Tips for starting sixth form
Okay so I have survived my first year of A Levels and sixth form! These are the tips I would give to upcoming Year 11s. Enjoy :)
1) the step up
I’m not gonna lie - there is a big step up from GCSE to A Level, both in terms of the difficulty of what you are learning, and the workload you have to manage. But it’s not as bad as you might think, as long as you are prepared.
It’s very common for people to find that their grades slip in the first term, so don’t freak out if that happens! I got an E in one of my first Maths topic tests aha. Also, teachers are really understanding at the start of the year because they know people are adjusting, so they won’t get angry if you’re struggling. They’re really supportive and helpful.
2) organisation
Over the summer, make sure you get all the supplies you’ll need. I would suggest 2 options (but feel free to do whatever is best for you, whether it be one of these or not). Either:
write notes in exercise books and have a small folder for each subject (for handouts etc)
write notes on loose leaf paper, and then file them into arch lever folders
I chose the second option, but it really doesn’t matter what you do as long as you have a system.
VERY IMPORTANT: I recommend printing a copy of your specification to go in each subject folder. You need to be able to keep track of the content you are covering in lessons throughout the year, so I use it as a checklist to make sure I’ve covered everything.
3) notes
It took me a while to figure out what the best note-taking process was for me. I think the process I ended up with is great (even if sometimes I’m lazy and don’t stick to it):
STAGE 1: pre-reading
I don’t always have time for this stage because life can be hectic! But I’d really recommend reading the textbook pages and getting an overview of the topic before the lesson. It’s incredible what a difference it makes, and it means you can focus on trying to understand the more difficult concepts
STAGE 2: class notes
During the lesson I will take some rough notes in a notebook, just jotting down any key points that my teacher says. I don’t take them from the textbook because in my opinion that’s a waste of lesson time
STAGE 3: final rewritten notes
After the lesson, either during my free periods or at home, I will re-write my notes. I use a mixture of the following resources: my class notes, the textbook, revision guides, & any PowerPoint slides that are available. For bio & chem I will also often watch a YouTube video on the topic, usually from Khan Academy or E Rintoul.
[Of course, this is just my method of note-taking! Study in the way that is most effective for you.]
4) free periods
This year, about 1/3 of my timetable was made up of free periods, and next year it will be more as I’m dropping English Lit. It is absolutely vital that you make good use of this time. For each A Level subject, it is estimated that you should be doing 5 hours of independent study a week, and a lot of this you can do in your frees.
I’m not saying you can never have a chat with your friends during frees (I know I definitely do), but that should be the exception and not the norm. Make good habits from the start of the year, and be productive in your free periods. It doesn’t always have to be studying! Here are some suggestions of productive things to do in your free periods:
do your pre-reading, notes or homework
watch some academic YouTube videos
research university courses / apprenticeships
email professionals about potential work experience
book open days
read (around the subject or just for pleasure)
do some exercise (we have a leisure centre attached to our school so I sometimes go for a swim; some people I know go to the gym together)
5) revision
Start early by using spaced review. This means revisiting topics you have covered in lessons several times; re-writing your notes comes in handy here!
Secondly, take topic tests and mocks seriously. Revise for them properly and then when you come to actual exams, you will have already revised the content a few times over.
6) teachers
Talk to them!! They teach the subject because they love it - they’ll be happy to answer any questions you have, or explain things to you if you’re struggling. It’s not like GCSE where you can memorise a revision guide and get away with it - you really have to understand the content at A Level, and teachers are your best resource.
Show enthusiasm! You should (hopefully) be studying the subject because you like it, so don’t be afraid to show your interest. It will also make a really good impression to your teachers, who ultimately will be writing your reference & giving your predicted grades. Having a good attitude will go a long way; even if you mess up a few exams they will be more likely to view you favourably.
7) volunteering
At the start of the year, if your sixth form is anything like mine, you will be bombarded with opportunities to volunteer in school, e.g. mentoring younger students, becoming a prefect. It’s great to take up at least one of these activities and - more importantly - stick with it. It is commitment and dedication that will impress, rather than a massive range of things done half-heartedly.
For example, I’ve been volunteering at a care home for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia for nearly 2 years, something that when I’ve had interviews has been picked up on. But it’s not just about making you look good - I really think volunteering is rewarding and worthwhile. I know it’s definitely helped me grow as a person.
8) part-time jobs
I can totally understand why many sixth formers work part-time. The money is much needed, and it’s also great experience to put on your CV.
However, a line must be drawn when your job is affecting your studies. Most sixth forms will have a guideline, but in general I would say if your work is asking you to do more than 2-3 shifts a week on a regular basis, it’s too much.
Personally, I didn’t have a job this year, & I still found it hard at times to juggle everything with my A Levels. I’ve found a compromise this year, & I’ve just gotten a waitressing job with a zero hours contract. This is perfect for me as I can sign up for events as and when I feel I can do it.
Ultimately, it’s a very personal decision about how much you can manage. If you are considering applying to study a competitive course such as Medicine, that requires really high grades, it might be worth reading this by @dxmedstudent.
9) socialising
The most important thing with socialising is simply: know when to and when not to. It is absolutely fine to meet up with friends and go to parties - in fact, you definitely should do because it’s a great way to have fun and relieve stress (more on that later). But sometimes your studies have to come first. If your friend is having a party the night before a test, maybe reconsider.
Don’t let anyone pressure you, and make informed decisions for yourself.
10) stress relief
A Levels can be really stressful at times, and the absolute best thing you can do for yourself is talk to people: friends, family, or just writing in a journal - get it off your chest before it builds up and causes you anxiety.
Do extra-curriculars like music or sports, because sometimes you need a distraction to take your mind off school. I play the piano, and recently stopped doing grades as it was causing me unnecessary stress. Now I play for pleasure and relaxation, and I love it so much. Also, READ! Reading is the single best way to get lost in another world and relax (in my opinion at least).
Post-18 pathways
start thinking and researching your options early
if you want to do an apprenticeship, applications open all throughout the year, so be looking out for them!
tell people what you’re interested in (e.g. head of sixth form, your tutor, careers adviser). The school / college get sent promotions for loads of different courses and summer schools etc so if they know you want to do x, they can tell you about any opportunities that come up
Super-curricular activities
These are the sort of things you want to be writing about in your personal statement. They are evidence of your academic interests, and dedication to the subject you want to study. Here are some examples:
reading beyond the A Level syllabus (I recently read this one on medical ethics)
listening to podcasts (‘inside the ethics committee’ is one I’ve been listening to that was recommended by @muststudy)
following accounts on twitter
joining school societies / clubs that are relevant to your subject
getting some work experience!!
Side note: another thing that looks really great is applying for senior roles in school. I’ve just been appointed deputy head girl on the senior leadership team, and I’m going to include it in my personal statement.
I hope this has been useful! I’ve also done some posts on my A Level subjects (except Biology, but the advice in Chemistry is pretty much the same):
Chemistry
Maths
English Literature
