With the Mock A-level Biology Examinations almost upon us, it’s time to take exam preparation seriously.

Make sure your revision is ACTIVE:

• Never just read-write down key words or create a flashcard as you read
• Try to summarise using bullet points, don’t write out full sentences
• Highlighting is great as long as you are connecting areas of your course by using a mindmap for example
• Use colour-don’t rely on black; allow words to stand out
• Practice applying the theory the examination questions

Don’t panic – mocks are a trial run before your real A-levels in May. This is the time to identify your weaknesses and work to improve them. 

Be honest with yourself and ensure you prepare well-it will make the hurdle in May more achievable. 

Prepare a revision timetable but don’t spend longer on this than the revision itself, making it pretty!! Focus on what lies ahead and try to stick to your plan.

Speak to your teachers believe it or not they have been in your shoes and can offer valuable guidance. 

Attend lunchtime and after school revision sessions; at the end of the day it’s your future not your best friends. If you are determined to achieve you have to be firm with your commitment to revision. 

The mock A-level Biology exam

• Ensure you know which areas are being examined.
• Do you know how long the examination is?
• What is the structure of the exam paper? Is it Paper 3 with an essay at the end; if so manage your time effectively, think about how to tackle the paper, may be do the essay first? 
• Do you struggle with the 10% of maths questions? If so, leave them until last and come back to them. Valuable time can be wasted trying to access maths questions. Don’t forget your calculator.
• Read the questions carefully. A-level Biology has a synoptic aspect and questions will link different areas of the specification together. The stem of the question will guide you to the correct areas.
• If the question asks for evidence or states using the graph/data-then do just that; quote figures to back up your statements. It’s a simple way to access more marks. 
• Don’t use abbreviations such as SAN-show your knowledge and write out the full name Sino-atrial Node.
• Use the number of marks allocated as a guide-if there are 3 marks, ensure you state 3 facts.

At the end of the day, all you can do is your best. 

Don’t live with regrets; aim to reach your full potential. 

Please don’t be left thinking ‘What if…..’  or ‘If only I had…..’.

Nicky Tweedle, 14/10/2019