This post is to all incoming y12’s and y11’s, essentially anyone who hasn’t started sixth form yet. I understand there is this massive stigma around the jump between GCSE’s and A level and even the jump between y12/13 but I am here to reassure you!!
I will break this down as to make the most sense.
First: I understand everyone comes from different educational backgrounds/ may be joining new schools for sixth form and it can seem overwhelming.
While it is true that right at the beginning there is an adjustment period you have to just remember a couple crucial things:
1) you will eventually acclimate - it’s a learning curve but only as big as you make it to be
2) consistency is key - start as soon as you can making notes and keeping on top of it (as much as you can) before it piles up and makes it unapproachable
3) you wouldn’t be doing your A levels or BTECS if your school didn’t recognise potential/ you wouldn’t have picked those A-Levels if you knew failure was imminent- deep down you know you can do it - and that’s 80% of the trip
I think the key to sixth form comes down to - time management and belief.
There is no such thing as something being impossible to learn - you can learn everything, you have been blessed with your brain and you just need to learn to maximise your potential, the limit is the only limit you put on yourself, you cannot start sixth form/ college certain you will get C’s or B’s, be self assured, know that if you really want those A’s and A*’s you can get them.
Know that your teachers and friends are there for you, as annoying as it can seem when your teacher sets a last minute test or random homework, they honestly just want what’s best for you. Let your teachers be your friends in sixth form, they’re gonna be writing your references and helping you apply/ figure out what’s next when the time comes.
Treat everyone with kindness, a support system is vital not only so you can perservere through horrible exams but also because these are your last years of school, don’t let them pass you by because you’re scared of that one biology test on Thursday or you’re worried about mocks 8 months in advance.
Work hard, rest well and be kind- to others and yourself.
Just remember y12/13 is not actually that hard.
The content is manageable if you break it into digestible chunks and the jump is not as massive as teachers and other students make it out to seem, having done quite a large majority of the a2 content in y12 I can tell you everything can be tackled - ask questions when you’re confused, do those exam questions, do those anki flashcards you’ll inevitably neglect and finally give yourself time to relax because it can be easy to lose track of yourself and burn out - you still have years of university/ work/ life ahead of you live for yourself both now and in the future.
I will stop rambling now but I hope this put some minds at ease.