Using the Specification | Studying Effectively for GCSE's & A-level's

Summary

This video offers valuable insights into studying effectively for GCSEs and A-Levels, emphasizing the importance of the examination board's specification document. The specification outlines the curriculum, exam formats, and content, serving as a guide for teachers and students alike. It is crucial for organizing notes and revision materials. The video provides a step-by-step guide on how to find and utilize the specification, including tips on using digital platforms like Google Drive for easy access and note-taking. Additionally, it suggests strategies for understanding complex points and finding supplementary resources online, ensuring comprehensive preparation for exams.

Takeaways

• 📚 The specification is a crucial tool for students preparing for GCSEs and A-Levels, as it outlines the content and structure of exams.
• 🏫 The specification is created by exam boards and guides teachers on what to teach, varying slightly between different exam boards like AQA and Edexcel.
• 🔍 Specifications detail the exam formats, such as the duration of exams and the inclusion of practical endorsements for subjects like chemistry.
• 📈 It provides a framework for organizing study materials like notes and flashcards, helping students see how their learning fits into the entire course.
• 📝 Specifications vary in length and detail; some are comprehensive while others, like AQA English Literature, are brief and more useful for teachers.
• 💻 To find the specification, students should ask their teachers for the exam board and subject, then search online using the exam board's name, subject, and 'specification'.
• 🔗 For A-Levels, there are separate AS and A-Level specifications; the AS covers the first year, while the A-Level includes both years' content.
• 📁 Once found, it's recommended to download and save the specification to a cloud service like Google Drive for easy access and note-taking.
• 🖋 Google Drive's commenting feature can be used to ask questions or make notes on sections of the specification that need further clarification.
• 🔎 Regularly reviewing the specification can help students track their progress and ensure that all topics are covered in class.
• 🤔 If a specification point is unclear, students can search online or ask teachers for clarification to ensure they fully understand the content.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of a specification in the context of GCSEs and A Levels?

The primary purpose of a specification is to guide students' revision by providing a detailed outline of the subjects they will be studying, including the formats of exams and the content that will be taught.

Who creates the specification document for GCSEs and A Levels?

Exam boards create the specification document, which tells teachers what to teach and helps students understand what they need to learn.

How do different exam boards affect the content taught in GCSEs and A Levels?

Different exam boards may cover slightly different topics, and in different ways. Subject teachers decide which exam board's specification they will be teaching from, which can lead to variations in content.

What does the specification document include for a subject like OCR A Level Chemistry?

For OCR A Level Chemistry, the specification includes details about the exams, such as their duration, the existence of a practical endorsement, and the content that will be taught throughout the course.

How can the specification help students organize their revision materials?

The specification provides a framework for organizing notes, flashcards, and other revision materials, ensuring that students cover all the necessary content in a structured manner.

What is the difference between the AS Level and A Level specifications?

The AS Level specification covers all the content that will be studied in the first year, while the A Level specification includes everything covered in both the first and second years of study.

How can students find out which exam board's specification their school is following?

Students can ask their subject teachers directly or send an email inquiring about the exam board and subject specification being used for their studies.

What is the recommended method for accessing and storing the specification document?

The recommended method is to download the specification, save it, and upload it to a cloud storage service like Google Drive for easy access from any device.

Why is it beneficial to periodically review the specification during the course of study?

Periodic review of the specification helps students track their progress through the course, ensuring that they are covering the content in the same order as it is listed in the specification.

How can students use the specification to ensure they have covered all necessary topics in class?

By comparing the points in the specification with their notes and flashcards, students can identify any gaps in their learning and seek clarification from their teachers if needed.

What can students do if they encounter difficulty understanding certain points in the specification?

Students can search online for explanations of the points, use resources linked to the specification, or ask their teachers for clarification via email or in person.