Prep for A Levels?

1

I haven't been stressed about my GCSEs, even though I didn't do a day's worth of revision prior, since I am either okay or confident in them, or have a wealth of coursework to fall back on. I'm starting my A Levels in Economics, Philosophy, and Maths this September, but they're all 100% exam-based. I'm worried because I don't know many study tips and methods that can keep that much content in my head for 2 years, so I can just ace the final exam. Your A Levels determine your unis and I really want a triple A star to up my chances of going to a Russel Group uni, any tips?

Reply 1

depriveofsocial

14

Original post

by jjhiujlkn

I haven't been stressed about my GCSEs, even though I didn't do a day's worth of revision prior, since I am either okay or confident in them, or have a wealth of coursework to fall back on. I'm starting my A Levels in Economics, Philosophy, and Maths this September, but they're all 100% exam-based. I'm worried because I don't know many study tips and methods that can keep that much content in my head for 2 years, so I can just ace the final exam. Your A Levels determine your unis and I really want a triple A star to up my chances of going to a Russel Group uni, any tips?

For Maths, you can’t just wing it unfortunately! Maths takes a lot of practice, even if you are good at it. The wording of the question and certain tips and tricks are needed for you to secure a good grade. If you aren’t willing to put the work in, I would advise you to not pick Maths. If it’s exam you aren’t comfortable with, try picking one subject that has coursework in it.

Reply 2

philosophic-cast

2

For humanities, I found doing practice papers & asking my teacher to mark them really helped me to learn how to structure my answers. I also used flash cards to remember quotes and definitions and developed 3/4 arguments for and against each topic as i wanted to be well prepared for my exams

Hope this helps :smile:

Reply 3

Kingston Jenifer

Official Rep

11

Original post

by jjhiujlkn

I haven't been stressed about my GCSEs, even though I didn't do a day's worth of revision prior, since I am either okay or confident in them, or have a wealth of coursework to fall back on. I'm starting my A Levels in Economics, Philosophy, and Maths this September, but they're all 100% exam-based. I'm worried because I don't know many study tips and methods that can keep that much content in my head for 2 years, so I can just ace the final exam. Your A Levels determine your unis and I really want a triple A star to up my chances of going to a Russel Group uni, any tips?

Hi there!

This thread will be filled with a lot of different exam techniques. However my main piece of advice is to start early. I did not sit my a levels due to Covid however I have achieved above 90% in my uni exams simply because I did a little bit every day, and started early. Time must be on your side! Revision also involves repetition, so ensure you are repeating the information to recall it to aid in memory.

Kind regards, Jenifer (Kingston rep)

Reply 4

beababoobie

2

Original post

by jjhiujlkn

I haven't been stressed about my GCSEs, even though I didn't do a day's worth of revision prior, since I am either okay or confident in them, or have a wealth of coursework to fall back on. I'm starting my A Levels in Economics, Philosophy, and Maths this September, but they're all 100% exam-based. I'm worried because I don't know many study tips and methods that can keep that much content in my head for 2 years, so I can just ace the final exam. Your A Levels determine your unis and I really want a triple A star to up my chances of going to a Russel Group uni, any tips?

if youre good at maths (and i mean like gcse feels like a breeze), then the actual a level maths wont be relatively too hard. just consolidate your knowledge every so often and you'll be fine. as for econ and philosophy, if you do blurting tasks every week then you'll remember the knowledge far easier and it'll come to you kind of like instinctual. dont get overwhelmed by how much content there is, because as long as you do put effort in, you'll be fine. there's a reason why people do like 5 a levels and get all A*s - it's not necessarily because theyre naturally smart, but theyre strategic with revision and the effort they put in from the start.

Reply 5

username5933938

9

Original post

by jjhiujlkn

I haven't been stressed about my GCSEs, even though I didn't do a day's worth of revision prior, since I am either okay or confident in them, or have a wealth of coursework to fall back on. I'm starting my A Levels in Economics, Philosophy, and Maths this September, but they're all 100% exam-based. I'm worried because I don't know many study tips and methods that can keep that much content in my head for 2 years, so I can just ace the final exam. Your A Levels determine your unis and I really want a triple A star to up my chances of going to a Russel Group uni, any tips?

Best way to learn is through application. For maths that means doing as many questions as you can (from textbook and past papers). For economics, I would always study it by planning essays and drawing diagrams. Don't make the mistake of fooling yourself into complacency because you have notes and flashcards. You need to be able to recall and use your knowledge. Personally, I didn't keep notes for the economics A-level. I would just answer questions. I know that doesn't work for everyone, so just experiment with different things and see what makes things stick for you.

Don't treat it like a memorisation game is what I'm trying to say. You will invariably be more successful if you try to build understanding from the ground up, and then apply your knowledge to problems.

Reply 6

elliott183724

14

Triple A* is a really high goal so go you for that but dont worry if you dont get them as u still have high chances of Russel groups with AAB-AAA. I do RS so philosophy is involved as one of my papers. I recommend after u finish any topic make your own notes on it that you understand + an essay plan so you dont have to do it too close to exams. Wether its with flashcards or blurting - active recall the key points often and ask teachers for essay questions I dont recommend past paper Qs as they never get repeated in the same way so either reword questions write ur own or ask for some, do an essay without notes and get ur teacher to mark it and do this consistently over the 2 years. Most a levels whether its humanities or stem rely on consistency over a long period of time to achieve high grades and relieve stress around exam time. While some people work well and achieve high under pressure and cramming dont rely on it its much better to start off on the right path.

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