Will I be able to achieve grades 8-9s in GCSEs?

I'm afraid that it has concerned me that I'm now in January and I have only attained these grades so far:

Maths: 5
English LA: 8
English LIT: 7
Spanish: 8
Religious Studies: 8
Triple Biology: 7
Triple Physics: 7
Triple Chemistry: 7
Fine Art: 7
Geography: 9

My strengths are mostly languages, essay subjects (humanities).

I have been worried mostly for my sciences and math gcse as I have always found these subjects challenging.

I'm not sure if four months is a time gap wide enough for improvement when exams are imminent? May I have advice, please, if it is no trouble? I have always dreamed of attaining grades 8-9, as I want to be a lawyer, but I got so distracted my by extracurriculars and I regret the leadership roles I undertook when I should have been studying more.

Currently I've been doing independent tasks on sparx based on my weakest topics from my previous mocks, along with past papers for science and in addition to staying afterschool to add to my art portfolio (I've only got 8 more pages left to my book so I'm quite happy it's over with!) and I try to take every science and maths intervention classes (extra lessons) as I can.

I'm also unsure if these mock grades are acceptable enough for the college I want to go to as it's incredibly competitive.

Thank you. (I'm sorry for the panic ramble lol :') )

Reply 1

Dj_quickshot

Original post

by 1Shiori

I'm afraid that it has concerned me that I'm now in January and I have only attained these grades so far:
Maths: 5
English LA: 8
English LIT: 7
Spanish: 8
Religious Studies: 8
Triple Biology: 7
Triple Physics: 7
Triple Chemistry: 7
Fine Art: 7
Geography: 9
My strengths are mostly languages, essay subjects (humanities).
I have been worried mostly for my sciences and math gcse as I have always found these subjects challenging.
I'm not sure if four months is a time gap wide enough for improvement when exams are imminent? May I have advice, please, if it is no trouble? I have always dreamed of attaining grades 8-9, as I want to be a lawyer, but I got so distracted my by extracurriculars and I regret the leadership roles I undertook when I should have been studying more.
Currently I've been doing independent tasks on sparx based on my weakest topics from my previous mocks, along with past papers for science and in addition to staying afterschool to add to my art portfolio (I've only got 8 more pages left to my book so I'm quite happy it's over with!) and I try to take every science and maths intervention classes (extra lessons) as I can.
I'm also unsure if these mock grades are acceptable enough for the college I want to go to as it's incredibly competitive.
Thank you. (I'm sorry for the panic ramble lol :') )

There is absolutely no issue with rambling on a chat forum (It's what they're here for, after all!). As for your grades, they seem pretty good so far. While you may find mathematics difficult, a great way to get through it is to find as many past papers as possible, and when you complete one, read the Markscheme thoroughly. This can help you to compare your technique with the correct (This is obviously a subjective term sometimes, I moreso mean generally accepted) techniques. The markschemes can be useful for correcting things, but I often find that their best use is to compare methodology. Many people I know that revise actively with markschemes and past papers, even if they aren't doing full papers, have their maths grades rise quickly. Judging by, A, your presence in triple science, and, B, your grades in the three sciences, I'd say that part of your problem is your Maths weakness. This can lead to a larger mark deficit in Sciences, as much of the courses are mathematically involved. Luckily, Science grades can be improved with the same markscheme-paper methodology that's effective in Mathematics. I personally use markschemes alongside most of my past papers in order to (and this part is important to remember) POST-COMPLETION check my work against how the METHOD is used in the markscheme. One further piece of advice for you is also to, while trying to improve your maths and science, not forgetting to maintain your other subjects. Many people make this mistake then end up dropping grades on their final exams. It is important not to fall into that trap. I'm currently looking at nothing lower than an 8, which means that if you work hard, you can definitely catch up (especially seeing as I really need to revise more 💀). I wish you luck in your GCSEs, and I hope these tips help you out.

[Edit]: I would also suggest making sure you prioritise your health, as I've known people who stressed themselves out so much that their wellbeing caused them to drop marks.

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 2

NyahKirk

Original post

by 1Shiori

I'm afraid that it has concerned me that I'm now in January and I have only attained these grades so far:
Maths: 5
English LA: 8
English LIT: 7
Spanish: 8
Religious Studies: 8
Triple Biology: 7
Triple Physics: 7
Triple Chemistry: 7
Fine Art: 7
Geography: 9
My strengths are mostly languages, essay subjects (humanities).
I have been worried mostly for my sciences and math gcse as I have always found these subjects challenging.
I'm not sure if four months is a time gap wide enough for improvement when exams are imminent? May I have advice, please, if it is no trouble? I have always dreamed of attaining grades 8-9, as I want to be a lawyer, but I got so distracted my by extracurriculars and I regret the leadership roles I undertook when I should have been studying more.
Currently I've been doing independent tasks on sparx based on my weakest topics from my previous mocks, along with past papers for science and in addition to staying afterschool to add to my art portfolio (I've only got 8 more pages left to my book so I'm quite happy it's over with!) and I try to take every science and maths intervention classes (extra lessons) as I can.
I'm also unsure if these mock grades are acceptable enough for the college I want to go to as it's incredibly competitive.
Thank you. (I'm sorry for the panic ramble lol :') )

i got 1s stop bragging

Reply 3

1Shiori

Original post

by Dj_quickshot

There is absolutely no issue with rambling on a chat forum (It's what they're here for, after all!). As for your grades, they seem pretty good so far. While you may find mathematics difficult, a great way to get through it is to find as many past papers as possible, and when you complete one, read the Markscheme thoroughly. This can help you to compare your technique with the correct (This is obviously a subjective term sometimes, I moreso mean generally accepted) techniques. The markschemes can be useful for correcting things, but I often find that their best use is to compare methodology. Many people I know that revise actively with markschemes and past papers, even if they aren't doing full papers, have their maths grades rise quickly. Judging by, A, your presence in triple science, and, B, your grades in the three sciences, I'd say that part of your problem is your Maths weakness. This can lead to a larger mark deficit in Sciences, as much of the courses are mathematically involved. Luckily, Science grades can be improved with the same markscheme-paper methodology that's effective in Mathematics. I personally use markschemes alongside most of my past papers in order to (and this part is important to remember) POST-COMPLETION check my work against how the METHOD is used in the markscheme. One further piece of advice for you is also to, while trying to improve your maths and science, not forgetting to maintain your other subjects. Many people make this mistake then end up dropping grades on their final exams. It is important not to fall into that trap. I'm currently looking at nothing lower than an 8, which means that if you work hard, you can definitely catch up (especially seeing as I really need to revise more 💀). I wish you luck in your GCSEs, and I hope these tips help you out.
[Edit]: I would also suggest making sure you prioritise your health, as I've known people who stressed themselves out so much that their wellbeing caused them to drop marks.

Thank you so much for your insights! I really appreciate the advice and how reassuring you are (why are you so sweet 😭🤚)

I should definitely try more past papers (I've been recommended to try MathsGenie for maths papers and more physics and math tutor science papers. I'll try to balance my subjects with a timetable I made in November :smile:

(I tried to follow it but it clashed with my homework, but since I only have 3 months, I'll try my best haha)

I'm sorry if I appear like I'm seeking for validation, I know I should do these GCSEs for myself but sometimes I worry that I'll fail my parents if I don't do well enough lol. But you're completely right: ut is sensible to look after one's health, or else you can't be expected to perform at your optimum in exams. Thank you for reminding me because sometimes I think I forget as I can be really stubborn and narrow-minded lol :')

I hope you have a lovely weekend! Good luck to your education too, you got this!! :biggrin:

Reply 4

1Shiori

Original post

by NyahKirk

i got 1s stop bragging

I'm sorry if it seemed that way, I'm honestly really nervous and I know it's a stressful time for all of us but I believe in you!! There's always time to turn it around and a little, consistent efforts are better than nothing at all 👍 I wish you the best! :]

Reply 5

Dhxxxx

Original post

by NyahKirk

i got 1s stop bragging

She’s not bragging. GCSEs make all of us feel nervous, and she’s putting in the hard work to earn those grades while still trying to improve. This space is for everyone to share tips and support each other through challenges, not to tear others down because of jealousy or insecurity. If you don’t like it, no one is forcing you to stay.

Reply 6

1Shiori

I just wanted to say thank you for the reassurance, at the time I was insanely nervous lol

Thank you so much for the tips, I ended up getting a 6 in maths and the rest of my subjects were 8s to 9s. I hope you got the results you deserve ❤️