2026 GCSE tips plss!
Hiya everyone! 😊
Now that it’s January, ive finally realised GCSEs are this year, which is slightly terrifying but im trying to stay calm. I’m actually in a good position grade-wise (which I’m really grateful for), but I know I can’t coast, and I’d love some advice for that final push as well as post-16 planning.
I’m hoping to apply to some competitive sixth forms/colleges because I want to do specific A levels (especially Geology!), and I’m considering taking 4 A levels. I’m proud of where I’m at so far, but I know there’s lots I can still improve, so I’d really appreciate any tips or reassurance from people who’ve been through this already.
Here’s where I’m at at the moment:
Edexcel Maths – My teacher thinks I can get a 9, and I got an 8 in my Year 11 mocks. I’m really pleased with that, but any advice on making that final jump would be amazing. Sometimes finding the way through some of those last questions just doesnt click
AQA English Literature – Hoping for an 8. I feel fairly confident but I do worry that a bad question could throw me off on the day. How do people stay calm and ready for any Q in the exam?
AQA English Language – Aiming for an 8/9. I feel like I understand it, but I really need to lock down question structures (especially Question 5). Any simple ways to remember them?
AQA Biology – Predicted an 8/9, which I’m happy with. For context, all of our science mocks so far have only been on Paper 1 content, so Paper 2 feels a bit daunting. How do people revise when they haven’t fully been tested on all the content yet?
AQA Chemistry – I actually enjoy chemistry and would love an 8, but I’m terrible at getting started with revision for it. Again, we’ve only done Paper 1 content in mocks, so any advice on building momentum (and not feeling overwhelmed by Paper 2) would be really helpful.
AQA Physics – I got a 6 in my mocks (my lowest grade and I went down from a 7 in yr10), but this was also Paper 1 only. The maths side is secure, I just need to properly learn the content. Any tips for making physics finally click?
AQA German – I somehow jumped from a 5 at Foundation to a few marks off a 9 at Higher, which I’m still shocked about . My speaking is by far my weakest skill though — any advice on improving confidence and fluency would be great.
OCR Music – Predicted a 7 and got a 7 in mocks, which I’m pleased with. I do feel a bit stuck though, as OCR Music isn’t very common and the resources seem limited compared to AQA and its set pieces. Any recommendations would help a lot, especially for performance and comp.
Geography – I got a secure 9 last year, but a bad Paper 2 dropped it to an 8. I’d just like to feel more consistent and confident across all the content.
Eduqas RS (Christianity & Islam) – Hoping for an 8 and possibly taking it at A level to balance mathsy subjects. It just feels like ages since I last looked at Paper 1 content, so any advice on revisiting older topics without starting from scratch would be really helpful.
Sorry this is such a long post 😅 If anyone has general GCSE revision advice, subject-specific tips, or thoughts on taking 4 A levels, I’d honestly be so grateful. Thank you!
Now that it’s January, ive finally realised GCSEs are this year, which is slightly terrifying but im trying to stay calm. I’m actually in a good position grade-wise (which I’m really grateful for), but I know I can’t coast, and I’d love some advice for that final push as well as post-16 planning.
I’m hoping to apply to some competitive sixth forms/colleges because I want to do specific A levels (especially Geology!), and I’m considering taking 4 A levels. I’m proud of where I’m at so far, but I know there’s lots I can still improve, so I’d really appreciate any tips or reassurance from people who’ve been through this already.
Here’s where I’m at at the moment:
Edexcel Maths – My teacher thinks I can get a 9, and I got an 8 in my Year 11 mocks. I’m really pleased with that, but any advice on making that final jump would be amazing. Sometimes finding the way through some of those last questions just doesnt click
AQA English Literature – Hoping for an 8. I feel fairly confident but I do worry that a bad question could throw me off on the day. How do people stay calm and ready for any Q in the exam?
AQA English Language – Aiming for an 8/9. I feel like I understand it, but I really need to lock down question structures (especially Question 5). Any simple ways to remember them?
AQA Biology – Predicted an 8/9, which I’m happy with. For context, all of our science mocks so far have only been on Paper 1 content, so Paper 2 feels a bit daunting. How do people revise when they haven’t fully been tested on all the content yet?
AQA Chemistry – I actually enjoy chemistry and would love an 8, but I’m terrible at getting started with revision for it. Again, we’ve only done Paper 1 content in mocks, so any advice on building momentum (and not feeling overwhelmed by Paper 2) would be really helpful.
AQA Physics – I got a 6 in my mocks (my lowest grade and I went down from a 7 in yr10), but this was also Paper 1 only. The maths side is secure, I just need to properly learn the content. Any tips for making physics finally click?
AQA German – I somehow jumped from a 5 at Foundation to a few marks off a 9 at Higher, which I’m still shocked about . My speaking is by far my weakest skill though — any advice on improving confidence and fluency would be great.
OCR Music – Predicted a 7 and got a 7 in mocks, which I’m pleased with. I do feel a bit stuck though, as OCR Music isn’t very common and the resources seem limited compared to AQA and its set pieces. Any recommendations would help a lot, especially for performance and comp.
Geography – I got a secure 9 last year, but a bad Paper 2 dropped it to an 8. I’d just like to feel more consistent and confident across all the content.
Eduqas RS (Christianity & Islam) – Hoping for an 8 and possibly taking it at A level to balance mathsy subjects. It just feels like ages since I last looked at Paper 1 content, so any advice on revisiting older topics without starting from scratch would be really helpful.
Sorry this is such a long post 😅 If anyone has general GCSE revision advice, subject-specific tips, or thoughts on taking 4 A levels, I’d honestly be so grateful. Thank you!
Reply 1
12
Hi,
I also just finished my Year 11 mocks just yesterday. It seems like you're already in a really solid position with predicted 9s and current 8s. For the sciences in which you've only done paper 1 content, just practice past papers for the paper 2s. Past papers are the central part of my revision, because after you've done them you understand exactly which topics you're weak on and can work to improve on. Also flashcards are insanely useful for the sciences, especially chemistry you said?
Good luck!
I also just finished my Year 11 mocks just yesterday. It seems like you're already in a really solid position with predicted 9s and current 8s. For the sciences in which you've only done paper 1 content, just practice past papers for the paper 2s. Past papers are the central part of my revision, because after you've done them you understand exactly which topics you're weak on and can work to improve on. Also flashcards are insanely useful for the sciences, especially chemistry you said?
Good luck!
Reply 2
Maths do Corbett maths 5-a-day everyday from now on.
For English lit plan what you would write for generic themes and characters you could modify to other themes.
Do physics and maths tutor past paper questions for science, just revise what you know once you’ve done everything do past papers. You’ll probably have so much time for paper 2 science it was after the half term for me. Watch free science lessons. Also once you mark the papers you can make flash cards off the answers from them mark scheme, they re ask a lot of questions.
I did French but there should be a list of possible speaking questions they can ask you and write an answer for those ones and memorise it. It’s a lot but improves your confidence in the exam.
I did AQA RE so I’m unsure what you do but I did mind maps and blurting. I found a lot of RE crossovers over the papers.
Practice everything especially essay questions in time conditions!!!
3 is already alot of work so doing 4 might be a push. Many people will get into the same course with 3 so no point in doing 4. It depends on course and uni tho. What subjects are you think of doing?
For English lit plan what you would write for generic themes and characters you could modify to other themes.
Do physics and maths tutor past paper questions for science, just revise what you know once you’ve done everything do past papers. You’ll probably have so much time for paper 2 science it was after the half term for me. Watch free science lessons. Also once you mark the papers you can make flash cards off the answers from them mark scheme, they re ask a lot of questions.
I did French but there should be a list of possible speaking questions they can ask you and write an answer for those ones and memorise it. It’s a lot but improves your confidence in the exam.
I did AQA RE so I’m unsure what you do but I did mind maps and blurting. I found a lot of RE crossovers over the papers.
Practice everything especially essay questions in time conditions!!!
3 is already alot of work so doing 4 might be a push. Many people will get into the same course with 3 so no point in doing 4. It depends on course and uni tho. What subjects are you think of doing?
Reply 3
Hi Toomanyenny,
Thank you so much for the advice, it was genuinely really helpful! I originally started looking at 4 A levels mostly because it seemed like the most common option at the sixth forms I’ve applied to (and been conditionally accepted to), so it just felt like the expected thing to do.
I’ve pretty much always known I want to do Geography and Maths at A level, and Geology really caught my eye too. When I started thinking about a fourth subject, I liked the idea of choosing something a bit different to show a wider range of skills, like RS, English Lit or German, so there’s more essay writing and creativity to balance things out. Especially as I’m still not sure what I want to do after 18.
Ghiram28, thank you so much for the guidance (Good luck on your mock results!! I had mine last year and got the results a couple weeks ago) . Many people have said now that past papers are the way to go for revision. I have made flashcards and used them before a fair amount but they dont seem to work for me really. I can confidently tell you that most of the stuff I know was learnt and stuck in the lesson and feel now I should focus a bit more on exam technique and more practical recall like the PPQs.
If anyone has any more tips please dont hesitate to post any advice will be really beneficial and reassuring!
Thanks again — I really appreciate you taking the time to reply and help me out! 😊
Thank you so much for the advice, it was genuinely really helpful! I originally started looking at 4 A levels mostly because it seemed like the most common option at the sixth forms I’ve applied to (and been conditionally accepted to), so it just felt like the expected thing to do.
I’ve pretty much always known I want to do Geography and Maths at A level, and Geology really caught my eye too. When I started thinking about a fourth subject, I liked the idea of choosing something a bit different to show a wider range of skills, like RS, English Lit or German, so there’s more essay writing and creativity to balance things out. Especially as I’m still not sure what I want to do after 18.
Ghiram28, thank you so much for the guidance (Good luck on your mock results!! I had mine last year and got the results a couple weeks ago) . Many people have said now that past papers are the way to go for revision. I have made flashcards and used them before a fair amount but they dont seem to work for me really. I can confidently tell you that most of the stuff I know was learnt and stuck in the lesson and feel now I should focus a bit more on exam technique and more practical recall like the PPQs.
If anyone has any more tips please dont hesitate to post any advice will be really beneficial and reassuring!
Thanks again — I really appreciate you taking the time to reply and help me out! 😊
Reply 4
4 a-levels is manageable if you put your mind to it but it will not give you an advantage for most courses. Obviously you still have alot of time to decide and doing 4 can help as it’s give you more course options and if you hate one of your subjects you can just drop it. I do Eng lit and maths so I have you any questions about those I can help 
Also check uni grade requirements for different courses. Oxford Geology requires chemistry or physics. Other unis I’ve checked others uni and maths+geography is accepted but they still advise science which probably means the degree will be highly scientific. But don’t worry too much
Also check uni grade requirements for different courses. Oxford Geology requires chemistry or physics. Other unis I’ve checked others uni and maths+geography is accepted but they still advise science which probably means the degree will be highly scientific. But don’t worry too much
Reply 5
Original post
by CarrotketchupHiya everyone! 😊
Now that it’s January, ive finally realised GCSEs are this year, which is slightly terrifying but im trying to stay calm. I’m actually in a good position grade-wise (which I’m really grateful for), but I know I can’t coast, and I’d love some advice for that final push as well as post-16 planning.
I’m hoping to apply to some competitive sixth forms/colleges because I want to do specific A levels (especially Geology!), and I’m considering taking 4 A levels. I’m proud of where I’m at so far, but I know there’s lots I can still improve, so I’d really appreciate any tips or reassurance from people who’ve been through this already.
Here’s where I’m at at the moment:
Edexcel Maths – My teacher thinks I can get a 9, and I got an 8 in my Year 11 mocks. I’m really pleased with that, but any advice on making that final jump would be amazing. Sometimes finding the way through some of those last questions just doesnt click
AQA English Literature – Hoping for an 8. I feel fairly confident but I do worry that a bad question could throw me off on the day. How do people stay calm and ready for any Q in the exam?
AQA English Language – Aiming for an 8/9. I feel like I understand it, but I really need to lock down question structures (especially Question 5). Any simple ways to remember them?
AQA Biology – Predicted an 8/9, which I’m happy with. For context, all of our science mocks so far have only been on Paper 1 content, so Paper 2 feels a bit daunting. How do people revise when they haven’t fully been tested on all the content yet?
AQA Chemistry – I actually enjoy chemistry and would love an 8, but I’m terrible at getting started with revision for it. Again, we’ve only done Paper 1 content in mocks, so any advice on building momentum (and not feeling overwhelmed by Paper 2) would be really helpful.
AQA Physics – I got a 6 in my mocks (my lowest grade and I went down from a 7 in yr10), but this was also Paper 1 only. The maths side is secure, I just need to properly learn the content. Any tips for making physics finally click?
AQA German – I somehow jumped from a 5 at Foundation to a few marks off a 9 at Higher, which I’m still shocked about . My speaking is by far my weakest skill though — any advice on improving confidence and fluency would be great.
OCR Music – Predicted a 7 and got a 7 in mocks, which I’m pleased with. I do feel a bit stuck though, as OCR Music isn’t very common and the resources seem limited compared to AQA and its set pieces. Any recommendations would help a lot, especially for performance and comp.
Geography – I got a secure 9 last year, but a bad Paper 2 dropped it to an 8. I’d just like to feel more consistent and confident across all the content.
Eduqas RS (Christianity & Islam) – Hoping for an 8 and possibly taking it at A level to balance mathsy subjects. It just feels like ages since I last looked at Paper 1 content, so any advice on revisiting older topics without starting from scratch would be really helpful.
Sorry this is such a long post 😅 If anyone has general GCSE revision advice, subject-specific tips, or thoughts on taking 4 A levels, I’d honestly be so grateful. Thank you!
Now that it’s January, ive finally realised GCSEs are this year, which is slightly terrifying but im trying to stay calm. I’m actually in a good position grade-wise (which I’m really grateful for), but I know I can’t coast, and I’d love some advice for that final push as well as post-16 planning.
I’m hoping to apply to some competitive sixth forms/colleges because I want to do specific A levels (especially Geology!), and I’m considering taking 4 A levels. I’m proud of where I’m at so far, but I know there’s lots I can still improve, so I’d really appreciate any tips or reassurance from people who’ve been through this already.
Here’s where I’m at at the moment:
Edexcel Maths – My teacher thinks I can get a 9, and I got an 8 in my Year 11 mocks. I’m really pleased with that, but any advice on making that final jump would be amazing. Sometimes finding the way through some of those last questions just doesnt click
AQA English Literature – Hoping for an 8. I feel fairly confident but I do worry that a bad question could throw me off on the day. How do people stay calm and ready for any Q in the exam?
AQA English Language – Aiming for an 8/9. I feel like I understand it, but I really need to lock down question structures (especially Question 5). Any simple ways to remember them?
AQA Biology – Predicted an 8/9, which I’m happy with. For context, all of our science mocks so far have only been on Paper 1 content, so Paper 2 feels a bit daunting. How do people revise when they haven’t fully been tested on all the content yet?
AQA Chemistry – I actually enjoy chemistry and would love an 8, but I’m terrible at getting started with revision for it. Again, we’ve only done Paper 1 content in mocks, so any advice on building momentum (and not feeling overwhelmed by Paper 2) would be really helpful.
AQA Physics – I got a 6 in my mocks (my lowest grade and I went down from a 7 in yr10), but this was also Paper 1 only. The maths side is secure, I just need to properly learn the content. Any tips for making physics finally click?
AQA German – I somehow jumped from a 5 at Foundation to a few marks off a 9 at Higher, which I’m still shocked about . My speaking is by far my weakest skill though — any advice on improving confidence and fluency would be great.
OCR Music – Predicted a 7 and got a 7 in mocks, which I’m pleased with. I do feel a bit stuck though, as OCR Music isn’t very common and the resources seem limited compared to AQA and its set pieces. Any recommendations would help a lot, especially for performance and comp.
Geography – I got a secure 9 last year, but a bad Paper 2 dropped it to an 8. I’d just like to feel more consistent and confident across all the content.
Eduqas RS (Christianity & Islam) – Hoping for an 8 and possibly taking it at A level to balance mathsy subjects. It just feels like ages since I last looked at Paper 1 content, so any advice on revisiting older topics without starting from scratch would be really helpful.
Sorry this is such a long post 😅 If anyone has general GCSE revision advice, subject-specific tips, or thoughts on taking 4 A levels, I’d honestly be so grateful. Thank you!
Hi @Carrotketchup
Lots of great advice given already!
So I thought I would just share a few posts I have previously done if you are looking for extra general help
Tips on deadlines, motivation and time management - The Student Room
How to Prepare for Exam/Deadline Season - The Student Room
Revision Techniques That Helped Me - The Student Room
I hope this helps and good luck
-Grace (Kingston Rep)
Reply 6
For Physics, it's worth learning how mark schemes are applied. When that clicks, you can easily anticipate what examiners are looking for and score those extra few marks to push your grade higher. Memorise the equations, ignore the formula sheet, then you'll be better at combining the equations in more complicated mathematics questions.
Reply 7
Thanks so much everyone!
We’ve got our core subject mocks coming up in Feb/March, and I’m hoping they’ll be a good chance to see where I’m going wrong and improve, especially in physics.
I’m still not 100% sure on my A-level choices yet and I know that’ll depend a lot on my grades and what my teachers recommend. Physics and chemistry aren’t my strongest subjects, but I do actually enjoy chemistry quite a bit. I’d be happy to take chem at A-level, even though it’s not my first choice compared to my other options.
I guess now I just have to lock in to get those grades Im hoping for ✍(◔◡◔)
If anyone has had similar grades or interests in yr 11, I’d really love to hear any advice and how it worked out for you. 😊
Thanks!
We’ve got our core subject mocks coming up in Feb/March, and I’m hoping they’ll be a good chance to see where I’m going wrong and improve, especially in physics.
I’m still not 100% sure on my A-level choices yet and I know that’ll depend a lot on my grades and what my teachers recommend. Physics and chemistry aren’t my strongest subjects, but I do actually enjoy chemistry quite a bit. I’d be happy to take chem at A-level, even though it’s not my first choice compared to my other options.
I guess now I just have to lock in to get those grades Im hoping for ✍(◔◡◔)
If anyone has had similar grades or interests in yr 11, I’d really love to hear any advice and how it worked out for you. 😊
Thanks!
Reply 8
What texts are you studying for english literature? Whatever texts your doing, learn universal quotes, which can apply to majority/all themes. Analyse these quotes in extreme detail. You can also do the same for poetry, except do universal poems. If you’re doing power and conflict, these poems are exposure and kamikaze.
If you need any help with extensive analysis, feel free to ask! 🫶🏼
If you don’t mind me asking - how did you revise for Maths? It’s the one subject that I just can’t wrap my head around.
If you need any help with extensive analysis, feel free to ask! 🫶🏼
If you don’t mind me asking - how did you revise for Maths? It’s the one subject that I just can’t wrap my head around.
Reply 9
Hi mxryxnm_! Thanks for the reply
I am studying Macbeth, A Christmas Carol, An Inspector Calls a d Power and Conflict poetry for English lit. I love AIC and even managed to get full marks in my latest mock.
I do have a bank of more unusual quotes analysed to within an inch of their life. I try to not go with the most obvious ones all of the time because I just imagine a really bored examiner reading the same thing over and over again.
For Maths, we have Sparx maths homework to complete every week which is honestly really helpful. But other than that I try to do Corbett Maths 5 a day (you can choose different ones depending on your grade). Maths genie is amazing with all free targeted practice and past papers. I would say the best maths revision is practice. A literal quote from my maths teacher "Do more maths to be better at maths".
Ithink that it's difficult to learn new skills in maths without help or a lesson so my best advice is to ask your teacher for everything and anything that you are not 100% confident with.
For all subjects I would say that time working hard and asking questions in lessons far outweighs hours of effective revision although it is still important.
Thanks for the offer of help with analysis mxryxnm_ 🙂
Bye! 👋 🫶
I am studying Macbeth, A Christmas Carol, An Inspector Calls a d Power and Conflict poetry for English lit. I love AIC and even managed to get full marks in my latest mock.
I do have a bank of more unusual quotes analysed to within an inch of their life. I try to not go with the most obvious ones all of the time because I just imagine a really bored examiner reading the same thing over and over again.
For Maths, we have Sparx maths homework to complete every week which is honestly really helpful. But other than that I try to do Corbett Maths 5 a day (you can choose different ones depending on your grade). Maths genie is amazing with all free targeted practice and past papers. I would say the best maths revision is practice. A literal quote from my maths teacher "Do more maths to be better at maths".
Ithink that it's difficult to learn new skills in maths without help or a lesson so my best advice is to ask your teacher for everything and anything that you are not 100% confident with.
For all subjects I would say that time working hard and asking questions in lessons far outweighs hours of effective revision although it is still important.
Thanks for the offer of help with analysis mxryxnm_ 🙂
Bye! 👋 🫶
Reply 10
@Carrotketchup
for maths pls pls pls do not make notes whatsoever,its tempting but stick to past papers!! past papers are literally the best study technique - do it, mark it and any topics ur stuggling on watch a video and do practice quesions on that topic
use first class maths - they have an ultimate every topic revision booklet for higher - as long as u mostly get those questions right ur good to go! i did my maths gcse in year 9 (edexcel 2025) and got a 9 (231/240) if u need any help whatsoever in maths do not hesitate to ask me - im more then happy to help
trust me, practice does make perfect
for all other subjects use gizmo which u can make flashcards and study them and quizzes - you'll find a lot of people use gizmo - its underrated
and for english lit use PRTEZEL paragraphs and watch mr everthing english - hes legit the goat
best of luck for all ur exams, if u want to check out my gyg its here!
best, sugarberri
for maths pls pls pls do not make notes whatsoever,its tempting but stick to past papers!! past papers are literally the best study technique - do it, mark it and any topics ur stuggling on watch a video and do practice quesions on that topic
use first class maths - they have an ultimate every topic revision booklet for higher - as long as u mostly get those questions right ur good to go! i did my maths gcse in year 9 (edexcel 2025) and got a 9 (231/240) if u need any help whatsoever in maths do not hesitate to ask me - im more then happy to help
trust me, practice does make perfect
for all other subjects use gizmo which u can make flashcards and study them and quizzes - you'll find a lot of people use gizmo - its underrated
and for english lit use PRTEZEL paragraphs and watch mr everthing english - hes legit the goat
best of luck for all ur exams, if u want to check out my gyg its here!
best, sugarberri
Reply 11
Thank you so much Sugarberri
I do already use gizmo for many of my subjects and I agree it is underrated.
At the moment I don't really use a structure for my English essays but I do want to try some out as I think they definitely reduce stress in exams. I love using Mr everything English for language but honestly for lit I prefer Mr Salles.
Do you have any tips for physics? I honestly feel kind of stuck. I'm secure on the maths side of things but the content just never sticks for me
I do already use gizmo for many of my subjects and I agree it is underrated.
At the moment I don't really use a structure for my English essays but I do want to try some out as I think they definitely reduce stress in exams. I love using Mr everything English for language but honestly for lit I prefer Mr Salles.
Do you have any tips for physics? I honestly feel kind of stuck. I'm secure on the maths side of things but the content just never sticks for me
Reply 12
Original post
by CarrotketchupHiya everyone! 😊
Now that it’s January, ive finally realised GCSEs are this year, which is slightly terrifying but im trying to stay calm. I’m actually in a good position grade-wise (which I’m really grateful for), but I know I can’t coast, and I’d love some advice for that final push as well as post-16 planning.
I’m hoping to apply to some competitive sixth forms/colleges because I want to do specific A levels (especially Geology!), and I’m considering taking 4 A levels. I’m proud of where I’m at so far, but I know there’s lots I can still improve, so I’d really appreciate any tips or reassurance from people who’ve been through this already.
Here’s where I’m at at the moment:
Edexcel Maths – My teacher thinks I can get a 9, and I got an 8 in my Year 11 mocks. I’m really pleased with that, but any advice on making that final jump would be amazing. Sometimes finding the way through some of those last questions just doesnt click
AQA English Literature – Hoping for an 8. I feel fairly confident but I do worry that a bad question could throw me off on the day. How do people stay calm and ready for any Q in the exam?
AQA English Language – Aiming for an 8/9. I feel like I understand it, but I really need to lock down question structures (especially Question 5). Any simple ways to remember them?
AQA Biology – Predicted an 8/9, which I’m happy with. For context, all of our science mocks so far have only been on Paper 1 content, so Paper 2 feels a bit daunting. How do people revise when they haven’t fully been tested on all the content yet?
AQA Chemistry – I actually enjoy chemistry and would love an 8, but I’m terrible at getting started with revision for it. Again, we’ve only done Paper 1 content in mocks, so any advice on building momentum (and not feeling overwhelmed by Paper 2) would be really helpful.
AQA Physics – I got a 6 in my mocks (my lowest grade and I went down from a 7 in yr10), but this was also Paper 1 only. The maths side is secure, I just need to properly learn the content. Any tips for making physics finally click?
AQA German – I somehow jumped from a 5 at Foundation to a few marks off a 9 at Higher, which I’m still shocked about . My speaking is by far my weakest skill though — any advice on improving confidence and fluency would be great.
OCR Music – Predicted a 7 and got a 7 in mocks, which I’m pleased with. I do feel a bit stuck though, as OCR Music isn’t very common and the resources seem limited compared to AQA and its set pieces. Any recommendations would help a lot, especially for performance and comp.
Geography – I got a secure 9 last year, but a bad Paper 2 dropped it to an 8. I’d just like to feel more consistent and confident across all the content.
Eduqas RS (Christianity & Islam) – Hoping for an 8 and possibly taking it at A level to balance mathsy subjects. It just feels like ages since I last looked at Paper 1 content, so any advice on revisiting older topics without starting from scratch would be really helpful.
Sorry this is such a long post 😅 If anyone has general GCSE revision advice, subject-specific tips, or thoughts on taking 4 A levels, I’d honestly be so grateful. Thank you!
Now that it’s January, ive finally realised GCSEs are this year, which is slightly terrifying but im trying to stay calm. I’m actually in a good position grade-wise (which I’m really grateful for), but I know I can’t coast, and I’d love some advice for that final push as well as post-16 planning.
I’m hoping to apply to some competitive sixth forms/colleges because I want to do specific A levels (especially Geology!), and I’m considering taking 4 A levels. I’m proud of where I’m at so far, but I know there’s lots I can still improve, so I’d really appreciate any tips or reassurance from people who’ve been through this already.
Here’s where I’m at at the moment:
Edexcel Maths – My teacher thinks I can get a 9, and I got an 8 in my Year 11 mocks. I’m really pleased with that, but any advice on making that final jump would be amazing. Sometimes finding the way through some of those last questions just doesnt click
AQA English Literature – Hoping for an 8. I feel fairly confident but I do worry that a bad question could throw me off on the day. How do people stay calm and ready for any Q in the exam?
AQA English Language – Aiming for an 8/9. I feel like I understand it, but I really need to lock down question structures (especially Question 5). Any simple ways to remember them?
AQA Biology – Predicted an 8/9, which I’m happy with. For context, all of our science mocks so far have only been on Paper 1 content, so Paper 2 feels a bit daunting. How do people revise when they haven’t fully been tested on all the content yet?
AQA Chemistry – I actually enjoy chemistry and would love an 8, but I’m terrible at getting started with revision for it. Again, we’ve only done Paper 1 content in mocks, so any advice on building momentum (and not feeling overwhelmed by Paper 2) would be really helpful.
AQA Physics – I got a 6 in my mocks (my lowest grade and I went down from a 7 in yr10), but this was also Paper 1 only. The maths side is secure, I just need to properly learn the content. Any tips for making physics finally click?
AQA German – I somehow jumped from a 5 at Foundation to a few marks off a 9 at Higher, which I’m still shocked about . My speaking is by far my weakest skill though — any advice on improving confidence and fluency would be great.
OCR Music – Predicted a 7 and got a 7 in mocks, which I’m pleased with. I do feel a bit stuck though, as OCR Music isn’t very common and the resources seem limited compared to AQA and its set pieces. Any recommendations would help a lot, especially for performance and comp.
Geography – I got a secure 9 last year, but a bad Paper 2 dropped it to an 8. I’d just like to feel more consistent and confident across all the content.
Eduqas RS (Christianity & Islam) – Hoping for an 8 and possibly taking it at A level to balance mathsy subjects. It just feels like ages since I last looked at Paper 1 content, so any advice on revisiting older topics without starting from scratch would be really helpful.
Sorry this is such a long post 😅 If anyone has general GCSE revision advice, subject-specific tips, or thoughts on taking 4 A levels, I’d honestly be so grateful. Thank you!
Hi, by the looks of it your grades are strong. I would advise doing short sessions of revision, practice papers and testing yourself on theory.
Trenyce (Kingston rep)
Reply 13
Original post
by CarrotketchupThank you so much Sugarberri
I do already use gizmo for many of my subjects and I agree it is underrated.
At the moment I don't really use a structure for my English essays but I do want to try some out as I think they definitely reduce stress in exams. I love using Mr everything English for language but honestly for lit I prefer Mr Salles.
Do you have any tips for physics? I honestly feel kind of stuck. I'm secure on the maths side of things but the content just never sticks for me
I do already use gizmo for many of my subjects and I agree it is underrated.
At the moment I don't really use a structure for my English essays but I do want to try some out as I think they definitely reduce stress in exams. I love using Mr everything English for language but honestly for lit I prefer Mr Salles.
Do you have any tips for physics? I honestly feel kind of stuck. I'm secure on the maths side of things but the content just never sticks for me
physics: practice exam questions and understand what the mark scheme wants - i find that really helpful
Reply 14
Hi!
I've noticed many saying to examine and learn the mark scheme, is there a certain way you guys do this or do you just read over it and learn it?
I've noticed many saying to examine and learn the mark scheme, is there a certain way you guys do this or do you just read over it and learn it?
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