If you’re reading this, you’re likely preparing for the jump from GCSE to A-level, or you know someone who is, and are looking for tips on how to make this transition as smooth as possible. 

As an A-level biology teacher, I know firsthand how stressful this experience can be for students, so I have written the following blog post to give you some mindset and studying tips as you begin your journey from GCSE to A-level. 

7 MUST-KNOW A-LEVEL MINDSET TIPS 

Tip #1 – Prepare Yourself For It To Be Challenging

Many people ask me: are A-levels hard? The short answer is: yes.

A-levels are an advanced level of a subject. It will be more content, more details, more application and more skills than your GCSEs.

Many people find their grades lowering by 2 to 3 points at the beginning of the term. This is normal – try not to get down on yourself as you adjust to the new material and skill set. As you notice which area you are losing marks in, make sure you go over that area and revise so that you can improve. 

Tip #2 – Independent Learning

In comparison to GCSE where your teachers told you what exactly to do for work, in A-levels, you’ll be told to do independent work in addition to the work already assigned to you. This extra work could look like rereading your notes, turning notes into flashcards, etc., whatever best suits your learning needs.

This independent work is important, as your continual revisions help you to become better prepared when it’s time for exams.

Tip #3 – Study Periods are NOT Free Periods!

Over the course of your term you’ll likely have between 10-15 hours of study periods in total. Now that you have designated periods to use on your own, you may be tempted to use this newfound freedom to go get coffee with friends, or go to the shops, instead of using it for schoolwork. However, these periods are meant to be used for studying, not for free periods. 

Using these breaks to relax and recharge are sometimes necessary, but I recommend you use at least ¾ of these study periods to actually study. You will be grateful you’ve used this allotted time to go over your materials, and you will better understand course concepts because of it.

Tip #4 – Take Your Tests Seriously

Tests are a great way to learn and evaluate your knowledge and comprehension of the material. Even if you fail a test, this helps you to learn and showcases areas for improvement. Failing is a part of learning, and happens to everybody – the important part is that you brush yourself off, and try again! By taking your tests seriously, you’re ensuring you give yourself the best shot for the highest grades possible. 

Tip #5 – Look After Yourself

It’s important to look after yourself both physically and mentally. Get enough sleep, eat fruits and veg, drink water, and exercise. Doing so lowers the stress hormones and helps to keep you from exhaustion and burn out. You’ll only make your transition from GCSE smoother the more you take time to take care of yourself outside of school. 

Tip #6 – Schedule in Breaks

Scheduling break time allows you to have specified time aside where you know you’ll be able to relax. By doing this, you ensure you have time to relax and rejuvenate. Similar to tip #5, rest is a form of self-care that allows you to be at your best. Definitely don’t skip this tip to study just a little more – trust that you’re giving yourself an adequate amount of time to work and use your free time as you like.  

Tip #7 – Ask for Help

We all need help at times. It is completely normal and natural when doing something challenging, that you may need to lean on someone else for support. Talk to people you trust, your parents, friends, teachers and schoolmates. It is important that you feel safe and supported throughout your journey. I also offer both tutoring and additional study material to help you when you need! Help is available everywhere you look.

NOW THAT WE’VE GONE THROUGH YOUR MINDSET TIPS, LET’S LOOK AT SOME A-LEVEL STUDY TIPS, SO YOU CAN NOT ONLY SURVIVE BUT THRIVE DURING THIS NEXT PERIOD OF YOUR LIFE!

3 AMAZING A-LEVEL STUDY TIPS 

Tip #1 – Spaced Repetition

Plan out in advance when you’re going to revise what you’ve learned. Add some keywords, flashcards, whatever works for you, and revise. This

helps to embed these concepts into your long-term memory by strengthening the neuro-pathways to your brain. This will make it easier to study come time for your exams. I suggest doing this minimum once a week for real results! 

Tip #2 – Active (and Passive!) Recall

Do activities where you have to actively recall concepts such as testing yourself with keywords and defining those words. Testing yourself is also important, as it ensures you actively know and understand the concept, rather than just recognizing it. I have created a YouTube video with tips on how best study for exams in order to truly remember and understand information – you can watch here if you would like! I also have a workbook for active recall available in my shop if you need! 

Tip #3 – Don’t Rewrite Notes

It’s passive work, takes up too much time, and does not help your memory! It’s much more productive to participate in active recall, rather than waste study time rewriting all your notes that you’re already got written down.

I HOPE THESE TIPS HELP YOU ALONG THE WAY! COMMENT DOWN BELOW AND QUESTIONS YOU HAVE ABOUT YOUR A-LEVELS AND I’LL DO MY BEST TO GET BACK TO YOU.

Best of luck with your A-levels – you got this!  

– Miss Estruch