How to Prepare for A-Levels After IGCSE
The transition from IGCSEs to A-Levels is a significant step in a student's academic journey, but it can be tricky at times. This blog post will detail essential ways to help a student deal with the transition between IGCSEs and A-Levels, including tips on study skills, stress management, and how to seek help when needed.
Understand the Differences Between IGCSEs and A-Levels
It’s vitally important for students to understand the main differences between IGCSEs and A-Levels. Firstly, and most obviously, for their IGCSEs, students typically take between 9-11 subjects, with the minimum being 7. This differs from the A-Levels, in which only 3-4 subjects are studied, albeit at a far greater depth than at IGCSE level.
Yet, in our experience, the biggest difference between IGCSEs and A-Levels goes beyond the content of the chosen courses. Instead, the biggest difference lies in the independent learning required at A-Level, with it requiring students to develop self-study and research skills. At IGCSE level, most teachers are able to spoon-feed the information to students; if you take good enough notes, and have consistent study habits, you are likely to perform well. However, A-Levels demand students to develop their own research, and come to independent conclusions. Without a doubt, this is the most significant difference between IGCSEs and A-Levels.
Choose the Right A-Level Subjects
The first step to effective A-Level preparation is to make sure you are happy with your subject choices. After all, you will be studying your A-Levels for two years. First, consult with teachers, advisors and parents. These adult figures have gone through this process, or similar ones, before, and they can help you narrow down your options.
Mostly, it’s important to bear in mind that your A-Level subject choices should be aligned with your future ambitions. Many post-secondary school courses, including university, have specific subject requirements, so make sure to check them before finalising your choices.
Finally, if you are still unsure about your A-Level subjects, make sure that you are playing to both your strengths and your interests. It is likely that you have preferred subjects, and these are probably the ones you perform the best in. These subjects are always solid candidates for A-Level options.
Develop Effective Study Habits
When transitioning between IGCSEs and A-Levels, students should take a look at their study habits. As outlined earlier, these are essential for success at A-Level. First of all, create a study schedule that will include time allotted for homework completion, as well as relaxation. Remember that this should be sustainable throughout the A-Level course, not just in the first week.
Next, make sure that you’re familiar with active learning techniques, like summarising information, and teaching others to check their knowledge. A good way to practise this is through joining study groups.
Finally, make a list of key resources that you can use throughout your A-Levels, including textbooks that you will rely on, as well as online materials like the subject specification and links to past paper websites.
Manage Stress and Maintain Well-being
Many students find the transition from IGCSEs to A-Levels difficult in more ways than one. Be sure that you’re using proper self-care to help manage stress and maintain your well-being. This might include mindfulness exercises, and making sure you get in the sleep you need.
It’s also important to note that you can always seek support from teachers, family and counsellors. If you feel overwhelmed by the move from IGCSEs to A-Levels, or you are having any difficulties, reach out early, and you’ll be helped.
Another way to manage stress is to make sure that you are balancing the academic rigour of A-Levels with extracurricular activities that, while contributing to your university application profile, are still fun and a chance to unwind. This will help make sure that your A-Level experience is well-rounded and fulfilling.
Prepare for A-Level Exams
Throughout your A-Levels, it’s important to bear in mind that you will eventually have to take exams. Just like with IGCSEs, these exams are inevitable. That’s why it’s important to prepare effectively. Use the two year A-Level course to devise effective revision strategies, including a mix of active and passive learning techniques.
Make sure that you remain aware of time management. There’s no point learning how to write a perfect history essay if you can’t replicate it in the allotted time, after all. Practice doing work to time at intervals throughout the A-Level course to make sure that you are prepared for that additional bit of pressure.
In fact, use the mock exams that you will sit throughout your A-Level course as an opportunity to test this. Mocks are a great way to assess what you know, and areas of focus for your revision. Preparing thoroughly for mock exams will only benefit you in the long run.
Reflect on Your Progress
As an A-Level student, you are expected to be more mature in your attitude towards learning, and that includes improving your capacity for self-reflection. Take time every so often to reflect on your progress, including setting goals that are realistic, concrete and achievable. For example, “complete these three biology worksheets by next Tuesday” is an achievable goal in comparison to “move from a 3 to a 9” which is vague.
If you find that a particular strategy isn’t working for you as you progress through your A-Levels, try adjusting it. It may be that you need to change up your study method, or need a new perspective on a particular topic. Being flexible and willing to change is an important part of A-Level study.
Prepare for A-Levels with BartyED
The transition from IGCSEs to A-Levels can be daunting, but there’s plenty of support available. From helping you to develop your study strategies, to well-being tips and working on course content, the A-Level Tutors at BartyED have a plethora of experience in guiding A-Level students to success.
If you or your child are looking for help with preparing to move from IGCSEs to A-Levels, reach out to BartyED today via email (enquiries@bartyed.com) or phone (+852 2882 1017) to find out more.
Frequently Asked Questions
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In terms of the depth of knowledge and that students must show greater self motivation, yes, the A-Levels could be considered more difficult. However, if you prepare well in your IGCSE-years, developing positive study habits and good exam technique, this will make the experience of sitting the A-Levels that bit easier
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No, universities have no preference towards IGCSE or GCSE. Both qualifications are equally weighted and accepted worldwide by all tertiary institutions.
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Success at IGCSE level is important as it is here that students develop the key revision and examination skills that they need to achieve at A-Level. However, insofar as results are concerned, what a student produces at A-Level has far more bearing on their university applications than IGCSE results.
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Most schools require students to pass at least English and Mathematics in order to progress to studying A-Levels. A ‘standard pass’ in both subjects at IGCSE is a C, or a 4 in the new grading system.