Advice for sixth form

Hey all. I'm in a highly academic sixth form and I feel that the pressure is getting to me a bit since the new term has started and I'm starting to fall off. I got 888877665 at GCSE and I promised myself I would stay consistent, be organised and do all I can to achieve 3 A*s in English, Psychology, History/Politics (my school makes us do 4), and try to go to Cambridge. I need some advice on organisation, I'm usually good at it but because work is ramping up I get lost with deadlines and proactive study. I use notion, ticktick, a physical planner; it's pretty much a mess. During the half term I didn't even do as much work as I wanted to, so I ended up procrastinating loads. I also don't think I study properly or enough- I just do anki for psychology and I'm not sure what else to do, especially as I'm not doing amazing right now in psychology. If anyone could give some tips on staying super organised and how to revise actively, this would be so helpful.

(edited 2 months ago)

Reply 1

Stella Lucet

I'm feeling so sad and worry for you, but be positive, it is really fantastic for even only get 3 A*s, you're a great, smart, and harwork student, believe yourself, you can do it! I know that college is really really hard, but just trust yourself you will be better. :smile:

And actually you can to find some other books, apps, or like website about your major and learning subject, so you may do better, cheer you on!😀
I have some way that can helps you to learn more easier, but maybe my reply is a little long, please be patience and read it carefully if you want.

When you are during class, please don’t desert.

Must be 100% actively listening and paying attention.

Follow the teacher's slides and talking points.

When you’re listening to the teacher, don’t forget to bring your brain, and thinking about the knowledge, so your hippocampus* will help you remember even if you are resting.

Please take all the important notes, and this is just the first step.

Answer as many questions as possible, when you’re speaking, so you’re remembering.

Now, let’s do the most important part: experiment.

•

Step 1: Open your computer or whatever you can take notes, and don't look your notes that took during the class.

•

Step 2: Think about how to do the second-notes, so when you’re reviewing your notes, you can follow the same form to review.(just use whatever you like.)

•

Step 3: Try your best to recall your first-notes and knowledge of class.

•

Step 4: Write down the knowledge you remember.

•

Step 5: Double check your notes to make sure you didn’t forget anything you wanted to write.

•

Step 6: Open your first note and check if you forgot anything.

This is just one way to take note, and if english is your second-language, so you can use this way:
How to memorize words use A4 paper
*divide A4 paper into 4 parts

first part: copy words that you don't know(don't write it's meaning), then as good as your best to remember it

second part: write meaning that all you can remember through the words

third: cover the part 1, and write the words

4: write meaning

And there's a way to control your study and relax time:
Pomodoro technique

This is all my suggest way, at least, good luck!

Reply 2

zabettyyy

Original post by Stella Lucet

When you are during class, please don’t desert.

Must be 100% actively listening and paying attention.

Follow the teacher's slides and talking points.

When you’re listening to the teacher, don’t forget to bring your brain, and thinking about the knowledge, so your hippocampus* will help you remember even if you are resting.

Please take all the important notes, and this is just the first step.

Answer as many questions as possible, when you’re speaking, so you’re remembering.

Now, let’s do the most important part: experiment.

•

Step 1: Open your computer or whatever you can take notes, and don't look your notes that took during the class.

•

Step 2: Think about how to do the second-notes, so when you’re reviewing your notes, you can follow the same form to review.(just use whatever you like.)

•

Step 3: Try your best to recall your first-notes and knowledge of class.

•

Step 4: Write down the knowledge you remember.

•

Step 5: Double check your notes to make sure you didn’t forget anything you wanted to write.

•

Step 6: Open your first note and check if you forgot anything.

This is just one way to take note, and if english is your second-language, so you can use this way:
How to memorize words use A4 paper
*divide A4 paper into 4 parts

first part: copy words that you don't know(don't write it's meaning), then as good as your best to remember it

second part: write meaning that all you can remember through the words

third: cover the part 1, and write the words

4: write meaning

And there's a way to control your study and relax time:
Pomodoro technique

This is all my suggest way, at least, good luck!

Thank you so much I appreciate your reply!

Reply 3

zabettyyy

Original post by Songbird19

Im a parent not a student so can’t help you with study techniques or revision products but please remember two key things: 1. Being in a highly academic sixth form can bring with it a slightly distorted notion of what are ‘good’ grades. Of course aim very high. Hopefully achieve very high! But people with less than 3 A*s can (and do) make great successes of their lives and careers. And 2. Cambridge is great to aspire to and try for but it is extremely popular and many exceptionally able young people don’t get an offer. Not getting in is no reflection of a persons capabilities or future. There are many, many other fantastic universities that also provide wonderful learning opportunities.
Do try hard for both those things but know that your true value has nothing to do with A*s or getting into CU. Keep up with studying but enjoy life too! Good luck :smile: