Advice From Me to You

It can seem daunting when you begin your A Levels, but hearing from students who have already made the transition may help you realise that you are not on your own. 

Students who have been in your shoes have taken the time to record what they wish they could tell their 16-year-old selves as they began Year 12. 

Lauren said, "Be kind to yourself. Make sure you are keeping on top of your studies, but also know its ok to have fun, and if your day doesn't go as expected in your plan - tomorrow is a new day!"

Subjects - Psychology, Photography, Philosophy & Ethics

Mia said, "Have a go at anything, as in the long run nothing will be a waste of time. It’ll all give you amazing experiences and help you be more involved with others in your year group."

Subjects -  Biology, Chemistry, Further Maths

Harry said, "Make sure that your subject choices are the right choices for you, and then you will enjoy studying them."

Subjects - DT Product Design, Further Maths, Physics

Amelie said, "If you're planning to do Medicine, apply to do volunteering at a care home, or a hospital, (preferably a hospital)."

Subjects - Biology, Chemistry, Psychology

Josh said, "Use your time wisely but also enjoy Sixth Form and don’t be afraid to ask for help, even when other people aren’t. Listen to your gut, even when others say it’s easy, if it’s not easy, ask for help."

Subjects - Business Studies, Media Studies, Sociology

Tilly said, "It's so easy to think you've got loads of time to complete homework, but the step up in workload is huge from GCSE to A Level. Try to keep ahead of the game by completing assignments on time and it'll be a lot less stressful!"

Subjects - Music, Drama, English Language

Sam said, "Make sure you balance social life and school. Too much of either will not help (and by the end of Year 13, you will wish you had done more of the one you neglected)."

Subjects - Economics, Geography, Maths

Joe said, "Do revision throughout the year and always stay on top of your work."

Subjects - BTEC Sport, Business Studies, Psychology

Katy said, "Don't waste your free periods - they seem like fun at first, but if you just work in your frees then you won't have as much to do at home, meaning more spare time to do things you enjoy."

Subjects - Economics, History, Philosophy and Ethics

Nicholas said, "Don't stress too much about the difficulty spike from Year 11 to Year 12. If you leave some time for revision every now and again as you build up towards exams and use your time in school to get any work done, you will do just fine during your time in Sixth Form."

Subjects - Geography, French, Business

Emily said, "Make your revision notes as soon as you finish a topic. It will give you a lot more time in Year 13 to actually revise, rather than waste time making revision material."

Subjects - English Language, Business Studies, Media Studies