A-Level Advice

3

I'm really worried about a-levels, i'm looking to do Biology, Chemistry and Psychology. I really want to go into doing something with biology in university. I'm worried i won't be able to handle the work load and as-well i have seen such bad things surrounding a-levels. my teachers said i will be fine but i'm just incredibly nervous and i don't feel smart enough. Is there anything you suggest to do in prep during the summer?

Reply 1

ConfusedPenguin1

13

If you're passionate about doing biology at uni, then go for it! The truth is no one really knows if A-levels are right for them until they try.

As for how to prepare over summer, a good way to reassure yourself might be to try and get your hands on some textbooks, and have a quick look through. It will give you a clear idea of what kinds of content you'll cover, and you might be able to find links to gcse topics. Another option is to go over gcse content to make sure you're secure - fair warning, bio and chem tend to launch straight into new content, so having a good foundation is important.

I assume you're in year 11 now? If so, how are things going at the moment?

Reply 2

b.r784

OP

3

Original post

by ConfusedPenguin1

If you're passionate about doing biology at uni, then go for it! The truth is no one really knows if A-levels are right for them until they try.
As for how to prepare over summer, a good way to reassure yourself might be to try and get your hands on some textbooks, and have a quick look through. It will give you a clear idea of what kinds of content you'll cover, and you might be able to find links to gcse topics. Another option is to go over gcse content to make sure you're secure - fair warning, bio and chem tend to launch straight into new content, so having a good foundation is important.
I assume you're in year 11 now? If so, how are things going at the moment?

Yes i am in Year 11 at the moment, Science is one of the only subjects i enjoy along with maths and RE which is random alongside the others but we did all paper ones last year and i got A in biology and B in physics and chemistry, we have finished the science paper 2's able and i honestly think i have done better then last year as last year there was a lot going on so i didnt do the best and this year i actually attempted every question on the paper and my teachers did one as an example and im feeling pretty confident. My biology teacher thinks i will come out with AB at minimum and will be absolutely fine. Aswell i need a B in maths for sciences at a level which i think will be okay as my teacher thinks i can get A/A*

Reply 3

BCU Student Rep

Official Rep

18

Original post

by b.r784

I'm really worried about a-levels, i'm looking to do Biology, Chemistry and Psychology. I really want to go into doing something with biology in university. I'm worried i won't be able to handle the work load and as-well i have seen such bad things surrounding a-levels. my teachers said i will be fine but i'm just incredibly nervous and i don't feel smart enough. Is there anything you suggest to do in prep during the summer?

Hi @b.r784

I did that combination of subjects. There is a very high workload with those subjects however it is manageable if you plan you time out carefully. It is also really important that you keep on top of the work for all of the subjects and it is useful to start making revision resources from the start of year 12.

If you want to do any work over the summer you could review the content that you learnt at GCSE. You could also speak to your teachers to see if there is anything that they recommend. It is also really important to make the most of the time off so that you are well rested ready to start your A-Levels in September.

Hope that helps!
Sophie.
BCU Student Rep.

Reply 4

b.r784

OP

3

Original post

by BCU Student Rep

Hi @b.r784
I did that combination of subjects. There is a very high workload with those subjects however it is manageable if you plan you time out carefully. It is also really important that you keep on top of the work for all of the subjects and it is useful to start making revision resources from the start of year 12.
If you want to do any work over the summer you could review the content that you learnt at GCSE. You could also speak to your teachers to see if there is anything that they recommend. It is also really important to make the most of the time off so that you are well rested ready to start your A-Levels in September.
Hope that helps!
Sophie.
BCU Student Rep.

Thank you so much! i will take this into consideration :smile:

Reply 5

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

20

Original post

by b.r784

I'm really worried about a-levels, i'm looking to do Biology, Chemistry and Psychology. I really want to go into doing something with biology in university. I'm worried i won't be able to handle the work load and as-well i have seen such bad things surrounding a-levels. my teachers said i will be fine but i'm just incredibly nervous and i don't feel smart enough. Is there anything you suggest to do in prep during the summer?

I take a level biology as a year 12 and over the summer before starting my a levels i did summer work set by my school, some Seneca on the content at the start of the course/on transition courses, used the CGP head start book (really highly recommend for biology and other sciences!) and explored my interests in biology. I also made sure i took some time to look through the spec, find some resources and organise myself for the start of the year (eg coming up with a system for folders and how to make revision resources etc)
Let me know if you have any questions about a levels, sixth form, biology or anything else 🙂 Id also be happy to chat about resources for revision or wider reading on biology!

Reply 6

b.r784

OP

3

Original post

by DerDracologe

I take a level biology as a year 12 and over the summer before starting my a levels i did summer work set by my school, some Seneca on the content at the start of the course/on transition courses, used the CGP head start book (really highly recommend for biology and other sciences!) and explored my interests in biology. I also made sure i took some time to look through the spec, find some resources and organise myself for the start of the year (eg coming up with a system for folders and how to make revision resources etc)
Let me know if you have any questions about a levels, sixth form, biology or anything else 🙂 Id also be happy to chat about resources for revision or wider reading on biology!

Thank you so much!! i will be doing this over the summer and will have a look into the head start book. Also, at the beginning of the year what is the best amount of time to be doing work outside of lessons as im really worried i will get burnt out because i am aware of the workload and it is alot

Reply 7

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

20

Original post

by b.r784

Thank you so much!! i will be doing this over the summer and will have a look into the head start book. Also, at the beginning of the year what is the best amount of time to be doing work outside of lessons as im really worried i will get burnt out because i am aware of the workload and it is alot

Sounds like a plan!
I dont think i could give you a very reliable number if im honest… but here’s some guidance at least!
My school recommends 4 hours of study per subject per week including about 2 hours of homework, one hour of independent revision, half an hour of wider reading type stuff and half an hour of resources or pre-reading. These timings are a guide and a bit fuzzy in my memory tbh so take them with a pinch of salt.
I would say that for the first half term your real focus should be on keeping up with resources and finding your feet. I make flashcards and neater notes after every lesson which works for me, but isnt what everyone settles on ofc.
Nowadays i do about 2 hours revision per week, 2 hours homework, a lot of resource making and a variable amount of wider reading but its usually over an hour in total i would guess!
Sorry i cant be more helpful with timings!
@Trickia @always-anxious can you be of any assistance with this?

Reply 8

LancashireRep4

Official Rep

12

Original post

by b.r784

I'm really worried about a-levels, i'm looking to do Biology, Chemistry and Psychology. I really want to go into doing something with biology in university. I'm worried i won't be able to handle the work load and as-well i have seen such bad things surrounding a-levels. my teachers said i will be fine but i'm just incredibly nervous and i don't feel smart enough. Is there anything you suggest to do in prep during the summer?

Hi @b.r784 ,

Its great to hear you want to prepare for starting your A-levels!

When it comes to the workload, my main recommendation would be to stay organised. Over summer I'd recommend figuring out a system that works for you, so you can prevent stress from being over whelmed or burn out. One way I recommend staying organised is spending 30 minutes of each week day creating revision material, this could be revision cards, mind maps or whatever works for you! This way you can begin to build up your revision material instead of rushing to make them before exams.

I also recommend talking with the teachers of those subjects and asking about the workload alongside any work they recommend doing over summer to prepare.

The most important point is use this summer to relax and focus on your hobbies and interest. After just completing your GCSEs, having a break is super important! I'm sure you will do great in your A-levels, many other people will feel the same, but you will be fine ☺️.

I hope this helps, please feel free to ask me any questions,
-Sophia (University of Central Lancashire)

Reply 9

always-anxious

Chat Forum Helper, Study Forum Helper

20

Original post

by b.r784

Thank you so much!! i will be doing this over the summer and will have a look into the head start book. Also, at the beginning of the year what is the best amount of time to be doing work outside of lessons as im really worried i will get burnt out because i am aware of the workload and it is alot

Hello

I understand it can be stressful starting A-Levels, but if you keep on top of the workload then it's perfectly manageable :smile:

I agree with what DerDracologe has said about using the first term to keep up with resources and finding your footing to get used to A-Levels. During the first term, I made revision resources after each lesson and made sure I went over anything I didn't understand to prevent the workload piling up in the future.

Reply 10

Trickia

Study Forum Helper

21

Original post

by b.r784

I'm really worried about a-levels, i'm looking to do Biology, Chemistry and Psychology. I really want to go into doing something with biology in university. I'm worried i won't be able to handle the work load and as-well i have seen such bad things surrounding a-levels. my teachers said i will be fine but i'm just incredibly nervous and i don't feel smart enough. Is there anything you suggest to do in prep during the summer?

Hey there everyone has given amazing advice so I have very little to add!
Pre reading for your upcoming lessons can help grasp the concept better when covering it in class. I stress to always can questions no matter what if you feel like you don't understand. If it helps to ask after class or to reach out to the teacher later that's okay but don't put off for reaching help as that's the worst thing you could do to yourself. Your school may have a study skills or similar department and I recommend reaching out to them if you do to help ease your transition into a levels xx

Make sure you always mainly have revision targeted towards active methods and it's better to do little often but a lot rarely. During the summer don't stress yourself too much the majority are on holiday or taking a break so just take a look and the spec and find resources you can use for the future and ensure your gcse knowledge is strong as that is the foundation

@DerDracologe PRSOM

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