How To Improve Your A Levels – The Ultimate A Level Study Tips Guide
A Levels are a challenging yet rewarding journey; these exams demand a different level of focus and skill when it comes to studying. We know the pressure can be intense, so let’s look at some strategies that will help you take control of your studies, manage your time effectively and maintain a healthy balance.
1. Refining A Level Study Techniques
A Levels demand a deep understanding of your subject matter, and the ability to think critically. It’s time to refine your study techniques to meet these demands. Begin with active engagement in your subjects; this means going beyond reading to questioning, debating, and discussing material. We have a great guide on “A Level Set Texts: Going Beyond the Curriculum to Reach the Top Marks” (Humanities focus) for tips on how to extend your preparation beyond the syllabus to achieve the highest grades.
When it comes to note-taking, try to be consistent with your approach so that your notes are easy to review and organise. Be selective with what you take down in class, then expand on your notes afterwards using further detail from your textbooks or revision guides. When reviewing your notes, don’t simply read through them; transform them into mind maps or try teaching the material to someone else, so you’re actively engaging with the content.
U2 Tuition Tip: Schedule weekly review sessions for each subject where you summarise your notes, identify areas of confusion, and clarify them. This consolidates your learning and prepares you for deeper understanding.
We have a great blog on A Level revision techniques you can also check out here.
2. Mastering Content: Stay Ahead Throughout the Year
Maintaining a strong grasp on your work in each subject throughout the year is crucial. Create a personalised study schedule that allocates time for each subject regularly. Utilise resources such as:
Textbooks and Reference Materials: Choose textbooks recommended by your teachers or ones that align with your curriculum. Make notes as you read to reinforce understanding.
Online Learning Platforms: Explore educational websites like Khan Academy, Coursera, or BBC Bitesize for supplementary materials and interactive lessons.
Tutoring Sessions: Seek clarification from your teachers or consider tutoring services like U2 Tuition for personalised assistance.
Knowing your syllabus inside out is essential: Here are some tips to help!
Syllabus Review: Regularly review the syllabus to ensure you're aware of every learning objective.
Self-Assessment: Periodically test your understanding of each objective. Use resources like revision quizzes or self-assessment tools provided by your teachers.
3. Strategic A-Level Exam Planning: Know Your Endgame Early
Lots of students don’t consider the papers they will be tasked with in their A-Level exams until they are coming up to the real thing. However, understanding the structure of your exams is vital. Gather information on:
Exam Papers: Obtain copies of past papers and mark schemes from your teachers or online platforms.
Exam Specifications: Review exam board specifications to understand the depth and breadth of each subject.
Study Guides: Invest in subject-specific study guides or revision books that break down complex topics and provide practice questions.
4. Mastering A Level Exam Technique
A Level exams test not just your knowledge but also your ability to apply it. Familiarise yourself with the specific criteria for high marks in your exam subjects and, for essay-based subjects, practise writing answer outlines for past paper questions to improve your ability to construct coherent and comprehensive arguments under time pressure.
You can also make use of mark schemes from past papers to self-assess your work (usually available alongside past papers on exam board websites).
Mark Scheme Analysis: Regularly review mark schemes to identify common patterns and key points.
Exam Review Sessions: Attend exam review sessions organised by your teachers. Discuss specific examples from past papers and mark schemes.
Peer Discussions: Engage in discussions with classmates to gain different perspectives on interpreting mark schemes.
U2 Tuition Tip: Past Year Papers Are Gold
Delve into past year papers for targeted preparation. You can access past papers on exam board websites or other reputable online platforms. Seek guidance from your teachers on which past papers are most relevant and beneficial for your preparation.
Regularly time yourself when answering past paper questions to develop your ability to gauge the depth of answer needed within the time restraints. This will help stop you running out of time in the real exam (or rushing unnecessarily).
3. Leveraging Digital Tools and Other Resources
Maximise your revision efficiency with digital tools designed for advanced study. Platforms like Anki for sophisticated flashcards, or subject-specific resources like Chemguide or Physics Classroom, can provide in-depth explanations and interactive problems. Ask your teachers or tutors what they’d recommend.
You can also embrace project management tools like Trello or Asana to keep track of assignments, deadlines, and revision tasks. These can help you stay organised and prioritise your workload effectively.
Efficient use of textbooks can also significantly enhance your understanding:
Pre-Class Reading: Before attending lessons, you could even preview the upcoming material in your textbook. This primes your mind for the concepts to be covered.
Note-Taking Techniques: Develop a note-taking system that works for you, summarising key points and examples from your readings.
U2 Tuition Tip: Make smart use of a digital calendar – add reminders for your study schedule, assignment due dates, and exam dates to keep on top of your A Level workload.
If you work with one of U2 Tuition’s A-Level tutors, they can support you with scheduling, revision plans etc. too, giving you less to think about!
4. Well-being and Academic Balance
When studying for your A Levels, the pressure can sometimes be overwhelming, so it’s important to balance your academic studies with self-care. Engaging in regular physical activity has been proven to enhance cognitive function and mental health. Mindfulness or meditation can also be valuable tools for managing stress and maintaining your focus.
Remember to socialise too and spend time on hobbies – this can help you keep hold of a sense of normalcy and reduce the risk of burnout.
U2 Tuition Tip: Don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep! If you aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night (especially during heavy revision periods) you’ll be much better off when it comes to memory consolidation and overall well-being.
5. Mock Exams: A Dress Rehearsal for Success
Many students don’t prepare adequately for mock A-Level exams. However, they are great for ensuring you have consolidated your notes and helping you understand what you need to do to improve your A-Level results further before the real thing. Make the most of your mock exams for effective preparation:
Past Papers: Use a variety of past papers to simulate exam conditions. Online platforms and exam board websites are excellent sources.
Time Management: Practise time management during mock exams. Set strict time limits to simulate real exam conditions.
Feedback Analysis: Review feedback provided by teachers on your mock exams. Identify areas for improvement and focus on them in your revision.
6. Being Proactive in Seeking Help
One of the hallmarks of a mature student is recognising when to ask for help – and there’s no shame in doing so. Whether it’s clarifying a confusing concept with a teacher or discussing complex theories with classmates, seeking help can provide new insights and deepen your understanding.
Consider forming or joining a study group for each of your subjects. The collaborative environment can be valuable to learning as well as providing moral support. Take advantage of ‘office hours’ or scheduled sessions with your teachers where available. This one-on-one time gives you the chance to address specific challenges you may be facing.
U2 Tuition Tip: If you’re struggling to find one-on-one time with your teachers, take advantage of an Oxbridge-educated tutor from U2 Tuition and get focused feedback, fast. Tailored tutoring at A Level can be particularly impactful - our tutors will help you consolidate tricky areas, hone exam technique and ensure your notes are top-notch for revision. We have A-Level tutors in all subjects!
Book a free consultation today to find out more about our Oxbridge-educated tutors and see how a tutor could help you unlock your full potential and achieve your best results.
A Levels are a defining stage in your academic journey, setting you up for university applications and beyond. The strategies outlined here will help you take control of your studies, manage your time effectively, and maintain a healthy balance. Head to our A Level Tutors page for more study resources or get in touch to find out more about what we offer.
