Transitioning from IGCSE to AS/A Level

by Ilinca Birsan, Year

12

Most students currently studying at IGCSE level have little to no knowledge of the difficulty in transitioning into sixth form. I have just started the AS course myself, and having just finished my first set of mock exams, I have come to a few realisations that I would like to share with younger students curious about the challenges ahead. I thought that the best way of giving some insights into life as a student in the sixth form would be to interview one of my colleagues, Ana Mihaescu.

An Interview with Ana Mihaescu (Year 12)

Q: Hi Ana! Before we get started, can you tell everyone a bit about yourself and what you’re planning to study in the future?

Ana: Hi everyone! I would like to start by saying I am by nature a very lively and sociable person, and believe that throughout my years in IBSB these qualities have developed more and more. After taking psychology in the GCSE programme, I realised that I’m really interested in this subject, so decided to take it as one of my subjects for AS. I’m really looking to studying criminal psychology at university, believing that my GCSE and A level courses will help me a lot, especially in my first year at uni.

Q: What made you decide on your 4 AS level subjects? Is there anything you would change?

Ana: Knowing that I want to do Psychology at university, I was able to look a number of universities for their requirements. I’m currently studying History, Psychology, English Literature, and Biology for AS this year, and I honestly believe that they are the perfect mix of subjects for what I want to do in the future. I picked biology and psychology as my main mandatory subjects to help me apply for uni, and picked the other two because they are subjects that interested me throughout the IGCSE course, and still do. I wouldn’t say I’d change any of them, especially since I’m still not sure about which one to drop for my final year of A level either.

Q: Would you say the teachers have a different attitude compared to how they treat you in IGCSE?

Ana: I really do believe that teachers have changed the way they act with us, in a positive way. We are clearly being treated as more mature teenagers; we are given much more freedom and are expected to be more independent as learners, whilst also being taught what is required. Our teachers have some expectations of us that they expect us to achieve, which is perfectly understandable.

Q: Are you coping with the workload? How has it changed from IGCSE?

Ana: At the beginning of the year I was honestly a little overwhelmed with the workload, as it was unexpectedly more than I would think for only 4 subjects. I think that as the year has passed, we have learned how to cope with the amount of work being given and how to effectively use our study periods. In the end, I have figured out how to manage my time well to not feel as stressed, however, it did take some time to get used to.

Q: Has the transition from IGCSE to 6th form affected your mental health in any way?

Ana: I wouldn’t say that my state of mental state has changed drastically in any way, as I was considered to be mature from a younger age. However, it is true that moving to the sixth form really does promote the idea of independence and maturity, so I believe that students should try and learn to work independently from GCSE, as it is a pretty drastic difference between the two programmes.

Q: Are there any tips you would like to give to students who will join 6th form next year?

Ana: Honestly, I really would have wanted someone to assure the ‘IGCSE me’ that it is important to study a lot for the subjects you want to take, in order to have a good base of knowledge before taking the A Level course. I take a mix of both essay and science based subjects, and I do have to say that the science based ones are (until now) a lot harder than the others, but that should not demotivate you. Think a lot about the subjects you want to take, and make sure those subjects will help you for the future. Also, don’t tend to try and take subjects that your friends pick, if you do not think it will help you.

I would like to thank Ana for agreeing to share some information on her experience so far in the AS course, and I hope it helped younger students get a better understanding of it.

Steps to manage the transition from IGCSE to AS/A level

1) Prioritise your wellbeing

Most students will encounter additional pressure and anxieties, at least initially, with the changes in academic preparation and commitment needed for the AS level courses. Schools can help students overcome these problems by integrating wellbeing courses as part of the school curriculum, helping them maintain a balance between personal life and schoolwork, as well as teaching them coping mechanisms when dealing with stress.

2) Be Organised

As AS/A level courses are designed to prepare you for life in university, you’re expected to take full responsibility for your learning. Consistently turning up on time, fully engaging in lessons, and contributing your thoughts and ideas are some of the things you should be doing if you’re intending to get good grades in Years 12 and 13. Things like a homework diary may be useful when keeping track of deadlines, as well as a studying timetable where you can organise your study periods to avoid procrastination.

3) Ask for Support

Whether it is from classmates or teachers, getting feedback or asking questions will help you solve problems more efficiently. Identifying strengths and weaknesses in your work can help you set targets for yourself, as to how you can improve in the future. Sorting out problems regarding difficulties in understanding as soon as possible will help you save time and stress, as well as help you get better marks as you go through the syllabus.

4)

Exercise

Constantly training your brain is important when it comes to memorising large amounts of information. Therefore, answering and marking practice questions in your free time will help you recognise how good exam answers are structured and help you improve your way of approaching them. Physical exercise is also important, as it’s a good way of relaxing and clearing your mind. Extracurricular sports or activities can also strengthen your CV and personal statement.

5) Get Enough Rest

The workload you get for the four subjects you study in AS is the equivalent, if not more, than the workload you get for the 6-8 subjects you study at IGCSE. Getting enough rest outside school is vital when balancing your workload. It has been proven that students who are tired struggle to understand/absorb information and concentrate in school, and being that time management is important you really do need to be at your most alert in lessons.