Student Blog

How to start A levels the right way

If you’re starting sixth form or college this September, you’ll have no doubt got the memo about how much A levels differ from GCSEs. Teachers seem to refer to it as ‘the jump’, making it sound like you’re about to be catapulted into a brand new world. It gets repetitive, but in many ways, they’re right – and it can be a huge advantage to be prepared for the transition. Don’t think of it as a jump, though; think of it as a hike up a mountain: it takes time and effort, and that’s okay. The important thing is to know how to help yourself adapt to the new academic environment.

Use the end of the summer wisely

First of all, a little preparation can really help you get off to a good start. The long-awaited summer between Year 11 and the rest of your life is a long, relaxing and hard-earned one – if you’re convinced that you’ve forgotten how to solve equations or speak French, that’s probably how most other post-GCSE students are feeling too.

However, as the new term begins it’s a good idea to give your brain a bit of a wake up call. Spend a little time going over the basics, and consider doing a bit of research into the topics you’ll be studying. It’s daunting to feel like you’re being thrown in at the deep end, so it’s worth making a bit of effort before school or college starts. If you’re lacking motivation, book a tutorial with one of our tutors. Our ‘back to school’ tutorials are often used to help with pre-term preparation before the beginning of the school year.

Hit the ground running

Once term gets underway, you should make of most of being taught differently. Many students are, understandably, wary of the new approach to studying, but a sixth form education is not supposed to equal an unpleasant two years. On the contrary, it’s intended to create a fulfilling and engaging educational experience which will inspire genuine interest in your chosen subjects. As such, teaching and learning becomes much more interactive and teachers welcome questions and contributions sparking discussion and debate. See this as an opportunity to question and clarify anything you’re unsure about. The more interactive classroom environment also encourages the sharing of ideas between students, giving a more in-depth and well-rounded approach to a subject.

A final aspect of A levels that can seem challenging is the amount of work you’ll need to do in your spare time (how many hours of private study?!). However, A levels require a change of attitude towards homework. A last-minute rush before the deadline will probably be a waste of time. A level study requires students to do their homework for their own benefit, to strengthen the knowledge and skills they have acquired in class. For this reason, it’s a good idea to make time to study at home, and to make the best use of your time by tailoring your work to your own learning style.

Besides all this, have fun! A levels can be a challenge, but you’re about to begin what is bound to be an exciting, inspiring and very enjoyable two years.

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