How I got an A* for A-level biology | Revision tips, resources, notes, active recall and websites

Summary

Omama Bashir, a first-year medical student at King's College London, shares her secrets to achieving an A* in A-Level Biology. She emphasizes the importance of understanding content, asking questions, and using active recall techniques like creating flashcards. Bashir also advises on exam preparation, including doing topic-based questions and past papers, and utilizing teacher resources. Her structured approach and study tips aim to make the learning process more manageable and effective.

Takeaways

• 📚 Understand the Content: The key to a-level biology is leaving every lesson with a complete understanding of the material, asking questions when necessary, and not hesitating to seek clarity.
• 🤔 Active Recall: Utilize active recall techniques for revision, such as self-testing and peer-testing, which engage the brain more effectively than passive techniques like rereading or highlighting.
• 📝 Preparation for Exams: Prepare revision resources early, creating mini-questions after each lesson to reinforce learning and facilitate memorization of content.
• 📑 Flashcards: Develop a set of flashcards with questions covering all topics, which helps in recalling information and answering application and recall questions during exams.
• 🔍 Blurring Technique: Engage in the 'blurting' technique where you write down everything you remember on a blank paper, then review what's missed and learn it, repeating until all information is recalled.
• 📈 Exam Practice: Practice answering topic-based questions and past papers, marking them strictly and revising the areas where you made mistakes.
• 📅 Time Management: Start exam preparation well in advance, going through flashcards two months before exams and gradually moving to topic-based questions and past papers as the exam date approaches.
• 👨‍🏫 Teacher Resources: Make the most of teacher resources, asking for help when needed and understanding the marking scheme to improve exam performance.
• 🏆 A-Star Achievement: The speaker achieved an A-star in a-level biology by following these steps, which also contributed to their success in psychology and chemistry.
• 💻 Utilize Technology: The speaker used an iPad to make a plan, indicating the utility of technology in organizing study materials and strategies.
• 🗣️ Communication: Encourages viewers to ask questions in the comment section and offers to make more videos on requested topics, showing a willingness to engage and support the audience.

Q & A

Who is the speaker in the video script?

The speaker is Omama Bashir, a first-year medical student at King's College London.

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is how to achieve a high grade, specifically an A*, in A-level Biology.

What are the three steps Omama Bashir suggests for excelling in A-level Biology?

The three steps suggested are: 1) Understanding the content, 2) Preparation for exams using active recall, and 3) Exam practice.

Why is it important to understand the content after each lesson according to the speaker?

Understanding the content after each lesson is crucial because it is the foundation for answering application questions and ensures that the student is not left with gaps in knowledge.

What is active recall, and how does it help in studying for A-level Biology?

Active recall is a revision technique that engages the brain during learning by testing oneself or being tested by others. It helps in studying for A-level Biology by making learning more effective and easier, especially for memorizing a large amount of content.

How does Omama Bashir recommend creating revision resources for A-level Biology?

Omama Bashir recommends creating revision resources by making mini questions based on each lesson's content and compiling them into flashcards for active recall practice.

What is the 'blurting' technique mentioned in the script, and how does it aid in learning?

The 'blurting' technique involves writing down everything one remembers about a topic on a blank paper, then reviewing and learning what was missed. This active engagement with the material helps in reinforcing memory and understanding.

When should one start doing topic-based questions and past papers according to the video?

One should start doing topic-based questions about two weeks before the exam and move on to past papers about a week before the mock exam or actual exam.

How does Omama Bashir suggest marking and assessing practice questions and past papers?

Omama Bashir suggests marking practice questions and past papers in a different color and being strict with the marking process. This helps in identifying and learning from mistakes.

What additional advice does the speaker give regarding the use of resources and seeking help?

The speaker advises taking advantage of all resources provided by teachers and seeking their help to understand the mark scheme and any difficult concepts.