how much should i study over year 12 summer without burn out??

9

i've had an absolute rollercoaster of a year and due to my mh i haven't done as well as i'd hoped. i don't want a repeat of this in year 13 so i want to try and get through year 12 content over summer because i need to get my predicted grades up. i absolutely want to be able to rest and not burn out but also there is masses of content to get through.
i'm thinking maybe a couple hours a day?? also what study methods do u guys recommend, is just doing flashcards and past papers sufficient? i don't want to over complicate it or i won't do anything at all. advice would be so helpful!!! xx

Reply 1

xxTalsxx

3

Preventing burnout and looking after your mental health is 100% the top priority and the best way to improve your grades passively as you will feel more motivated, your immune system will improve so you'll get sick less and it'll be easier balancing the work life dynamic. A Levels are difficult but they will come to an end and you'll be okay, everyone at some point in education has a dip and I was the same, with mine being at A Levels.

I'm unsure what A Levels you are studying but I did sciences and found the best way to recap information without all the bulk was to create mindmap posters for the key topics. Smaller topics you can do on A4 but I found for the bigger ones, Having A3 paper and a bunch of pens was the best way to get it down and helped recap what you've learned. I found it's also a way to hack my neurodivergent brain into enjoying it more.

Won't work for everyone but I hope it helps for you!

Reply 2

evsurfer

OP

9

Original post

by xxTalsxx

Preventing burnout and looking after your mental health is 100% the top priority and the best way to improve your grades passively as you will feel more motivated, your immune system will improve so you'll get sick less and it'll be easier balancing the work life dynamic. A Levels are difficult but they will come to an end and you'll be okay, everyone at some point in education has a dip and I was the same, with mine being at A Levels.
I'm unsure what A Levels you are studying but I did sciences and found the best way to recap information without all the bulk was to create mindmap posters for the key topics. Smaller topics you can do on A4 but I found for the bigger ones, Having A3 paper and a bunch of pens was the best way to get it down and helped recap what you've learned. I found it's also a way to hack my neurodivergent brain into enjoying it more.
Won't work for everyone but I hope it helps for you!

thank you so much!! it's such a relief to hear someone understands, i go to a very academic sixth form so i felt a bit on my own with my situation. most people were getting at least predicted a's and everyone seems to power through revision without a struggle.
i also take stem subjects: bio, maths and physics so ill give mind maps a go.

Reply 3

xxTalsxx

3

Original post

by evsurfer

thank you so much!! it's such a relief to hear someone understands, i go to a very academic sixth form so i felt a bit on my own with my situation. most people were getting at least predicted a's and everyone seems to power through revision without a struggle.
i also take stem subjects: bio, maths and physics so ill give mind maps a go.

It sounds like our situation is more similar than I thought, I went to a Grammar School Sixth Form and we were pushed to our limits; I can confidently say it is the hardest thing I have ever done. I got through it and went to Uni for Biology, and now I will be doing my PGCE in Secondary School Science.

It gets better! If you're having a down day and don't feel up to sitting down and writing or reading, theres so many helpful youtube videos on specific topics that make it fun and are nice to watch. For complicated things you need to memorise (like the structure of glucose, krebs cycle and photosynthesis pathways off the top of my head) there are catchy memorisation songs. They're often to the tune of popular songs and if you're any good at remembering song lyrics, these come in handy.

If you have any specific topic questions please feel free to give me a message!

Reply 4

Kingston Jenifer

Official Rep

11

Original post

by evsurfer

i've had an absolute rollercoaster of a year and due to my mh i haven't done as well as i'd hoped. i don't want a repeat of this in year 13 so i want to try and get through year 12 content over summer because i need to get my predicted grades up. i absolutely want to be able to rest and not burn out but also there is masses of content to get through.
i'm thinking maybe a couple hours a day?? also what study methods do u guys recommend, is just doing flashcards and past papers sufficient? i don't want to over complicate it or i won't do anything at all. advice would be so helpful!!! xx

Hi there,

I think it’s really mature of you to be considering burn out, as it can impact your academic performance significantly. I would recommend past papers and flash cards, they are very useful as one tests your memory and the other tests your analytical and application skills. For now, go over old content from year 12 so you can set yourself up as best as you can for year 13. Do not try and cram in any year 13 content or think you are ‘getting ahead’ – you will end up burning out! I know this because that’s what happened to me when I transitions from year 11 to year 12. Don’t restrict yourself with your time and do not time it down to the day and the hour – it is the summer enjoy it! However, have some goals in mine. For example, I want to finish X topic by July 30^th. Some days you may feel motivated, others you may not. Interweave breaks into your study plan for the summer. Don’t feel guilty for taking breaks and do not burn yourself out trying to cram in content.

I hope this helps!

Kind regards, Jenifer (Kingston rep)

Reply 5

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

18

Original post

by evsurfer

i've had an absolute rollercoaster of a year and due to my mh i haven't done as well as i'd hoped. i don't want a repeat of this in year 13 so i want to try and get through year 12 content over summer because i need to get my predicted grades up. i absolutely want to be able to rest and not burn out but also there is masses of content to get through.
i'm thinking maybe a couple hours a day?? also what study methods do u guys recommend, is just doing flashcards and past papers sufficient? i don't want to over complicate it or i won't do anything at all. advice would be so helpful!!! xx

Hi,

Sorry to hear you’ve had such a tough year. I hope things get better for you soon. It can help to set small daily goals and make time for things that help you feel calm and focused such as going for a walk, going out with friends, or do something you enjoy.

Studying a couple of hours a day over the summer sounds like a solid plan. It gives you structure without putting too much pressure on yourself and still leaves time to rest.

Here are some tips that work well for reviewing Year 12 content:

• Flashcards (Active Recall)
Make flashcards in a question and answer format. This helps you practise remembering key information. You can make your own or use apps like Quizlet or Anki. Focus on definitions, studies, and theories.

• Mind Maps and Blurting
Try blurting by picking a topic, writing down everything you remember on a blank page, then going back to fill in what you missed using your notes. Mind maps are also useful for breaking down big topics visually.

• Past Paper Questions
Use exam style questions to test how well you can apply what you have revised. This helps highlight what you know and do not know and gets you familiar with how questions are worded.

• Prioritise Areas You Struggled With
Focus first on topics you found hardest in Year 12. Once you have gone through those, review the rest of the content. Try to get all your AS notes, flashcards, and resources organised before A2 starts.

• Keep Building as You Go
In Year 13, keep making your flashcards and notes as you learn the content. That way you will have everything ready when revision starts and will not need to start from scratch.

• Look After Yourself
Rest is important too. Studying for two to three hours a day is enough especially if you are using focused methods. Try to do something you enjoy each day so you do not burn out before Year 13 begins.

Wishing you all the best,
Tayba
Student Rep

how much should i study over year 12 summer without burn out??

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