Revision

Can anyone give me any revision tips for psychology, sociology and biology AS levels currently my grades are very bad and I need to get A , please share anything I should do to get top grades

Reply 1

samir965

Original post by Smartsara28

Can anyone give me any revision tips for psychology, sociology and biology AS levels currently my grades are very bad and I need to get A , please share anything I should do to get top grades

I did psychology at A level and knew practically nothing up until about a month before my A level exams. The way I revised was by basically reading all the theories and evaluations for those theories (or watching youtube videos on them), summarising it in my notes in the absolute minimum amount of words and then memorising the summaries. Then I just did a bunch of practise papers and memorised the marks schemes. I ended up getting a B. If you have a bit more time than that I would suggest not cramming all the info in a few nights like I did. Hope this helps.

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 2

BCU Student Rep

Official Rep

Hello @Smartsara28 ,

I know how stressful AS levels can feel, but with the right approach, you can definitely improve your grades and work towards that A. It’s all about using effective revision techniques and, most importantly, finding what works best for you. Everyone learns differently, so experimenting with different methods will help you figure out what helps you retain information the best.

For example, Blurting works best for me as I’m a visual learner. For me, it’s an excellent way to recall everything you know about a topic from memory. It’s an active method that helps identify gaps in knowledge, and you can track your progress over time. You could also pair blurting with other techniques like flashcards or past papers to further reinforce what you’ve learned.

Another great strategy is active recall—test yourself regularly. Flashcards (like Anki or Quizlet) work well for this, or you can write down everything you remember about a topic before checking your notes. Past papers and mark schemes are essential too, as they help you understand what examiners expect and how to phrase your answers effectively.

For Psychology, focus on case studies—memorise the Aim, Method, Results, and Conclusion for each one. Structuring essays using PEE (Point, Evidence, Explain) or PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explain, Link) will help you write clear and concise answers. Make sure you understand research methods fully, as they come up often, and use acronyms like GRAVE (Generalisability, Reliability, Application, Validity, Ethics) to evaluate studies.

In Sociology, understanding key perspectives like Marxism, Functionalism, and Feminism is crucial. Make sure you can apply them to various topics and support your answers with key theorists. Practice structuring your essays well, including evaluation points to demonstrate critical thinking.

For Biology, diagrams and visual aids will help with processes like respiration and photosynthesis. Create a glossary of key terms and definitions, as Biology mark schemes are very specific. Also, practice applying your knowledge to new scenarios, as exams often test this skill.

Most importantly, be consistent with your revision—little and often is more effective than last-minute cramming. And remember, what works for someone else might not work for you, so don’t be afraid to adapt your techniques to fit your learning style. Also, reach out for support when needed—whether it’s from teachers and classmates. You’ve got this! Keep pushing forward, and you’ll see improvement.

Mercy
BCU Student Rep