything else let me know!! I’ll be happy to help you with anything you need :smile:)
Original post by Ascpea
I did one folder per subject and used plastic wallets for mini subunits to keep it all where I could find it (I also used stickers to label which subunit was what)
For me the jump from gcse to a level was daunting at first, but honestly you get into it really quickly and it feels fine! You’ll think that gcse was a piece of cake in no time! Trust me, it feels smoother than it looks! With french, use stuff like past papers, that really helped me with my French! With main vocab, you can use flash cards and stuff. But god don’t bombard yourself with them! Cause it’ll feel very overwhelming. Keep it simple with words you really struggle with!
Anything else let me know!! I’ll be happy to help you with anything you need :smile:)

thank you so much!!
Original post by chandlerbing:)
I'm starting A levels in a couple of weeks (French, History and English Literature :>), and I have a few questions for current and former A level students .
- when should revision start and what kind of routine should you have?
- What stationary is it advisable to buy/have?
- how to organise A level stuff???
I have problems particularly with organisation and motivation, and I would love some tips on how to further develop this skill. I was able to wing my GCSEs and still get good grades, but I know that is just not possible for A Levels (and further education) and I would really appreciate some advice, even if its just about general organisation skills.
Also if there is anyone reading this who did the same subjects as me (All are EDEXEL), than I would greatly appreciate any tips you may have :>

Hi I would try and divide up your subjects giving you enough time for each to do revision by creating a weekly timetable while also allowing yourself breaks too. Definitely start revising from day 1 and the effort you put in will show with your A level grades. For stationary I would say have one large folder for each subject however you won’t need these everyday so also have smaller wallets to organise day to day work of work from the week.
Hope this helps
Original post by ZahraRaneyKhan
Hi I would try and divide up your subjects giving you enough time for each to do revision by creating a weekly timetable while also allowing yourself breaks too. Definitely start revising from day 1 and the effort you put in will show with your A level grades. For stationary I would say have one large folder for each subject however you won’t need these everyday so also have smaller wallets to organise day to day work of work from the week.
Hope this helps

thank you!!

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