So, you’re starting Sixth Form?
Starting Sixth form can be a really daunting and exciting experience. I asked you all on Instagram to send in whatever questions you wanted to be answered about starting Sixth form. You guys definitely came through, so I’m going to be answering 14 burning questions about starting Sixth form!
By the end of this post, you will feel more prepared, and confident. Also feeling ready to start sixth form and take this new challenge by storm!
What’s more, is next week I will be posting Part II of this blog! You sent in so many questions that I couldn’t answer them all on one post!
If I don’t get round to your question today, sign up to be notified when part II is released!
So let’s dive into the questions:
Can you treat A levels like a 9-6 ( productive) job and still do well?
Absolutely! I am a firm believer that if you work hard during the day and put in some extra work, you can really achieve in Sixth Form.
It does depend on which subjects you take, some require extensive work outside of class and others do not. I am only giving a general perspective.
That said, I cannot stress enough how if this strategy is to work, you need to use your free periods.
By using them, I mean solid work without distractions.
AS I touched on in my managing a busy life blog I had an incredibly busy year 12. I had almost no time to work outside of the hours from 7 am to 4 pm.
I managed to make this work and got decent grades in my mocks, but I put in a lot of effort in using my free time and small bits of dead time effectivley.
That said, I spent a lot of my frees doing nothing. This is bound to happen so it is important that you are prepared to work at home too.
Towards the end of year 12 and in year 13, you will need to do more work than just your free periods. Although, in general working hard in lessons and your frees, and 1-2 hours outside of school is more than plenty.
Here is a similar question…
If you work super hard during the week is it really true that you can have weekends off?
Similar to above, it all depends on the workload of your subject! For me ( chemistry, biology and psychology) I almost always had most of my weekends off.
But wait there! I could have probably done better in my mocks ( I got ABB) if I spent more time revising. I did feel that I wasn’t doing enough work most of the time.
That said, I didn’t work super hard during the week, so anything is possible!
My best advice is as long as you are comfortable with the work you have done and where you are with yur progress,then take time off as needed. 🙂
Im going to answer a couple of subject specific questions now, read this if you are a:
Medical/dentistry/vet applicant
Taking chemsitry, biology or psychology.
If this isnt you, feel free to skip past this!
Did you take maths alongside biology and chemistry? Is maths advantageous?
This is a huge misconception that comes up every single year!
I take Chemistry and Biology and Psychology and I have never wished that I did Maths as well. Personally, I don’t take Maths at A level. I could have done but decided not to. Here is why:
If you are applying to Medicine, there is absolutely no advantage in taking Maths. Nearly all universities ( besides Oxbridge) have no interest in whether you take Maths or not.
Here is what Cambridge and Oxford say. They are the only exceptions I am aware of that see Maths as advantageous
Most Universities actually like to see that you can do something a bit different sometimes!
These are the reasons you shoud take maths:
- If you enjoy Maths
- If you are good at Maths ( and enjoy Maths)
- You have thought out reasons for applying to Oxbridge, and are set on it. (This is very likely to change.)
A levels Maths is notoriously hard, there is no point putting yourself through that stress if you don’t even like it.
The maths within Chemistry and Biology is pretty simple.
You may be quicker at it if you are naturally good at Maths, but I think A level Maths will only provide a small amount of help with this.
If you have the grades to take Chemistry, you probably already know all the Maths skills you will need.
If you enjoy Maths, go for it! If not then honestly do not worry about it. Your application, nor your grades will suffer because of it.
What additional reading have you found helpful when Starting Sixth Form?
I am probably not the best person to ask abut this, as subject wise I haven’t done much extra reading…
Although, I have attended various talks and done courses that have linked to my subjects and have sparked my interest! I would definitely recommend this if you have time.
I attended a few UCL taster lectures that loosely related to my subjects, allowing me to make links.
I also really liked the edX course on: “Bioethics: The Law, Medicine, and Ethics of Reproductive Technologies and Genetics”
As I get into Year 13 exams, I will update this section if I find anything else!
Okay! Back to the main questions 🙂
What helped you with the transition from GCSE to A level?
During summer, there is not actually too much I would recommend you do to prepare.
I completed all the bridging tasks, which ended up being pretty useless anyway hahah. ( You should still do them though!)
That was about it, I didn’t btoher revisiting GCSE content, as they will track you brand new content that may even contradict with GCSE!
However if this would make you feel more comfortable, then go ahead and do this for a great starting place!
My biggest advice, wuld be to allow yourself time! Whether you got 9s at GCSE or not, it is unlikely that you will start year 12 and get AAA straight away.
Whilst transitioning, just remember to keep asking questions if you’re confused. Don’t worry about looking like the “ silly one.”
I wish I had swallowed my pride and asked questions and really understood things.
Make sure you have a little look at exam questions from fairly early on too, this is one of the big differences between the two.
A level exams need you to be way more specific and good at making links between things.
Is it advantageous to have a laptop whilst studying in Sixth form?
Before I start on this important question, I have more information about which laptop I personally use and recommend here
Personally, I think that having a laptop has allowed me a lot more independence during Sixth form. I literally do all my work and research here, it’s kind of laughable the amount that I use this thing!
I don’t bring it to school as we have computers in the library. However, If your sixth form doesn’t have many computers, having a laptop will be invaluable!
I use my laptop for everything, I have an Acer Chromebook and although it had a couple of differences to a normal laptop I would say it is a very good choice for this stage of education.
If you live in a house with lots of people, sharing a laptop may become stressful if you have a lot of work to be getting on with.
Especially during Lockdown, I don’t know what I would have done without it! With the future unknown, it would be very useful to have your own computer.
I understand this is not viable for everyone but if you can afford one, I would highly recommend getting a laptop for Sixth form.
Again, have a whole heap of information about the best laptop that I would recommend for the sixth form here. I only ever recommend things I personally pay for, use and love!
My current laptop is absolutely perfect for Sixth form, regarding price range and functionality. If you are in the market for one definitely check it out!
What are the different note-taking styles?
This is something very personal to everyone. I was very very confused about note taking last September!
I often heard my teachers tell me to “make revision notes” and to “ review my notes and add to my notes.” This used to confuse the heck out of me because I didn’t understand what I could possibly add to my class notes!
What they were trying to encourage was to go away and revise the content. You can do this however you like!
For me, I don’t take notes in any fancy way. Although, I am happy to make a blog post about how I make notes later on in the year. Do get in touch if this would interest you!
I like to take notes from the textbook on the learning objectives in a neat way, very minimal. I then make additional notes in class, anything that bulks out/adds context to the textbook.
Then I will turn those notes into some sort of revision resource!
When just starting out at Sixth Form, don’t be scared to try some different methods and find what is right for you!
How can I make the most of the opportunities without taking on too much?!
This is a brilliant question! One which I will answer in an upcoming post!
Just because everyone else does it, it doesnt mean you need to.
For me, I weighed up lots of different opportunities and made sure I had support from the Doctors at Medic Mentor, who helped me ensure I was picking the right opportunities.
Everything looks good when starting of Sixth Form! Make sure you pick whatever is going to provide the most long term benefit and is most directly related to your goals.
One of everything is a good motto:
One volunteering, one conference, one/ two societies per term is plenty!
What’s the best way to handle new work and relearning older content from year 12?
This one’s for my classmates going into Year 13, but if you are just starting Sixth Form listen out too as this will be so relevant later on.
I would just say make sure you keep a planner with all your new work that you have to do and organise it based on urgency.
This is all new to me so I can only speak based on experience! I love using active recall from mindmaps and using online software like Seneca and Snaprevise.
I swear by these for keeping the basic information fresh in your head, in quick revision sessions.
Just try to stay organised and on top of everything, you will be okay!
Wil online work be optional instead of face to face interaction in college due to COVID?
This year has been insane, so this is a very valid question…
Here is what the Sixth form colleges association say about the matter.
This is definitely a really worrying time for some people and I can understand that starting Sixth Form is daunting now more than ever. Things will be different, but I assure you that your schools will try their best to make you feel comfortable!
I would therefore reinforce how much I recommend having your own computer/ laptop for working during sixth-form. Should a second wave occur, I know that having a laptop of my own will be my lifeline.
(UPDATE: my college are continuing with online lessons! Laptop definitely needed.)
If you are interested in a laptop, once again please check out my resources page! I would love to point you towards my honest, tried and tested recommendations.
So let’s wrap up!
Wow! This has been a mammoth blog post, Thank you so much for submitting all your questions about starting Sixth form, I have loved answering them all!
Remember that this new season should be exciting, and to not take yourself too seriously from the get-go! Keep organised and disciplined and you will be completely fine!
Please do sign up to my email list for updates and extra tips and tricks, I never spam and only send really useful content!
Remember there will be a part II following next week with more important questions answered!
Also, remember to follow me on Instagram for twice-weekly posts on interesting medical and academic topics!
Thanks for reading, I hope it has been really helpful! Please do leave a comment below if you have any more questions or comments I would love to chat!
- Zoe xxx