The study challenges of Year 12

So, year 12. The start of an exciting step up into Sixth Form and an opportunity to delve further into your subject knowledge or start a new one altogether.

But we know that taking that step can also be a bit daunting, and have students asking:

  • Did I take the right subject?
  • Do I still enjoy the subject I liked at GCSE?
  • Is there extra work and intensity?

There is, of course, the opposite end of the spectrum where Year 12 can seem to be the more ‘fun’ A Level year as there may not be the pressure of exams at the end of it. This can lead to less emphasis on continual revision of content as the academic year progresses, and a laissez-faire approach.

How important is Year 12?

The answer is very!

  • it enables students to get a more profound understanding of subjects they plan on pursuing further.
  • end of year exams are key determinants of grade predictions provided by schools to universities.
  • it provides the foundation for year 13 studies and A level exam success. 

The transition from GCSE to A-level is a sharp learning curve, especially in subjects where the models (the ideas you are taught) grow in their complexity.

How to plan for A Level success in Year 12

Justin Craig recommends revising content all year round, no matter which year students are in. This helps with memory retention of the content and the more you familiarise yourself with the material, the easier it will be at the end of the course.

To achieve this throughout the two-year A Level, we would recommend:

  • An hour for an hour
  • Topic tests and mocks
  • Using the specification
  • Past paper practice
  • Revision strategies

Testing yourself

While topic tests, homework and past papers don’t necessarily count towards your final grade and it may seem like a long way off until the exam, take them seriously. They can help you highlight your weaker and stronger areas allowing you time to work on them before you really need them.

Completing timed papers and marking them means you can baseline your own ability. This will highlight any areas that are strong and weak.  Note:

  • What soft skills are needing to be improved?
  • Are you showing all of your working on calculations, using the correct number of significant figures, and are your units of measurement correct?
  • Do you fully understand the topics being assessed?

UCAS

Although everyone likes to get full marks, it is knowing how to improve the bits you get wrong that will help you gain valuable UCAS points. You may also find that your school will take these into account when giving you a UCAS predicted grade.

Bear in mind that during Year 12 you also have your UCAS applications to think about, and UKCAT exams for people hoping to get into medical school?

Conclusion

Begin your revision process early and you will be better prepared for your exams the following year.

And don’t forget that Justin Craig offers a wide range of revision classes and courses, not only to help with all of the above exam preparation and expert tuition, but also to further your confidence in your subjects as you progress through Year 12 and onto 13.

To read about how one of our Year 12 students stepped up to A Level study, click here:

Stepping up to A Levels – A Student’s View | Justin Craig Education

 

 

Read more