The Student Room Group

October GYG WINNER announced!!

October's GYG Competition Category & Prize Announcement!!!!


With only ONE week to go, make sure to enter October's GYG blog competition!!!!

The category is Best Audio/Video Resource for Motivation and/or Learning! :danceboy:

We want to hear about your top 1- 5 resources - whether these are podcasts, radio shows, YouTube videos, TED talks, or something else - we want to know what helps you stay motivated and/or improves your learning.

Make sure to include the title of the resource, where people can find this and a short description about why it stood out for you - what key advice or inspiration did you take from it?

Share your favorite inspirational/educational resources by commenting below IN THIS THREAD. Help inspire others whilst taking part in a fun competition where you could win some Bluetooth Speakers!!:blow:

P.S - To be eligible for the prize, you must already have or create a Grow Your Grades (GYG) blog before entering the competition.

Remember, it’s never too late to start your own GYG blog and get involved! You can find out how to get started right here.

Spoiler

(edited 8 months ago)

Scroll to see replies

Reply 1

hello
Im zak im in yr 11
my recommendations are good if u have a short attention span, like me, sometimes my adhd plays up
and i find it hard to concentrate.
but these recommendations make it easier to concentrate and listen a lit longer.
1. YouTube Channel: "Yes Theory"

Where to find it: YouTube

Why it stands out: "Yes Theory" is all about pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, but in a fun and adventurous way. Their motto is "Seek Discomfort," and they do it by taking on crazy challenges and meeting fascinating people. The episodes are entertaining and motivating, but they feel like you’re just hanging out with friends, not being lectured.

Key takeaway: Life's best experiences happen outside your comfort zone, and you don’t need to be perfect or super organized to try new things—just say “yes” and figure it out along the way!

2. Podcast: "Ologies" with Alie Ward

Where to find it: Spotify / Apple Podcasts

Why it stands out: Alie Ward takes you on a journey into different fields of study ("ologies"), like volcanology or sleep, but in a really funny, laid-back way. She makes learning random stuff super chill and hilarious, with lots of side tangents and humor, so it never feels like typical "learning." It’s great for people with short attention spans because it’s more like listening to a fun conversation.

Key takeaway: Curiosity is cool, and you can learn fascinating things in a casual way without feeling overwhelmed.

3. YouTube Channel: "Nathaniel Drew"

Where to find it: YouTube

Why it stands out: Nathaniel’s channel is all about self-improvement, mental clarity, and mindfulness, but in a super relaxing, non-preachy way. His videos have a calming vibe and focus on things like slowing down, decluttering your mind, and finding balance. It's perfect if you want to get motivated without the intense "hustle" culture vibe.

Key takeaway: You can work on yourself and grow without burning out—taking a step back and slowing down is sometimes the best way to make progress.

4. Podcast: "Chilluminati Podcast"

Where to find it: Spotify / Apple Podcasts

Why it stands out: If you like weird, mysterious, or just random chill content, this podcast covers all kinds of quirky, spooky, and offbeat topics. The hosts keep it light and funny while talking about unsolved mysteries, conspiracies, and strange stories. It’s perfect for background listening while you relax or zone out, but still engaging enough to spark your curiosity.

Key takeaway: Learning doesn’t always have to be serious or structured—sometimes the weirdest stuff can be the most fun to explore.

5. YouTube Channel: "Mike's Mic"

Where to find it: YouTube

Why it stands out: Mike’s Mic offers funny commentary on pop culture, internet trends, and random topics, all while

relatable. Mike’s videos are a mix of humor, storytelling, and quirky insights, which makes them easy to watch without feeling like you're forcing yourself to focus. His laid-back and humorous style is perfect for those moments when you want to learn something or just chill without too much intensity.

Key takeaway: You can enjoy learning about random things while having fun and not taking life too seriously. It's a reminder that it's okay to just go with the flow sometimes.

6. YouTube Channel: "Nerdwriter1"

Where to find it: YouTube

Why it stands out: Nerdwriter1 breaks down topics in pop culture, art, and history in a way that’s visually engaging and chill to follow. The videos are insightful but not overwhelming, making them great for sparking curiosity about everything from movies to music to history. They feel more like a calm dive into something interesting rather than a traditional "lesson."

Key takeaway: Exploring your interests and learning can be easygoing and enjoyable when it’s presented in a visually appealing, bite-sized way.

Original post by Blinkr
October's GYG Competition Category & Prize Announcement!!!!

The category for October's GYG blog competition is Best Audio/Video Resource for Motivation and/or Learning! :danceboy:
We want to hear about your top 5-10 resources - whether these are podcasts, radio shows, YouTube videos, TED talks, or something else - we want to know what helps you stay motivated and/or improves your learning.
Make sure to include the title of the resource, where people can find this and a short description about why it stood out for you - what key advice or inspiration did you take from it?
Share your favorite inspirational/educational resources by commenting below IN THIS THREAD. Help inspire others whilst taking part in a fun competition where you could win some Bluetooth Speakers!!:blow:
P.S - To be eligible for the prize, you must already have or create a Grow Your Grades (GYG) blog before entering the competition.
Remember, it’s never too late to start your own GYG blog and get involved! You can find out how to get started right here.

Spoiler


the prize is amazing and people will find the educational resources so useful, so make sure you list them!!

Reply 3

Hello, Im Harry and I'm year 11 and today i'll share my best motivation videos and audio resources to help you get prepared for your GCSES:
1) "Faye Films" from Youtube.
Faye does such an amazing job at making videos to help you ace your exams such as "How to not procrastinate before exams." and she helps me get motivated whenever i'm feeling a bit down or just need time to reflect on my studies etc. She also mentions how important exams can be and she can put into your shoes and tell you how difficult it is! I've watched 5 videos now and I really like her content so would recommend it!
2) "Koi Academy" from Youtube.
Again, this is another channel that helps you get prepared for exams pretty much from exam tips/techniques to how you can ace exams perfectly and get a 9! I've watched his videos for study tips and they are absolutely phenomenal! He also like Faye helps you step out of your comfort zone without stress! One study technique I found was " GROW" method which I have mentioned to my GYG.
3) "Primrose Kitten" from Youtube.
This is a channel of learning without a doubt to help you ace your GCSEs! She walks through every single topic without hesitation and tells you what to do and not do. I found it really interesting, credits to my friend whos in yr11 right now, you don't have to watch all of it, I suggest watching a video a day and see if it helps.
4) "Psych2Go" from Youtube.
This channel really stood out from the rest of it, honestly I use it every day to help me get comfortable about everything possible! They have a wide range of videos such as "Looking after mental health" to "How to brighten your day" etc. I also recommend watching it if you're unsure of what to do or just to have it in the background while you work.
5) "Cognito" from Youtube.
Cognito only does science and maths videos but this one really stands out to me as the content is easy paced and you can pause the video to catch up with the work that you have done before moving on, it's recommended to use it to help you grasp a better understanding of the topic and become confident with it.

Reply 4

We’re excited to announce that @JF ZAK has won this month's competition!!!!!!

Congratulations on your fantastic entry! We will get in touch with you soon about your prize :auto:

A big thank you to @Harfan654 as well for your wonderful contribution - we really appreciate your effort and enthusiasm, and we will soon be awarding you some EXTRA REP POINTS as a token of our thanks for participating :banana:

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

STARTING NOW - from November onwards we are adopting a blended approach to GYG to keep competitions exciting and focused - Some months the winner of GYG competitions will be community-voted, as with November, while other months competition winners will be chosen by staff, giving you more time to focus on crafting your entries!

Keep an eye out to find out what the November GYG competition will be... :dance:


Spoiler

Reply 5

Congrats to @JF ZAK and @Harfan654!!!

Reply 6

Original post by Blinkr
We’re excited to announce that @JF ZAK has won this month's competition!!!!!!
Congratulations on your fantastic entry! We will get in touch with you soon about your prize :auto:
A big thank you to @Harfan654 as well for your wonderful contribution - we really appreciate your effort and enthusiasm, and we will soon be awarding you some EXTRA REP POINTS as a token of our thanks for participating :banana:
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
STARTING NOW - from November onwards we are adopting a blended approach to GYG to keep competitions exciting and focused - Some months the winner of GYG competitions will be community-voted, as with November, while other months competition winners will be chosen by staff, giving you more time to focus on crafting your entries!
Keep an eye out to find out what the November GYG competition will be... :dance:

Spoiler



How do you do this cause I’m so confused how you do it

Reply 7

Original post by Prxv.32
How do you do this cause I’m so confused how you do it


So at the moment we are thinking of doing it on an alternate basis so having say November be community voted and December staff will look at entries and make a judgement. But as this is a new idea it will be subject to changes depending on what works and what doesn't work. But we want to give people more time to work on their entries so this may help streamline that process! :smile: Hope that helps but any other questions let me know !

Reply 8

hi i don't want to say my name but i left secondary school 2 yrs ago i think and i currently go to college
1. YouTube Channel: TheGSCEMathsTutor

Where to find it: YouTube

Why it stands out: It is a channel focusing on support students who need help with GSCE maths and help with their skills and boost their grades
Key takeaway: The person who owns the channel make videos to boost student's confidence for when they take exams and panic about what result they get
2. Podcast: The LOL Podcast - Harper Zilmer, Cash Baker, Katie, Kenzie and maverick

Where to find it: Youtube / Tiktok

Why it stands out: I struggle with mental health and the way i see myself and i always feel down and know that other individuals who struggle with mental health but they talk about a lot of things that they do in general and they are a few videos where they speak about mental health and how it impacts them and it helps me to know that I am not alone.

Key takeaway: About many things that happen in their lives and how it made a difference to them
3. YouTube Channel: Dhar Mann

Where to find it: YouTube

Why it stands out: It is a channel based on many things that could happen in people's lives and how it makes people feel like bullying, being in situations that have an impact on them.

Key takeaway: Remembering quotes in life like ''what happens in the dark, always comes to light'' which helps remind me to think about my actions in my life and how it has an impact on others.
4. Podcast: Thegirltalkseries

Where to find it: Youtube / TikTok

Why it stands out: There are a few girls who are at the similar age as me and i feel i can learn things from them as they have been through things in life.

Key takeaway: That in life you come across difficult situations but talking about it sometimes help like when i get bullied all the time.
5. YouTube Channel: Joely Live

Where to find it: YouTube and tik tok

Why it stands out: This channel is based on interviewing influencers / celebrities and they get questions about what they do in their life / what has happened

Key takeaway: You can enjoy learning about random things while having fun and not taking life too seriously. It's a reminder that it's okay to just go with the flow sometimes.
6. YouTube Channel: Evan Edinger

Where to find it: YouTube

Why it stands out: He does videos which are inspiring to people that view his channel as he has posted some videos that are based on ''British vs American'' which compare different things that are in those two countries

Key takeaway: As I live in the UK, knowing that he uploads British videos is fun to know what can be relatable and he made a video where he tried to complete a GSCE exam paper and it shows his view on it after a few years

Reply 9

@JF ZAK Congratulationsssssssssss 🥳 yayyyyyyyy claps claps

Reply 10

Original post by luvsunsets
hi i don't want to say my name but i left secondary school 2 yrs ago i think and i currently go to college
1. YouTube Channel: TheGSCEMathsTutor

Where to find it: YouTube

Why it stands out: It is a channel focusing on support students who need help with GSCE maths and help with their skills and boost their grades
Key takeaway: The person who owns the channel make videos to boost student's confidence for when they take exams and panic about what result they get
2. Podcast: The LOL Podcast - Harper Zilmer, Cash Baker, Katie, Kenzie and maverick

Where to find it: Youtube / Tiktok

Why it stands out: I struggle with mental health and the way i see myself and i always feel down and know that other individuals who struggle with mental health but they talk about a lot of things that they do in general and they are a few videos where they speak about mental health and how it impacts them and it helps me to know that I am not alone.

Key takeaway: About many things that happen in their lives and how it made a difference to them
3. YouTube Channel: Dhar Mann

Where to find it: YouTube

Why it stands out: It is a channel based on many things that could happen in people's lives and how it makes people feel like bullying, being in situations that have an impact on them.

Key takeaway: Remembering quotes in life like ''what happens in the dark, always comes to light'' which helps remind me to think about my actions in my life and how it has an impact on others.
4. Podcast: Thegirltalkseries

Where to find it: Youtube / TikTok

Why it stands out: There are a few girls who are at the similar age as me and i feel i can learn things from them as they have been through things in life.

Key takeaway: That in life you come across difficult situations but talking about it sometimes help like when i get bullied all the time.
5. YouTube Channel: Joely Live

Where to find it: YouTube and tik tok

Why it stands out: This channel is based on interviewing influencers / celebrities and they get questions about what they do in their life / what has happened

Key takeaway: You can enjoy learning about random things while having fun and not taking life too seriously. It's a reminder that it's okay to just go with the flow sometimes.
6. YouTube Channel: Evan Edinger

Where to find it: YouTube

Why it stands out: He does videos which are inspiring to people that view his channel as he has posted some videos that are based on ''British vs American'' which compare different things that are in those two countries

Key takeaway: As I live in the UK, knowing that he uploads British videos is fun to know what can be relatable and he made a video where he tried to complete a GSCE exam paper and it shows his view on it after a few years


Thankyou for these great suggestions and resources! Unfortunately you may have seen today earlier on we announced the winner of the competition. But we will have another competition for November so keep an eye out for this :smile:

Reply 11

Original post by Blinkr
Thankyou for these great suggestions and resources! Unfortunately you may have seen today earlier on we announced the winner of the competition. But we will have another competition for November so keep an eye out for this :smile:
yes i knew that this was going to happen but oh well
it is my fault my bad
anyways tysm for letting me know
(edited 7 months ago)
Original post by Blinkr
So at the moment we are thinking of doing it on an alternate basis so having say November be community voted and December staff will look at entries and make a judgement. But as this is a new idea it will be subject to changes depending on what works and what doesn't work. But we want to give people more time to work on their entries so this may help streamline that process! :smile: Hope that helps but any other questions let me know !

I think they meant how do you create a GYG.
(edited 7 months ago)

Reply 13

Original post by Blinkr
Thankyou for these great suggestions and resources! Unfortunately you may have seen today earlier on we announced the winner of the competition. But we will have another competition for November so keep an eye out for this :smile:
is it okay if i use that entry for the november competiton?
if it is the same as this one or a different type of competiton?

Reply 14

Congrats @JF ZAK :woo: and well done @Harfan654 !

Reply 15

Original post by luvsunsets
is it okay if i use that entry for the november competiton?
if it is the same as this one or a different type of competiton?


We have different themed competitions every month so November will be a different one sadly!

Reply 16

Original post by Geo Lover 7
I think they meant how do you create a GYG.


Ahhh that makes much more sense :godancing:

I will send them link to GYG info now then :smile:

Reply 17

Original post by Prxv.32
How do you do this cause I’m so confused how you do it


Hi again! If you were confused about the process of making a Grow Your Grades (GYG) blog and then entering competition then please click HERE - a link which will take you to an introduction page all about GYG - what it is, how you set one up - and how you can enter the competitions we run monthly!
Original post by Blinkr
We’re excited to announce that @JF ZAK has won this month's competition!!!!!!
Congratulations on your fantastic entry! We will get in touch with you soon about your prize :auto:
A big thank you to @Harfan654 as well for your wonderful contribution - we really appreciate your effort and enthusiasm, and we will soon be awarding you some EXTRA REP POINTS as a token of our thanks for participating :banana:
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
STARTING NOW - from November onwards we are adopting a blended approach to GYG to keep competitions exciting and focused - Some months the winner of GYG competitions will be community-voted, as with November, while other months competition winners will be chosen by staff, giving you more time to focus on crafting your entries!
Keep an eye out to find out what the November GYG competition will be... :dance:

Spoiler

Is it fine to not like this new approach. Can everyone have a vote on the issue? because I see where you are coming from but I still prefer the current system.

Reply 19

Congrats @JF ZAK and @Harfan654 on winning deserved🥳

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