How to Approach GCSE/A Level Studies

TUTOR AND STUDENT INSIGHTS

Student Advice

“Now that I am at Uni, can’t believe that I survived A Levels!  I don’t think I could have worked any harder but it paid off, with me beating school’s predictions and achieving 2 A*s. Sorry but I don’t think there are any secrets, it’s just hard graft for 2 years! If I had any advice, it would be to stay on top of your work from the start and to use the holidays to catch up on topics/areas you are worried about.” Emma, St Albans, October 2018

You can read about Emma’s A Level experience here

Tutor Perspective

This view is mirrored by tutors and teachers. In a recent Justin Craig survey, tutors indicated that the earlier school holidays were a good time for students to develop key subject skills and, for Year 12 students, could make a real difference with the step up from GCSEs. As for other students, the feedback from tutors was that the earlier school holidays were key times for them to consolidate knowledge, get into a good revision routine as well as prepare for mock exams.

“Many students find Justin Craig courses at different times a valuable experience as some of them get lost within the classroom system and find that the JC courses offer them a chance to catch-up on their respective backlogs and in turn develop skills necessary to gain the confidence.” Teacher  comment, Tutor Survey, September 2018

Reasons To Start Revising Early

Here at Justin Craig, we are firm believers in the importance of getting into good study habits early on. While the exams may seem like a long time away, decades of research about learning and memory has produced some clear advice:

• Start early
• Get organised
• Learn in short bursts
• Test yourself regularly
• Space out your revision

This is particularly important for A Level students who face increased demands on their time from University/ super curricular related activities together with an enlarged, more complex curriculum. When you add in that more A Level exams are being scheduled for May rather than June – leaving revision until the Easter holidays doesn’t feel that wise.

For Year 12 students, revising through the year is equally important. In the absence of AS exams, performance in internal exams has become a key determinant of school A Level predictions, affecting  University/career choices.

Read more on how to get into a good study routine.

How we can help

For Year 10-13 students, we have a comprehensive range of 2 and 3 day courses starting in October and running during every school holiday, giving students the opportunity to cover different subjects at different points in the year.

For Year 12 students, we have changed the structure of courses to reflect the demands of exams and in response to customer demand. Our  year 12 courses offer the flexibility of shorter courses at different times of the year, enabling students to consolidate learning, keep on top of their studies and develop key subject skills as they go.  Students cover one A Level subject over a three day course (previously one subject over 4 days).