With August quickly approaching, students are soaking in their last bit of sunshine. In September, the school break ends and it's time for students to return to their normal schedules. Whether you are moving into your A levels or taking GCSEs, proper preparation is necessary. Here are some essential tips to help you start off on the right foot.
Sleeping at a good time
One of the most important factors in academic success is a good sleeping schedule. This is backed up by studies that link a tangible negative correlation between sleep deprivation and grade point averages (see
http://journals.sagescience.org/index.php/ssret/article/view/99). As for how much sleep is good, studies show that students should aim for at least 8-9 hours of sleep each night to keep their brain sharp.
In August, start gradually getting your body used to the 8 a.m. starts and long days. This likely means going to sleep slightly earlier each night and setting your alarm 10 minutes earlier. We know it's not nice to do this, but your September self will thank you a bunch!
Recap Old Work
If you're moving into A-Levels, it's crucial to have a strong grasp of your GCSE material. A lot of the time, this knowledge will be taken for granted. So if you do not remember it, you are already one step behind your peers.
Spend a small amount of time reviewing past notes, textbooks, and any coursework. This will help you transition smoothly into your A-Levels and reduce future stress. For GCSE students, revisiting last year’s content can also be beneficial, ensuring you are sharp in September.
How to Recap Effectively
- Building mind maps: I have always used mind maps to test my knowledge. They are a great way to condense your knowledge into crucial bits. After finishing, compare your mind map to the textbook to see what information you are missing.
- Use Flashcards: Another tool I like to use is Flashcards. They are quick and easy to make online. I use the app Anki to do this: http://www.ankiapp.com
- Practice Past Papers: Having a sneak peak at the A level and GCSE exam past papers might help you understand the exam format better.
Build a Realistic Plan for the Year
Planning is essential for managing your workload and reducing stress. Whether you're in GCSEs or A-Levels, having a clear strategy will help you make the most of your time.
For Sixth Form Students
- Free Periods: Now that you are in Sixth Form, you get free periods. Decide now which subjects you are going to cover during these free periods.
- After School: Plan for extracurricular activities, revision sessions, or rest. Balance is key.
- Before School: Use this time for light revision or checking previous classes
Creating Your Plan
- Set Clear Goals: What goals do you have in mind this year? Set SMART goals. For more information on what SMART is check out; http://www.atlassian.com/blog/productivity/how-to-write-smart-goals
- Use a Planner: Keep track of key exam dates and mock tests. For Edexcel GCSE and A level exams they will be published here: http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/support/support-topics/exams/exam-timetables.html
- Prioritise Tasks: Focus on your weakest A level and GCSE subjects first
Budgeting for School Supplies
For the parents reading this, we understand school supply costs can quickly add up . To save money, consider purchasing generic brands, which are often much cheaper than name brands. Try and just buy the essentials as it will likely get lost anyway aha!
Preparing for the First Day
Understand that everyone has first-day jitters. Going back to school is a huge change in lifestyle and intensity. If you are going into your A-Levels, it is a large gap, but you are going to do great! If it is a new school, take it slowly and speak to your teachers a lot.
Conclusion
Preparation is key to a successful start to the school year. By following all of these guidelines, you'll be well-equipped to face the challenges ahead. Here's to a productive and rewarding academic year!
