year 10

What should an upcoming year 10 do to prepare, or just do in the year in general? And is it that big of a jump from year 9? Also, is moving to a new school halfway through yr 10 that serious?

What should an upcoming year 10 do to prepare, or just do in the year in general? And is it that big of a jump from year 9? Also, is moving to a new school halfway through yr 10 that serious?

Hey @idoestar ,
I would recommend trying to make all your revision materials for the previous year so that this is done as it will reduce the work you will need to in the future.
I would also recommend trialing out different revision methods and techniques for example:

This can be a great way of learning what works for you ahead of year 11 and also you may find some subjects require different revision techniques for example maths is a lot of practice and learning the techniques for things. Whereas with English literature when I learnt a number of quotes for specific themes or characters it meant I was able to make essay plans and then learn these. Try and also work on the areas that you are struggling throughout your year rather than leaving it till year 11 to try and understand something as that saves a lot of time.
Personally, I don't remember it being a big difference I think it is more just the awareness that you need to get on with your work and focus so that you don't get behind or easily distracted. I would recommend if you are struggling at any point reach out to your teachers and ask for that extra support as I am sure they would be willing to help.
I wouldn't say moving to a new school is a bad thing I think it would be best talking with the different staff at this new school so you can find out if the subject options will change and if the same syllabus/exam boards are used. I would also recommend seeing whether they have already taught topics that you have learnt/not learnt as this may require some catch up work.
I hope that helps and good luck for the next two years!
Let me know if you have any further questions 🙂
Rebecca
Recent Geoenvironmental Hazards Graduate

Assuming your school starts teaching GCSE content in year 10, it might be a good idea to look up exam specifications for your subjects. They are essentially lists of all topics that could come up on the exams, and knowing what those topics are will allow you to read ahead (if you want) and will generally let you know what the next 2 years will look like.
As for the jump from y9 to y10 - I personally don't think the gap is particularly noticeable, though this could vary between schools and subjects. The biggest difference will likely be the pace, as teachers will often move faster than before in order to finish the content as early as possible, leaving more time for in-school revision. So keep that in mind, and make sure to pay attention in class, as it can be difficult to catch up if you fall behind (don't panic if you do though, just make sure you act on it as quickly as possible).
Moving school partway through the year could be a slight issue, due to exam boards having slightly different content. If the exam boards at your new school are different, you could find yourself in an awkward position, so definitely keep that in mind, but it's unlikely to cause much harm - people move school in y10 and y11 all the time, after all.

Hi @idoestar
If you have the time this upcoming school year, I would suggest gradually working in your revision from this point. It might sound way too early, but future you will be so grateful if you have some revision resources in the works, or have been trying to revise content. I found a slow and steady approach to my GCSEs helped to reduce my overall stress when it came to exam season in year 11. You could simply make flashcards from a lesson when you get home, or quiz yourself on the day's content - just try to keep yourself up to date with what you're learning.
I think you'll be okay moving schools. You might find some things are slightly different in your lessons - it really depends on your new school's exam board and specification - but you should be able to pick things up as you go. I had a few friends arrive at my school in year 10, and even year 11, and they were able to settle in nicely.
I don't personally remember year 10 being a huge change from year 9. The main difference for me was that I felt like my GCSEs and lessons became more serious in year 10, which was only natural as it became closer to my exams.
So long as you stay focused and allow yourself to enjoy your time in year 10 too, you'll be just fine.
I hope you have a great start to the new academic year. 🙂
Emily
Student Rep at BCU

Thanks for replying to my question, and giving me advice! Also, good luck to you in any of your future ventures! <3