Getting used to A-levels jump from GCSE

8

I'm doing Geography (AQA), Psychology (AQA) and Biology (OCR A). I need a minimum of ABB, so the pressure is quite high!
I've always used CGP books as well as more in-depth sources including PMT. I also printed out the specification before starting anything.
I noticed the specification possibly being more vague, but I don't know if that's because I've only seen Edexcel's before, or whether it's a difference with A-levels maybe just being less linear. I tend to prefer more "right and wrong" subjects, e.g. maths - so psychology in particular is a bit more of a challenge.
Is it sufficient to work off of what topics CGP covers, along with the specification, to see what I need to learn? I just feel a little unclear on what exactly is wanted.

Reply 1

E_k

3

Original post

by vee.hmm

I'm doing Geography (AQA), Psychology (AQA) and Biology (OCR A). I need a minimum of ABB, so the pressure is quite high!
I've always used CGP books as well as more in-depth sources including PMT. I also printed out the specification before starting anything.
I noticed the specification possibly being more vague, but I don't know if that's because I've only seen Edexcel's before, or whether it's a difference with A-levels maybe just being less linear. I tend to prefer more "right and wrong" subjects, e.g. maths - so psychology in particular is a bit more of a challenge.
Is it sufficient to work off of what topics CGP covers, along with the specification, to see what I need to learn? I just feel a little unclear on what exactly is wanted.

For an ABB? Probably in some subjects, less so in others.

•

Psychology I actually found the CGP to be great help, but it's always good for the case studies to have additional information for AO3 points (examiners will always prefer more than just 'this has poor external validy'). I mainly used the CGP for psychology and got a B, so definitely possible!

•

Biology I probably can't speak on as amazingly... got a C... recommend going over the cgp more than I did. Get to know your fav subjects WELL for the essays later on (the one thing I was good at, pick at least 5 and learn them like the back of your hand). Most of what you need to know is in the cpg book for bio, but also check elsewhere because sometimes other exam boards books actually explained things better (and it's more important you understand the subject well than jsut words in a textbook, given bios exam questions are sometimes abstract). PMT is legendary for bio (the only reason I probs got my C, aside from the essay and my love for kidneys)

•

Now geog (i managed an A), my best teacher said that 'if you just learn the cgp, you'll only get a B'. If that's what you are aiming for? Great! But if you want that to be your A? Definitely look outside of the textbook. Learn the concepts then find your own examples. Alot of exam questions aswell! But that goes for all three.Your NEA later will be almost entirely focused on your own learning away from the cgp aswell.

I did all the same subjects, and you'll find that they help each other alot! There's geography in biology, and biology in psychology!

In short since I ramble - yes, know your cpg books as well as you can, but also use other information/sites. You can't go wrong with CGP, but you won't always get max marks if you ONLY rely on them.

Good luck with your subjects!!

Reply 2

t.s.r.

16

Concentration is mandatory and keeping up should be fairly usual. Regards.

Reply 3

username7009922

15

Original post

by vee.hmm

I'm doing Geography (AQA), Psychology (AQA) and Biology (OCR A). I need a minimum of ABB, so the pressure is quite high!
I've always used CGP books as well as more in-depth sources including PMT. I also printed out the specification before starting anything.
I noticed the specification possibly being more vague, but I don't know if that's because I've only seen Edexcel's before, or whether it's a difference with A-levels maybe just being less linear. I tend to prefer more "right and wrong" subjects, e.g. maths - so psychology in particular is a bit more of a challenge.
Is it sufficient to work off of what topics CGP covers, along with the specification, to see what I need to learn? I just feel a little unclear on what exactly is wanted.

Yay!!! We do AQA Geography A-Level together. What optional units has your 6th Form chosen? My 6th Form does Coasts,Hazards and, Population and the Environment.

Reply 4

vee.hmm

OP

8

Original post

by E_k

For an ABB? Probably in some subjects, less so in others.

•

Psychology I actually found the CGP to be great help, but it's always good for the case studies to have additional information for AO3 points (examiners will always prefer more than just 'this has poor external validy'). I mainly used the CGP for psychology and got a B, so definitely possible!

•

Biology I probably can't speak on as amazingly... got a C... recommend going over the cgp more than I did. Get to know your fav subjects WELL for the essays later on (the one thing I was good at, pick at least 5 and learn them like the back of your hand). Most of what you need to know is in the cpg book for bio, but also check elsewhere because sometimes other exam boards books actually explained things better (and it's more important you understand the subject well than jsut words in a textbook, given bios exam questions are sometimes abstract). PMT is legendary for bio (the only reason I probs got my C, aside from the essay and my love for kidneys)

•

Now geog (i managed an A), my best teacher said that 'if you just learn the cgp, you'll only get a B'. If that's what you are aiming for? Great! But if you want that to be your A? Definitely look outside of the textbook. Learn the concepts then find your own examples. Alot of exam questions aswell! But that goes for all three.Your NEA later will be almost entirely focused on your own learning away from the cgp aswell.

I did all the same subjects, and you'll find that they help each other alot! There's geography in biology, and biology in psychology!
In short since I ramble - yes, know your cpg books as well as you can, but also use other information/sites. You can't go wrong with CGP, but you won't always get max marks if you ONLY rely on them.
Good luck with your subjects!!

Thank you so much for your reply! It really means a lot!

Reply 5

vee.hmm

OP

8

Original post

by E_k

For an ABB? Probably in some subjects, less so in others.

•

Psychology I actually found the CGP to be great help, but it's always good for the case studies to have additional information for AO3 points (examiners will always prefer more than just 'this has poor external validy'). I mainly used the CGP for psychology and got a B, so definitely possible!

•

Biology I probably can't speak on as amazingly... got a C... recommend going over the cgp more than I did. Get to know your fav subjects WELL for the essays later on (the one thing I was good at, pick at least 5 and learn them like the back of your hand). Most of what you need to know is in the cpg book for bio, but also check elsewhere because sometimes other exam boards books actually explained things better (and it's more important you understand the subject well than jsut words in a textbook, given bios exam questions are sometimes abstract). PMT is legendary for bio (the only reason I probs got my C, aside from the essay and my love for kidneys)

•

Now geog (i managed an A), my best teacher said that 'if you just learn the cgp, you'll only get a B'. If that's what you are aiming for? Great! But if you want that to be your A? Definitely look outside of the textbook. Learn the concepts then find your own examples. Alot of exam questions aswell! But that goes for all three.Your NEA later will be almost entirely focused on your own learning away from the cgp aswell.

I did all the same subjects, and you'll find that they help each other alot! There's geography in biology, and biology in psychology!
In short since I ramble - yes, know your cpg books as well as you can, but also use other information/sites. You can't go wrong with CGP, but you won't always get max marks if you ONLY rely on them.
Good luck with your subjects!!

I've been struggling, especially with psychology, because the content is less linear (if that makes sense). My best subjects tend to be the "right and wrong" ones, like biology and even maths. I don't know how to make flashcards for it and keep feeling bombarded with lots of different resources using different terminology.

I honestly had a literal breakdown today, but your reply is really reassuring - thank you!

Also congratulations on your results!

Getting used to A-levels jump from GCSE

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