It happens to the best of us. Dipped grades – then BOOM, your confidence plummets too.
So disappointing, of course. But remember: it’s just temporary. Let’s instead think about the long game – not get flustered by occasional hiccups.
So before we start, give yourself a massive thumbs up for trying your best. Let’s now crack on with some helpful strategies to inspire you to success.
Learn from failure
You have to get things wrong before getting things right. Human beings are cut out for it.
Remember falling off your bike as a kid? You just got right back on again, didn’t you?
A dip in grades is the same. Be proactive. Ask your teacher to explain what you could do better. Don’t wait for end-of-term reports.
Bullet-point those suggestions on a revision plan, then make it your mission to work on them.
Be honest with yourself too. What brick walls did you hit in that assessment? What did you waste too much time on?
Adapt your study style to reverse low grades
GCSE students regularly tell us that they don’t know why they keep doing badly in tests, especially when they think they revised.
While we empathise, it’s true to say that many students don’t study effectively. For starters, you shouldn’t be spending hours at a time in your bedroom trying to revise.
Instead, aim to do targeted revision. For the subjects you’re struggling with, whittle down your tasks to specific study areas or skills.
Focus on those first!
Follow the science
Reading endless textbook chapters, but it’s just not going in?
Studies have shown that spreading out revision in short intense bursts is more effective than marathon cramming sessions.
If you space things out and do a spot of retrieval practice instead, you’ll improve your memory no end.
Put yourself on the spot. What do you recall from that chapter, text (theme) or topic? Make a mind-map, create some flashcards, have an online meet-up with a mate to quiz each other.
Remember: when you revise anything, don’t tick it off the list just yet. Come back to it. Test yourself a few days later… Don’t worry if you don’t recall everything. That’s pretty standard too.
Stick with it! Little (15 to 30 minute sessions) and often is the best strategy.
Need to boost your grades fast?
Carry on with everything we’ve suggested, but you might need booster sessions if you want to restore those target grades in a jiffy.
Intervention lessons with a private tutor can turn your fortunes around.
When 100% of the lesson is focused on improving your knowledge, technique and performance, you can build those grades up straightaway.
Though we’re based across Manchester and Cheshire, we can work with students wherever you are.
Get in touch with our dream tutor team here at 121 Home Tutors.
Tags: Confidence, gcse grades, intervention, reports, revision plan, target grades