How to ACTUALLY get ALL 9s at GCSEs | Study tips, revision etc

Summary

In this video, the creator shares his journey to achieving straight 9s in his GCSEs, offering nine practical tips for students aiming for top grades. He emphasizes the importance of knowing your motivation, starting revision early, using effective revision techniques, tracking mistakes, maintaining sufficient sleep, studying with friends, managing distractions, aiming high, and enjoying the learning process. Drawing from personal experience, he highlights how strategic planning, consistent effort, and smart study habits can lead to academic success without sacrificing well-being. The video combines actionable advice with motivational insights to help students maximize their potential.

Takeaways

• 😀 Know your 'why': Have a clear motivation for why you want to succeed, whether it's for personal reasons or external ones like family or career goals.
• 😀 Start revision early: It's never too early to begin. Starting small and consistent revision helps avoid last-minute stress and burnout.
• 😀 Tailor your revision strategy to each subject: Different subjects require different amounts of time and methods, especially when it comes to languages and subjects that require consistent effort.
• 😀 Focus on active recall and spaced repetition: Revision should be about testing your knowledge, not just re-reading notes. Use past papers and flashcards to reinforce learning.
• 😀 Keep track of mistakes: Make a habit of recording mistakes you make during homework or exams. Review them regularly to avoid repeating them.
• 😀 Get enough sleep: Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep a night to optimize memory consolidation and brain function, which in turn improves exam performance.
• 😀 Surround yourself with supportive friends: Being around academically motivated friends helps you stay focused, share resources, and push each other to succeed.
• 😀 Minimize distractions: Set boundaries for technology and create a distraction-free study environment. Simple tools like 'Unhook' can reduce unnecessary screen time.
• 😀 Aim high and believe in your potential: Set ambitious goals for yourself, and push yourself to aim for the highest grades possible. Confidence and perseverance are key.
• 😀 Enjoy the process: While exams are important, don't sacrifice your mental health. Experiment with different study methods and have fun learning.

Q & A

Why is it important to know your 'why' when aiming for top grades?

Knowing your 'why' creates personal motivation and a sense of purpose. Whether it's for a channel, to impress a family member, or to prove something to yourself, a clear and strong reason can help keep you motivated and focused when the going gets tough.

What mistake did the speaker make regarding when to start revising for GCSEs?

The speaker initially struggled with knowing when to start revising, ultimately realizing that the earlier you start, the better. Revision should be gradual and consistent rather than cramming last-minute, as starting too late leads to burnout and inefficiency.

What is the best approach to revising according to the speaker?

The speaker advocates for a revision approach that focuses on testing your knowledge first (using past papers), followed by reviewing mistakes, and then only revisiting content that is truly challenging. This ensures active recall and spaced repetition, which are more effective than simply rereading notes.

Why is it important to track your mistakes during revision?

Tracking mistakes allows you to pinpoint areas of weakness and ensures that you don’t repeat the same errors. By reviewing common mistakes and revisiting those specific topics, you turn your weaknesses into strengths.

How does sleep affect your academic performance?

Sleep is crucial for cognitive function. The speaker emphasizes that getting at least 8 hours of sleep per night is essential, as sleep helps the brain consolidate information and turn it into long-term memory. Lack of sleep, on the other hand, reduces performance and focus.

How did the speaker use friends to help with their studies?

The speaker surrounded themselves with academically motivated friends. They would study together, share notes, and test each other. This healthy competition and peer support played a significant role in boosting each other’s performance.

What role do distractions play in effective studying?

Distractions significantly hinder focus and productivity. The speaker recommends setting boundaries, such as keeping your phone out of the study area, to minimize distractions. Small actions like turning off notifications or using apps to block distractions can significantly improve focus.

What is the importance of aiming high in your studies?

Aiming high is essential for achieving top grades. The speaker stresses that students should believe they are capable of achieving the highest marks. Aiming for nines instead of settling for sevens or eights helps cultivate a mindset of excellence and perseverance.

How does maintaining a positive and healthy mindset impact your exam results?

A positive mindset helps prevent burnout and stress. The speaker advises students not to sacrifice their mental health for grades. Stressing too much over exams can be counterproductive, and it’s important to maintain balance while still aiming for top results.

Why is consistency in revision more important than cramming?

Consistency in revision helps ensure that studying becomes part of your routine, making it easier to maintain over time. Cramming before exams leads to burnout and stress, and the results are often less effective. Gradual and steady revision with frequent review ensures better retention.