OK, we get it. The last thing you want to do now you’ve finally finished your GCSEs and put your flash cards away is think about more studying or hear anything to do with online tutors. However, the summer break will disappear in a flash, and you will be back to college or Sixth Form before you know it, starting your A Levels.
It is, of course, hugely tempting to spend the next couple of months relaxing, taking holidays, hanging out with friends, or working to boost your bank account. All of those things are important, and should take up some time of your time, but it’s also wise not to neglect your studies.
Whilst you may not be officially studying anything yet, the reality is you are about to make a huge transition. The step up from GCSE grade work to A Levels is a significant one and failing to do any preparation for it will make your life much harder once September rolls around.
So, what can you do to make sure you’re in the best possible position to commence your studies, and give yourself a head start?
One of the first things you should do is make sure you understand precisely what it is you’re going to be covering in your A Level course over the next two years. This is easy to find out – simply go on to the exam board’s website and look up your chosen subject. If you’re not sure which examining board you will be studying under, contact your college and they will be able to help. It’s important to make sure you have this information right, as some courses vary slightly.
From here, you will be able to obtain the full specification for your course. For example, a quick glance at the AQA A Level Mathematics specification shows you’ll be studying statistical sampling, forces and Newton’s Laws, integration and trigonometry (to name but a few).
Admittedly, looking at a list like this may either have you feeling excited to get started, or overwhelmed; but either way, it’s vital information. If you know what’s coming, you’re going to be in a better position to prepare for it, and ensure you’re ready to get started once lessons commence again.
Don’t hate us, we know you’ve just finished revising and you’re still riding that high from completing your last exam. It was only a couple of weeks ago and you are definitely not ready to consider going through it all over again. We get it, but hear us out.
Now you’re armed with the course specification for each of your A Level subjects you can get a feel for the topics that are perhaps a bit more daunting. If you’re about to embark on a Chemistry A Level, and you already know your physical chemistry knowledge is a bit shaky, this summer is a perfect chance to go over things like atomic structure, bonding or thermodynamics.
It’s important to remember here that you’re simply trying to brush up or enhance your knowledge. You don’t need to spend hours a day revising or cramming information into your already exhausted brain. Instead, you’re trying to ensure you either gain a better understanding of concepts you’ve struggled with previously, or you’re making sure you don’t forget information you’ve already learnt. You could think about A level chemistry tuition with one of our chemistry tutors to help you to both remember what you have learnt for GCSE Chemistry, and to be ready for A Level Chemistry as well.
That knowledge you have about acids and bases will still be there, but if you don’t access it for three months, it’s going to be harder to get hold of when classes start, and you need it again.
The step up from GCSE study to what’s expected at A Level is a significant one. No doubt your teachers will have done all they can to prepare you, but if you really want to get a feel for the difference, and start to learn how to navigate it confidently, consider hiring a tutor.
Not only would a personal online tutor be able to help you go over old topics, and focus your concentration on new concepts that will be coming your way, but they can support you with that change in teaching style.
It’s true you will be studying fewer subjects at A Level than you did in Years 10 and 11; however, the depth of course content is significantly greater, and the range of your understanding is expected to be wider. As a student, you will also be encouraged to think more for yourself, come up with more creative answers and think outside of the box.
For many students, this can feel like a huge challenge. If you are considering taking A Level Physics, for instance, then an online physics tutor could help you start to work through these focus areas. If you’re studying English Literature, your tutor will be able to set you work that will enhance your expressive writing skills. They could work with you on pre-1900 poetry to help build your analytical skills. Alternatively, if you’re struggling with biology, then an online biology tutor would help you with any difficulties that you’re having.
The biggest benefit of personal online biology tutors is that the work you engage with is tailored specifically to you, your needs, your aspirations, and your current skill set. The tutor is there to support you and help you achieve the grades that you desire. Their job is to work to your speed and ensure you have gained a strong knowledge of each topic before moving on to the next one.
Equally, online tutors are easy to engage with, all you need is access to the internet – which means you don’t have to worry about travelling to a particular class after a day at work. Just one hour a week would make a huge difference to your level of preparedness when it comes to starting your new course. In turn, this will increase your confidence and ensure you are starting from the best possible position to reach your academic goals for the future.
Here at Tutorspot, we have a wide selection of A Level tutors who can help you with your chosen subjects. Whether you’re looking for A Level physics tutors online or someone who offers online chemistry tuition, we will have someone who can help. To find out more about our UK Online Tutors simply contact us via info@tutorspot.co.uk, or give us a call on 01509 265623.
