GET READY FOR YOUR A-LEVELS

If you have achieved the GCSE grades you needed to secure your sixth-form or college place to do A-levels, then many congratulations! Well done, you! After all your hard work and waiting for results, take some time to celebrate.

Starting A-levels is an exciting step. You get to study subjects you’re interested in, enjoy greater independence and begin preparing for university, an apprenticeship or employment. But it can come as a shock how different A-level study feels from working towards GCSEs. In this feature, we break down the ways in which doing A-levels is unlike doing GCSEs. This will help you make the best start in September.

It’s a step up!

You’ll be studying fewer subjects at A-level, but going into each one in much greater depth. Doing GCSEs can feel like remembering lots of facts, but with A-levels, it’s more about analysing information, connecting ideas and applying your knowledge to unfamiliar questions.

At first, it can feel like A-level lessons are super speedy. A topic that would have been stretched across several lessons at GCSE level might be covered in one. And you will be expected to go away and do additional reading or practice on your own. 

Don’t be put off if the work initially feels difficult. It just takes time to adjust to a higher level of study.

Independent learning

At GCSE level, teachers regularly reminded you about homework, checked your answers and told you what you should be revising. At A-level, support will still be available, but you will be expected to take greater responsibility for your progress. You’re treated more like a grown-up!

Remember to keep track of essay deadlines as you won’t get so many reminders… if any at all! You’ll need to organise your notes yourself, and set study schedules. What is really important is recognising when you do not understand something, as teachers won’t necessarily be checking in with you so much. You can ask teachers to help explain something, but you’ll also have to put in some extra work on your own, researching and practising until the penny drops. No one will be telling you exactly what to do.

Don’t waste your free periods! Many students treat them as a break, but the strongest students use them to study, revise or complete assignments. This stops everything piling up in the evening or at weekends. Create a weekly routine that includes lessons, independent study, paid work (if applicable), exercise, social time and rest. It’s all about balance, not studying every waking hour. Work regularly enough that you do not depend on last-minute panic.

Review as you go

A-level courses contain too much material to leave revision until the final few weeks. After each lesson, spend a short amount of time checking back over the notes you’ve written to make sure they make sense. Highlight anything you do not understand and ask about it promptly. Small gaps in knowledge can become much harder to resolve when later topics build upon them.

Doing practice questions is so important. Knowing the course content is only part of the challenge; you must also learn how to interpret questions, structure answers, apply your knowledge and meet the assessment criteria.

Lower grades at first

Students who achieved high GCSE grades can be surprised when their first A-level essay or test produces a lower mark. This happens a lot. Your teachers are now assessing you against more demanding standards, and early essays and assignments are designed to show you what you need to improve. 

When you get your marked assessments back, read the comments, and you could even speak to your teacher about what a stronger answer might have included. Progress at A-level comes from learning how to respond to feedback.

Ask for help 

Greater independence does not mean you need to struggle on your own. If you don’t understand a topic, speak to your teacher before the class moves further ahead. Teachers will prefer you to seek help early rather than wait until you feel completely overwhelmed.

Also, make sure you speak to someone if your studies, anxiety or circumstances outside education are affecting you. This happens to many students. Your tutor, pastoral team or student-support service will be able to help.

Enjoy final summer stretch

You deserve a proper break after your GCSEs, so don’t spend what’s left of the summer studying. Rest, see friends and enjoy having fewer demands on your time. However, a little preparation can make September much easier. What should you do?

First, confirm your place and complete any enrolment tasks. Check emails from your school or college and make sure you know the start date, timetable arrangements, dress expectations and equipment you will need.

If your teachers have provided summer work, complete it carefully and on time.  You could also look at the course specification for each subject so you understand what you will study and read a related book or article.

On a practical note, you can work out the journey to your new school or college if it’s an unfamiliar one. Work out your budget for travel and lunches.

Beyond A-levels

You do not need to decide your whole future this summer, but it is worth remembering that the next two years will pass quickly. Universities consider more than final grades, and employers offering apprenticeships or jobs will also be interested in your skills and experience. So you might want to spend some time looking for opportunities to volunteer or gain work experience alongside study.

Also remember that A-levels do not commit you to university. After completing them, you could apply for a higher or degree apprenticeship, get a job, take another professional qualification or continue into higher education. Use your time in sixth form or college to explore all these possibilities.