Making the jump from AS Level to A Level is incredibly difficult, and the difference in workload levels means that Year 13 pupils spend a lot of time concentrating on studying. However, perhaps a more noticeable jump is the one from GCSE to AS Level; changing from studying many subjects to just three or four in intense detail is a challenge for anyone! In order to make the transition as smooth as possible, the new Year 12s attended a seminar, hosted by Elevate Education, on tips and ideas on best practise to get the most out of the AS Level year.
Arranged by Mr Richard Curtis, each pupil from Year 12 was required to attend the seminar, held in the Lecture Theatre. The seminar took into account guidelines for success in this challenging year. It was split into different areas; the Sixth Formers looked at the path to take to achieve their best, tips from people who had not long finished their own A Levels, and the various techniques available to different types of learners, that would help them in independent study and revision.
The path was simple; to ‘learn’ the subject, and then to ‘master’ it, and, finally, to add a ‘creative’ and unique spin, in order to stand out from the crowd. From the very basic idea of learning the syllabus, the Sixth Formers went on to hear about the benefits of making notes throughout the year, downloading key materials and using a different folder for each subject. An essential tip here was to use colour and trigger words in revision notes, limiting the amount of notes to a simple, colour-coded page that could stick in one’s memories during the exam period. From here, they went on to hear about mastering a subject, using a system of reviewing notes, creating mind maps and doing practise papers. Finally, the Sixth Formers went through the ‘creating’ stage, looking at the value of independent studying alongside set syllabus tasks. Key advice was given, such as taking five minute study breaks and learning to study in different environments, in order to keep concentration from waning.
The session was highly effective, with many pupils finding the advice very helpful, as they move into an exceedingly important academic year. Mr Curtis was impressed at the concentration shown, commenting that the ‘pupils were interested in hearing the advice, hoping to lay a solid foundation for their A Level year.’