HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY TRANSITION FROM YEAR 11 TO YEAR 12

The most common challenge experienced by A-level students is the culture shock of the intensity of work.

Students who easily scored A* for their IGCSEs now score Us (ungraded) in year 12. It is quite a shocking and demoralizing to most students, that some students start switching and dropping their subjects.

Here are a few tips on transitioning successfully to A-levels.

1. Plan ahead

As soon as students complete IGCSEs, they forget that A-levels are to begin in a few months. Most students don’t think about academics between June and July. They only begin to panic in mid-August when their IGCSEs results are out. This is the time they begin to think about their A –level subject selection. The best strategy is to start planning early. As soon as you finish IGCSEs, start thinking and researching on your career which determine your A-level subject selection. Seek to understand what is expected of you as a student. This way, you will be better mentally prepared as you begin A-levels.

2. Improve on your Study Skills

Most O-level students wait until last minute to start preparing for their IGCSEs. In fact, in my 13 years of tutoring students, I have noted that a majority of students start revising sometime in late February after their mock exams results. Given the predictability of the IGCSEs exams, students pass the IGCSE exams after a 2-month intensive revision program. Unfortunately, a majority of A-level students carry this strategy into year 12. Given the bulk and intense coursework in AS & A-level, students are required to start revision from day one of year 12. All concepts built-up onto previously learnt concepts.

3. No drilling or cramming

A-level students are required to understand concepts rather than cram. They are expected to use these concepts in university and in their careers. The concepts learnt in A-level are likened to climbing a tree. You cannot climb a tree from the top. The first bottom step determines the next upward step.

4. Seek help from a knowledgeable tutor.

Students are encouraged to see help from an experienced tutor as early as possible. This means that the tutor understands A-level concepts and what is expected of the students. At Raena Learning, all our teachers are regularly trained to understand the different curricula and expectations of students.We hire specialised subject tutors to ensure that a teacher focuses on their subject. Call/email us for consultation or to know more about our tutoring services on 0721 794 005 / info@raenalearning.org