If I can only stress one piece of advice, it's: DO YOUR NOTES AT THE END OF A TOPIC! I didn't do that for the first term of the year (despite half my teachers advising me to), and it took me ages to catch up on everything. So incorporate it into your revision, and whether you type them, handwrite them, or anything else, just do them!
If you're starting the GCSE course this year and want to chat about it, my inbox is always open and you can send me a message if you want! <3
Transcript under the cut!
Slide 1:
For all the new year 10s!
Top tips for starting the GCSE course, staying on top of things, and staying happy in this crazy time!
Slide 2: Basics
All the easy things you can do to help future you!
Everyday:
If you don't understand something from your lesson - ask your teacher!
DO YOUR HOMEWORK!
Look over your notes for lessons (my teachers were always fans of surprise quizzes and you want to be prepared)
At the end of a unit:
Make flashcards (you can use them at end of year exams and actual GCSEs)
Make ALL your notes for that unit - never leave some of them for 'later'!
Practice, practice, practice - your teachers can give you practice questions, and there are loads online
End of year exams:
Make checklists of everything the exam is on, and check each topic off when you understand it.
Make a revision timetable, and be honest with how much you can humanly do.
Stay calm, and chat with your friends - they're also probably feeling nervous!
Slide 3: Staying Organised
Write down your assignments!
Half the time, the reason I was rushing to complete a piece of homework was because I hadn't written down the assignment details properly. If your school gives you a planner, use it! Write down the assignment, date due, and the details of what you actually have to do.
Have designated folders/books/binders for each subject.
For me, I wasn't going to go out and buy ten different ringbinders, so I have one for sciences, one for English, French, and Drama - you get the point. Just make it so you know where all your notes go.
Empty your bag!
This might sound unnecessary, but clean out your bag! By the end of the week, I have pens, sheets, and forms I need to fill, in all cluttering up the bottom of my bag, and it makes it so easy for things to get lost. So clean it out!
Slide 4: Apps + Websites I've used
Adapt - Makes a revision timetable and reminds you topics to look over each day!
Voice Recorder - I record myself speaking in French so that I can listen back and improve my accent.
Quizlet - I think most people know about this one - flashcards galore!
Physics and Maths Tutor - Literally a lifesaver. Notes, practice questions, flashcards, exam questions - and for so many subjects!
Save My Exams - Practice questions and notes! You have to pay for some of them, but I only use the free resources and they're great!
Slide 5: Final Tips (Almost There!)
Remember, this is the first time you've studied in this capacity - you might not have done certain subjects before, and there are certainly a lot of new things to get used to, so it's okay to take some time to adjust.
Bearing that in mind, it's really not as bad as you think it'll be, and there's no need to be too nervous! Just work hard, and try and enjoy what you're learning - you may be working towards the exams, but you can still take an interest in what you're studying!
3rd January - What is your aim for 2022?
J'espere que je serai plus heureusement et je sais que je travaillai très dur!
I hope that I will be happier and I know that I'll work very hard!
4th January - What is the most important thing that is going to happen to you this year?
Je ne sais pas...c'est une surprise! Je fini l'ecole secondaire cette année et je commence des A-levels - vraiment important!
I don't know...it's a surprise! I finish school this year and start A-levels - incredibly important!
Exams have started - 5 down and several more to go. It's definitely a learning experience, but I feel drained already! Think I need to work on better exam practice (like going to bed at a decent time, lol). No nice notes at the moment, only practice questions and fear. While I know the importance of exams and I enjoy showing off the hard work I've put in, I'll still be glad when they're over!
song of the post: Peachy, Bad Suns
(If you speak French and see any mistakes, feel free to correct me! I'm still learning but I'd love to improve!)
Exams are over!…and now there’s a month until I have to start studying for the next (and more important) set.
I had a bit of a break with studying Hindi, but now I’m back on track! The oblique case is killing me, but I’m slowly improving and I love seeing my progress!
20th December - What is your favourite and least favourite holiday/winter food?
Le chocolat! A Noel, on peut le manger tous les jours, et c'est tout a fait normal!
Chocolate! At Christmas, you can eat it everyday, and it's completely normal!
21st December - What was the most memorable holiday celebration you had at school?
Je ne sais pas. Franchement, je ne pense pas qu'il y a des fêtes a l'école! C'était très ennuyeux. D'habitude, le prof a acheté des biscuites, et nous avons regardé un film.
I don't know. Honestly, I don't think there were parties at school! It was very boring. Usually the teacher bought some biscuites and we watched a film.
Trying to take a break from studying by reading some vaguely academic books - except since I'm trying to crochet and read at the same time (page-turning is hard lol) there's not much reading actually going on. How are you doing?
song of this post: Crush, Tessa Violet
If you speak French and see any errors in my writing, please give feedback! I'm always wanting to improve :)
How's your day been, person reading this? I met up with a friend and had some really good watermelon - I'm not usually a fan of watermelon, but I had a good feeling about this particular one, and it was so sweet, I loved it! I'm going to be doing some Hindi practice this afternoon, so look out for some notes posted (maybe!). Hope everyone's having an amazing day, and sending hugs to all you lovelies! <3
Summer Studying Challenge:
21st July - What is an unpopular opinion that you have about summer?
Je ne pense que j'ai les opinions peu populaires - j'adore Choc Ices, et beaucoup des gens ne les aiment pas. Mais je ne sais pas pourquoi - ils sont délicieux!
I don't really think I have unpopular opinions - I love choc ices, which many people don't like them. But I don't know why - they're delicious!
22nd July - What does summer feel like where you live?
Froid! Quelquefois, il y a du soleil, mais d'habitude il fait froid et il pleut - j'habite en Angleterre! S'il fait chaud, je sorte, parce que j'adore le soleil.
Cold! Sometimes it's sunny, but usually it's cold and raining - I live in England! If it's hot, I go out, because I love the sun.
If you speak French, please tell me if you see any mistakes/improvements needed! Thank you for helping me improve <3 (I'm just tagging some French speaking blogs I know: @fluencylevelfrench @smallfrenchstudyblr @the-studying-european @aceilora - obviously no pressure!)
