a-level tips from a straight A* student

Summary

The speaker shares effective A-level study tips based on personal experience, having achieved 5 A* grades in subjects like Maths, Physics, and Computer Science. The advice covers essential habits like proper sleep, diet, and exercise, as well as specific strategies such as using past papers repeatedly, building good relationships with teachers, utilizing YouTube for learning, and focusing on coursework. The speaker emphasizes the importance of consistent effort, mastering your calculator, and using a syllabus-based approach to revision. Ultimately, they encourage perseverance through the challenges of A-levels, ensuring success through hard work.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on fundamentals like sleeping well, eating properly, and exercising regularly to maximize study efficiency.
• 📑 Past papers are invaluable for exam preparation; practice repeatedly and under exam conditions for best results.
• 🤝 Build good relationships with teachers for extra help and support, especially closer to exams.
• 🎥 YouTube is a highly effective learning tool, offering engaging and memorable content for revision.
• 📅 Be specific when scheduling study time, focusing on exact tasks rather than general subjects.
• 📚 Revise using the syllabus rather than the textbook contents to ensure you don’t miss any details.
• 🖥️ Coursework is crucial, and even if it feels like a burden, it can significantly impact your final grade.
• 🔢 Learn how to use your calculator effectively as it can save time and help check your answers during exams.
• 📋 Prioritize revision topics by likelihood of appearing on the exam, focusing on the most important first.
• 💡 Ask yourself 'why' and 'how' when stuck on concepts to shift perspectives and deepen your understanding.

Q & A

What subjects did the speaker take for A-levels?

The speaker took Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Computer Science, and completed an EPQ on Prime Conjectures.

What is the speaker's main advice for maintaining basic health while studying?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of getting eight hours of sleep, eating three meals a day, exercising regularly, and keeping a clean study space.

How does the speaker recommend using past papers for A-level revision?

The speaker recommends doing past papers repeatedly, ideally every third or fourth month, and reviewing them thoroughly to learn from mistakes. It’s important to simulate exam conditions as much as possible.

Why does the speaker think it’s important to establish good relationships with teachers?

Good relationships with teachers can lead to more support when needed, especially towards the end of the course. Teachers are likely to prioritize students who have been consistently polite, hard-working, and engaged in class.

What study resource does the speaker find more engaging than textbooks or notes?

The speaker finds YouTube videos more engaging because they provide audio-visual content, which helps with better retention compared to just reading from a textbook.

What is the speaker's advice for making an effective timetable?

The speaker advises being specific when making a timetable, such as stating 'integration by parts homework' instead of vague tasks like 'math revision.' Specificity helps avoid procrastination and ensures more productive study sessions.

What revision technique does the speaker mention, and what is its potential drawback?

The speaker mentions the RAG (Red, Amber, Green) revision technique, where topics are color-coded based on the level of understanding. However, a potential drawback is relying on textbook lesson titles, which might not cover all the important details, leading to gaps in revision.

What does the speaker suggest about coursework, and why is it important?

The speaker emphasizes that coursework is essentially 'free marks' and should not be neglected, as it can significantly impact final grades. For example, in Computer Science, coursework accounts for 20% of the final grade.

Why does the speaker think mastering the calculator is crucial for maths students?

The speaker advises spending time learning how to use the calculator effectively because it can help save time during exams, check answers quickly, and ensure accuracy in calculations.

What mindset does the speaker recommend for handling the difficulty of A-levels?

The speaker acknowledges that A-levels are intentionally difficult to differentiate top students. They recommend staying consistent and persevering, as continued effort increases the likelihood of achieving top grades.