How to ACE your A-LEVELS (100% will improve your grades) + how i got a*a*a*

Summary

This video script offers a comprehensive study guide tailored for A-level students, emphasizing the importance of understanding the exam format and content through past paper analysis. It advocates for active recall techniques, discouraging passive studying methods like rereading or note rewriting. The speaker shares personal strategies, including digital organization and spaced repetition, to enhance efficiency and retention. Resources and courses that influenced the presenter's study habits are also recommended for further learning.

Takeaways

• 📚 Start by understanding the exam structure: Review past papers to identify frequently tested topics and questions, as A-levels tend to recycle them.
• 🔍 Scope the subject: Determine priority topics and subtopics to focus on, which will make the study process more efficient.
• 📝 Learn through active recall: Use flashcards to test your knowledge actively, rather than passively rereading or rewriting notes.
• ⏳ Understand the value of revision: Revising known topics is more efficient than learning new content, so prioritize revisiting material.
• 📉 Be aware of the forgetting curve: Space out your revision sessions to optimize long-term retention, avoiding cramming.
• 🧩 Practice makes perfect: Engage with past paper questions to simulate exam conditions and understand the marking scheme.
• 📈 Focus on understanding: Grasp concepts deeply to facilitate long-term retention, which is crucial for a two-year course like A-levels.
• 📋 Convert notes into flashcards: Immediate conversion of notes into active recall questions helps in better understanding and retention.
• 🗂 Organize your study materials: Use digital tools like Notion for categorizing topics and Google Sheets for tracking progress and revision schedules.
• 🚫 Avoid ineffective study methods: Refrain from rereading, highlighting, and passive note-taking, as they are not beneficial for learning.
• 🔑 Utilize resources: Leverage textbooks, online resources, and past papers to aid in your studies and understand the content better.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video script is to provide study strategies and resources specifically for A-levels students, emphasizing the importance of understanding the exam content, using past papers, and employing effective learning techniques such as active recall.

Why is it important to go through past paper questions for A-levels?

It is important to go through past paper questions because A-levels often recycle questions and mark schemes, especially in subjects like maths and biology. This helps students identify recurring topics and questions, and understand the exam format and requirements.

What is the significance of knowing the exam specification for A-levels?

Knowing the exam specification is significant because it helps students understand what topics and questions are likely to appear in the exam, allowing them to prioritize their study efforts and focus on the most relevant content.

What is the recommended method for learning content according to the script?

The recommended method for learning content is through active recall, which involves creating flashcards with questions and answers, summarizing main points after reading or watching a video, and filling in gaps in understanding.

Why should students avoid rereading and rewriting notes as a study method?

Rereading and rewriting notes are not effective study methods because they do not engage the brain in active recall, which is crucial for long-term retention. Instead, students should convert notes into active recall flashcards for better learning outcomes.

What is the role of revising a topic in the learning process?

Revising a topic is crucial as it strengthens neural connections in the brain, helps overcome the forgetting curve, and is more efficient than learning new content. It also helps in identifying gaps in knowledge and areas that need more focus.

How can practice paper questions benefit students preparing for A-levels?

Practice paper questions benefit students by simulating exam conditions, exposing them to a variety of questions, and helping them understand the marking scheme. They also allow students to track their progress and identify areas for improvement.

What is the importance of understanding over memorization in A-levels preparation?

Understanding is more important than memorization because A-levels require long-term retention of information over a two-year course. Understanding concepts allows for better active recall and makes the learning process more efficient and effective.

How does the speaker organize their notes and study materials?

The speaker organizes their notes digitally using a system with main topics, subtopics, and packets of information. They also use a spreadsheet to track the dates and progress of their active recall sessions, and color-code them based on difficulty and frequency of review.

What resources does the speaker recommend for A-levels students?

The speaker recommends resources such as past paper questions, textbooks for subjects like maths, and evidence-based study techniques found in books like 'Make It Stick'. They also mention a website for downloading PDFs of textbooks and a Skillshare course that influenced their study methods.