{"id":2601,"date":"2015-09-03T11:02:55","date_gmt":"2015-09-03T11:02:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mytutorweb.co.uk\/blog\/?p=2601"},"modified":"2021-08-18T13:52:12","modified_gmt":"2021-08-18T13:52:12","slug":"bridge-the-gap-gcses-a-levels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mytutor.co.uk\/blog\/students\/bridge-the-gap-gcses-a-levels\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Ways to Bridge the Gap between GCSEs and A Levels"},"content":{"rendered":"

The results are in! But, as you proudly clutch your GCSE grades<\/a>, you may start to feel the dark shadow of the next academic year and the challenge of starting A Levels.<\/p>\n

On the one hand, A Levels<\/a> are very different to GCSEs.\u00a0 You\u2019ll see your own opinions more exposed as you lose the chance to hide behind set answers learnt as a class. On the other hand, you are already used to writing about\u00a0what you know and explaining your arguments – and you\u2019ll quickly work out how to build on your GCSE groundwork to become a top A-level student.\u00a0 Just follow these 5 tips to help you do this – and consider finding a tutor<\/a> to make sure you achieve those top grades!<\/p>\n

Be independent<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the big differences between GCSE and A Level is that you\u2019re expected to direct some of your own studies. \u00a0When starting A Levels, the thought of independently researching subjects can be a scary prospect, but don\u2019t worry \u2013 you don\u2019t need to teach the whole course to yourself! Do some googling and come up with a list of one or two extra books, as well as Twitter accounts or blogs that you could read to supplement your classwork.\u00a0 Don\u2019t try to do too much on your own: one extra book by a set author or one blog about an interesting aspect of life in the historical period you\u2019re studying is much more valuable than reams of half-opened library books for which you endlessly occur fines.<\/p>\n

Organise yourself<\/strong><\/p>\n

As an A Level student, you\u2019ll be expected to take responsibility for your education. That means turning up to lessons on time – prepared, with the right equipment,\u00a0and any homework due.\u00a0\u00a0Don\u2019t be the student who always forgets about the essay deadline until five minutes before the lesson.\u00a0 But, with several subjects all making demands of you, you\u2019ll need some help.\u00a0 Use a homework diary or notebook to jot down important dates, and double check you\u2019ve got the right books for your classes in the morning.\u00a0 Invest in stationery: buy a large pack of cheap biros, lots of lined paper, and a different coloured folder for each subject to help you file your notes.\u00a0 It\u2019s also worth taking advantage of your free periods to knuckle down and get on with your work, however tempting the table football in the common room might seem\u2026\u00a0 You\u2019ll feel much better taking the evenings off after working hard all day.<\/p>\n

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Listen to others<\/strong><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll also be expected to engage with other people\u2019s\u00a0ideas, ranging\u00a0from those of your peers to critics and established academics.\u00a0 Remember, there\u2019s more than one way of seeing a topic.\u00a0 Listen carefully to other viewpoints and try and summarise them in your head.\u00a0 What do you think of them?\u00a0 What are their merits and faults?\u00a0 Use this strategy in classroom debates to explore the full range of\u00a0opinions, whether they\u2019re about\u00a0an\u00a0artistic movement or a strategy for replacing fossil fuels.\u00a0 Be critical when reading your textbooks or articles \u2013 no matter how famous someone is, they\u2019re not always right. (Having said that, always be respectful.\u00a0 Don\u2019t pick fights with Charles Darwin just for the sake of it\u2026)<\/p>\n

Make up your own mind<\/strong><\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve assimilated all the different ideas that others have about a topic, stop and work out what you think.\u00a0 It\u2019s worth taking time to pause and consider on your own before coming to a conclusion.\u00a0 Make sure you can justify your opinion, whether it\u2019s on the just nature of genetic engineering or on Shakespeare\u2019s presentation of Hamlet.\u00a0 Once you\u2019ve worked out your own viewpoint, practise setting out your reasons in a logical and persuasive manner.\u00a0 (This is a fantastic skill to learn, which you can hone with your friends whilst debating the most recent contestant thrown off Bake Off).<\/p>\n

Most importantly, keep the passion alive<\/strong><\/p>\n

Step back now and then to reflect on why you chose your subjects.\u00a0 Put away the books and do something to remind yourself of your interest in your courses, like watching a video, seeing a play, or going on a field trip.\u00a0 Whether you selected your A Levels because of an inspirational teacher, a memorable school outing or a desire for a career in a certain field, remember how lucky you are to be studying the subjects you\u2019re passionate about.\u00a0 Enjoy them!<\/p>\n

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And if you do find it difficult\u00a0getting started on your A Levels, don’t suffer in silence! Get in touch with one of our tutors<\/a> who will be happy to lend you a hand.<\/p>\n

Written by Laura Clash<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"

A MyTutor English Tutor\u00a0<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The results are in! But, as you proudly clutch your GCSE grades, you may start to feel the dark shadow of the next academic year and the challenge of starting A Levels. On the one hand, A Levels are very…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4953,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[789],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n5 Ways to Bridge the Gap between GCSEs and A Levels | MyTutor<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Starting A Levels? They're a bit of a change from GCSE. 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