IGCSE ENGLISH REVISION TIPS

With exams around the corner, you’ve probably already started revising, but by now your revision should start picking up. If you struggle with motivation, something that could really help you is creating a revision timetable. Set our certain hours of the day to revise different subjects; remembering to refer to your exam timetable so that you prioritise the exams you will sit first. In preparation for your English exams, we’ve created a list of tasks and exercises you could complete to thoroughly prepare you.

1.       Have a go at past papers- head to the Edexcel website  (http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-international-gcses-and-edexcel-certificates/international-gcse-english-language-a-2011.coursematerials.html#filterQuery=category:Pearson-UK:Category%2FExam-materials), and you’ll find past papers that you can browse and attempt on your own. Some of these are specifically locked for teachers, but many can be accessed by anyone.  Attempt whole papers, or just the questions you struggle with. You’ll then be able to look at the mark scheme and so how well you did.

2.       If you’ve exhausted the past papers, try creating your own writing questions. Remember that you could be tested on writing to: inform, explain or describe in Paper One, and explore, imagine, entertain, argue, persuade or advise in Paper 2. Ask your friends or family for a topic you could argue an opinion about, or a situation you could advise on.

3.       Make a list of different literary techniques you could use- not only will it improve your exam if you are able to identify techniques such as metaphors and personification, but you’ll also need to apply them in your written exam. Write a list of effective examples of different literary techniques. Remember that examiners are looking for students who stand out from the crowd for those top grades, so try to think of examples a little bit outside the box.

4.       Look on YouTube- you’d be surprised how many students and teachers add revision material to YouTube. Whether you’re looking to revise an individual poem or looking for tips on how to write a strong argument, this is a great place to start.

5.       Re-read the texts- if you start to become tired practising exam questions and making notes, and would like something a bit more relaxing to do, try simply re-reading chapters of your key texts. Have a pen and notebook handy so that you can jot down any quotations or ideas that spring to mind. Reading things like newspapers and magazines can also help prepare you for the creative writing part of your exam.

6.       Head to BBC Bitesize- from specific revision tips to general advice about writing styles and genres, BBC Bitesize has lots of interactive resources including videos, quizzes and self-mark questions.

7.       Redecorate your room- So I’m not suggesting that you should repaint the walls with quotations from Shakespeare, but you’ll find it easier to take information in if you see it everyday. Write key quotations, effective vocabulary or even definitions of key terms around your bedroom, or even around the house. Simply walking past these sheets of paper everyday will help you absorb the information.

8.       Ask people to test you- create thematic flashcards, and then ask a sibling, parent or friend to test you to see what you’ve learned. You’ll also find lots of quizzes on the internet if you’d rather just test yourself.

Remember, it’s important to balance out revision and your free time. Spending hours and hours shut in your room revising non-stop isn’t healthy. Timetable yourself free time so that you can have dinner with your parents, see you friends or simply watch television. Do your best and I’m sure all your hard work will pay off!

This blog post was written by Lucy Taylor (IGCSE English tutor at Blackhen Education). For more information about our IGCSE English course, please contact us at: sue@blackheneducation.com or via our website: www.blackheneducation.com

Applying to University

Applying to University in the UK

The prospect of going to open days and picking courses for your higher education is exciting and fun. However, the prospect of having to write your personal statement and fill out the rest of your UCAS application can be very daunting. Having been through the process myself whilst completing my Economics and Sociology Baccalaureate via CNED homeschooling, I am now studying American Studies at the University of Kent in Canterbury.

Here are some of my top tips to help you out:

1) Firstly, start thinking about it early, choosing a university and course which suits you can take some time - as can the application process. Avoid unnecessary stress and start planning ahead. Universities host open days throughout the year, but you can tie in visits with your usual trips to the UK by contacting the university's admissions office to arrange a tour on another day. UCAS applications open mid-September in the year before you want to start your course.

2) If the university you are interested in doesn't list the qualification your are studying towards on their grade requirement list, contact them! They're always happy to help and will also be able to explain language requirements for the course: some universities require all non-UK educated applicants to sit an English language proficiency test*, whilst others will simply specify a minimum grade for the English exam you sit as part of your baccalaureate for example.

3) Follow UCAS on social media, they're on Facebook and Twitter. They have a great social media team who will reply to you using those platforms, which can help avoid an expensive international phone call! They also remind you of important deadlines which is really useful. The same applies for following universities on social media, it's a great way to get a feel for the lifestyle the university offers.

4) Prepare a strong personal statement. It's harder for applicants who aren't going to a traditional college because we don't get the same kind of help from careers advisers, etc. Make sure you mention language skills and how great you are at working independently having acquired qualifications via distance learning - it's a great asset that admission tutors love!

5) And just keep in mind when filling out your application that it'll be worth it and Uni life is just around the corner!

This post was written by our guest blogger, India Bottomley, who has lived in France and is now in her 2nd year at the University of Kent.


* UCAS state that students will require one of the following as proof of English proficiency:

1) Edexcel IGCSE English Language

2) Cambridge IGCSE English Language

3) International Baccalaureate

Details of our online Edexcel IGCSE English Language & English Literature courses can be found on our website: www.blackheneducation.com