There’s no doubt, it’s a big jump from GCSE to A Level study.
As well as the increase in content, you also have to think deeply and undertake your own research. The increased workload (with more facts and more essays!) means that effective revision is essential for exam success.
So, wondering about the best way of preparing for your A Level exams?
Well help is at hand. From using past papers and mark schemes to experimenting with memorisation techniques, we share our 10 top revision tips for acing your exams.
How to get an A at A Level
It’s certainly a challenge, but with preparation and dedication, A and A* grades at A Level are more than achievable. Although everyone has different ways of studying and learning, we share our top tips for acing your exams. No matter what subjects you’re taking, you’ll be off to the best possible start.
1. Get to know your syllabus content
This is the very first thing any learner should do.
Find out what exam board you’re studying with (for instance AQA, Edexcel or OCR) and print off the specification (sometimes called a syllabus).
By printing this off, you can identify any knowledge gaps or tricky areas. Everything you can possibly be tested on will be included on the syllabus. So use it to organise your revision, ticking off each section as you go along.
If you do this nice and early, you’ll have all your bases covered. This means you can walk into final exams with confidence.
2. Experiment with your revision timetable
If you create a revision timetable nice and early, this leaves plenty of time to figure out what works for you. It’s all about creating a plan, adapting as you go along – then settling on a schedule that feels right.
A good revision plan should let you cover all your content and factor-in time for personal hobbies and relaxation. Having everything written down from an early stage will ensure you don’t forget any topics or feel rushed in the final stages.
By starting early, you can break subjects into chunks, being realistic and not cramming too much into each day.
3. Don’t leave past papers until the last weeks
As well as paying careful attention to your syllabus and creating a revision timetable – it’s time to start looking at past papers.
It’s never too early to look at the questions you’ll face in final exams. This helps you understand the format and style of exams, as well as what examiners are looking for with “mark schemes” and “examiner reports”.
In addition, past papers let you time yourself under test conditions. If you do this throughout your course, you’ll have a great idea on the areas you need to improve – with plenty of time to work on speed, accuracy and recall before final exams.
4. Create your perfect study space
If you’re the sort of person that gets side-tracked easily (and most of us are!), take steps to minimise distractions. This might mean keeping your phone in another space (removing the allure of social media) or tidying your room – so it’s a calm, ordered atmosphere.
If you normally revise at the kitchen table (for instance), consider whether parents or siblings are interrupting your flow. It’s sometimes nice to work in a local library or coffee shop where there’s a bit of background hubbub – but not too much to distract you.
5. Take your classes and lectures seriously
If you want to achieve A grades at A Level, there’s no substitute for year-round concentration and attendance. With this in mind, focus in class. Teachers have a wealth of knowledge and will explain tricky concepts – as well as how to apply information in exams.
Ask questions if there’s anything you don’t understand. You’ve got nothing to lose by speaking up, so go for it! Chances are your teachers will appreciate the active participation too.
6. Join up with friends for a study group
When revising for A Levels, don’t forget you’ve got a whole year group of people in a similar situation. So why not link up?
Start by organising a once-weekly study group. You could meet in the school library, local café or people’s homes. This means everyone has accountability, as you can’t leave your friends to study on their own – right!?
Even if you aren’t studying the same subjects, your friends might have suggestions on revision techniques and that all-important moral support.
7. Try lots of different revision techniques
While we’re on the subject of learning methods, it’s a great idea to switch-up your revision techniques every now and again. It’s all about discovering how you learn best and stopping things becoming boring.
For instance, you could try:
- Active Recall – creating questions and actively testing yourself.
- Spaced Repetition – spacing out your revision and review activities.
- Pomodoro – a productivity system breaking things down to 25 minute chunks.
- Flash Cards – keeping notes as brief as possible.
- Discussion Groups – explaining your ideas to friends or parents.
- Mind Maps – the more colourful, the better.
- Dictating revision notes – then listening back.
- Documentaries – either from YouTube or sites like BBC iPlayer.
- Podcasts – keeping revision going while you’re at the gym or walking the dog.
- Quizlet or Kahoot tests – two great quizzing websites.
8. Continue practising and reviewing past papers
We’ve already mentioned how it’s never too early to start looking at past papers, but it’s also important to practise and review your exam technique. So, once you’ve created those wonderful mind maps and flashcards, it’s time to put your notes to one side and apply them.
Try doing things under timed conditions as well as “open book” style (looking-up anything you’re unsure of). This means you’ll get to practise everything, not just stopping when time is up.
Make sure you’re checking your answers against mark schemes and examiner commentaries – thinking about how well you’ve met your exam board’s assessment objectives.
To find past papers, go to your exam board’s website or ask your teachers. They’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.
9. Look after yourself
Repeat after us… You’ve got this!
Having a positive mindset and being kind to yourself is so important during revision. So take plenty of breaks, sleep well and exercise regularly. Memorising information is impossible when you’re exhausted, so prioritise getting the rest you need.
Being mindful of what you eat is also important for fuelling your brain and body. Things like fruit, seeds, nuts, wholegrains and vegetables (and plenty of water) are all great.
10. Give yourself a boost with an academic coach
Why not consider working with an experienced academic coach to give your grades a boost?
If you think you need extra help, whether on tackling exam questions, overcoming procrastination or creating memorisation techniques – our study skills coaches offer personalised 1-1 tuition. We help students achieve their full academic potential, reduce exam nerves and create long-lasting study skills that really work.
Get in touch with our expert academic coaches today, for a free, no-obligation chat.