Year 12 needs advice 😭🥲

1.

Active Recall and Flashcards: Use flashcards (Anki or Quizlet work great) to test yourself on definitions, processes (e.g., photosynthesis, respiration), and key diagrams. Focus on retrieval practice—don’t just reread notes; actively try to recall the information. Blurting would be really useful here.

2.

Master Data Analysis and Practical Skills: Practice questions that involve interpreting graphs, tables, and experimental data, as these come up a lot. Review your practical skills handbook or notes—questions on required practicals are common.

3.

Past Papers and Mark Schemes: Work through as many past papers as possible, focusing on how questions are phrased. Use mark schemes to understand the exact wording the examiners are looking for.

4.

Chunk Your Revision: Break down complex topics (e.g., the immune system, ecosystems) into smaller parts and master them one at a time. Study a mix of topics regularly to keep them fresh in your mind.

1.

Mechanisms and Reactions: For organic chemistry, practice drawing mechanisms repeatedly until they’re second nature. Create a reaction map linking reagents, conditions, and products for organic synthesis pathways.

2.

Practice Calculations: Spend time on tricky calculation questions like titrations, enthalpy changes, and equilibrium constants. Show all steps clearly in your working, as examiners award method marks. Use resources like Chemguide or Physics and Maths Tutor for extra practice questions.

3.

Use Diagrams and Visuals: Draw out shapes of molecules (e.g., VSEPR theory), reaction mechanisms, and apparatus setups for practicals. Visual learning can help solidify these concepts.

4.

Past Papers and Mark Schemes: OCR Chemistry often has specific mark scheme wording, so it’s vital to practice writing concise, accurate answers. Highlight command words like “describe,” “explain,” and “evaluate,” and tailor your answers accordingly.