How to Achieve A* Grades in Your A-Levels

Achieving an A* grade at A-Level is a significant academic milestone that requires dedication, effective study strategies, and a focus on exam technique. The key to success lies in understanding the subject material deeply, practising regularly, and refining your approach to exams. This guide will help you develop a structured revision plan, provide practical tips on mastering content, and offer strategies to improve your exam performance.

You can find detailed guides for each A-Level subject area below:

How to Achieve an A* in A-Level Biology

How to Achieve an A* in A-Level Business

How to Achieve an A* in A-Level Chemistry

How to Achieve an A* in A-Level Computer Science

How to Achieve an A* in A-Level Drama and Theatre

How to Achieve an A* in A-Level English Language

How to Achieve an A* in A-Level English Literature

How to Achieve an A* in A-Level Geography

How to Achieve an A* in A-Level History

How to Achieve an A* in A-Level Law

How to Achieve an A* in A-Level Maths

How to Achieve an A* in A-Level Media Studies

How to Achieve an A* in A-Level PE

How to Achieve an A* in A-Level Physics

How to Achieve an A* in A-Level Politics

How to Achieve an A* in A-Level Psychology

How to Achieve an A* in A-Level RS

How to Achieve an A* in A-Level Sociology

Understand the Specification

Before you start revising, it’s vital to have a clear understanding of the syllabus for each subject. The exam boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, etc.) provide detailed specifications that outline the topics you will be assessed on, as well as the assessment objectives and exam structure.

Key Steps:

• Review the specification: Go through the specification for each subject to ensure you know exactly what’s required for the exams.
• Identify key topics: Make a list of all the topics in the specification. This will be your roadmap for revision.
• Understand the assessment objectives: These are the skills you will be assessed on, such as knowledge and understanding, analysis, and evaluation.

Create a Detailed Revision Plan

An organised and focused revision timetable is crucial for maximising your chances of achieving A* grades. Procrastination and cramming at the last minute are not effective strategies, so a consistent and well-structured revision timetable will help you stay on track. Revision World has a free revision timetable and study planner.

Key Steps:

• Break down the syllabus: Divide your revision plan into manageable chunks. Focus on one or two topics per day, depending on how much time you have.
• Prioritise: Spend more time on the subjects or topics you find difficult, but ensure you revise all topics to avoid any surprises in the exam.
• Set realistic goals: Aim to achieve specific objectives each day. For example, you might want to master a particular topic, or complete a set of practice questions.
• Use the Pomodoro technique: Study in focused intervals (e.g., 25 minutes of study, followed by a 5-minute break). This helps maintain concentration and prevents burnout.
• Plan for revision breaks: Don’t forget to take regular breaks to refresh your mind. A break every 45 minutes to an hour can help maintain your focus.

Use Active Revision Techniques

Active revision techniques are more effective than passive revision (e.g., just reading through notes). Active revision involves engaging with the material in a deeper way, which helps improve long-term retention and understanding.

Key Active Revision Techniques:

• Mind Mapping: Create mind maps for each topic to visually organise the information. This helps you see connections between different concepts and aids memory retention.
• Flashcards: Use flashcards for quick recall of key facts, terms, and formulas. 
• Practice Questions: Regularly complete past exam papers and practice questions. This is one of the most effective ways to familiarise yourself with the exam format and types of questions you’ll encounter. Revision World carries all the A-Level exam past papers for the most commonly studied courses.
• Teach Someone Else: Explaining concepts to someone else (or even to yourself) helps reinforce your understanding and highlights any gaps in your knowledge.
• Active Recall: Instead of passively reading through your notes, test yourself on the material. For example, close your book and try to recall what you just studied.

Master Exam Technique

Knowing the subject material is crucial, but your ability to apply it effectively in the exam is just as important. The ability to write clear, structured, and concise answers is key to scoring highly.

Key Exam Techniques:

• Understand the Command Words: Exam questions use specific command words (e.g., "evaluate", "compare", "describe", "analyse"). Understanding what each command word requires is vital to structuring your answer correctly.
  • Evaluate: Assess both sides of an argument, considering strengths and weaknesses.
  • Analyse: Break down the topic into its components and explain how they work together.
  • Explain: Provide clear reasons or examples to support your answer.
• Plan Your Answers: In subjects that require extended answers (e.g., essays), always take a few minutes to plan before you begin writing. Outline the key points you want to make and ensure you address all parts of the question.
• Write Clearly and Concisely: Avoid long-winded answers. Stick to the key points and ensure your response is organised logically.
• Use Examples and Case Studies: Where applicable, use specific examples to support your arguments. For example, if you're writing an essay in history, refer to key events and figures.
• Check Your Time: Keep an eye on the clock during exams to ensure you allocate enough time to answer all questions. Don’t spend too long on any one question.
• Practice Under Timed Conditions: To simulate exam conditions, regularly practice answering questions under timed conditions. This will help you improve your time management and exam stamina.

Develop a Strong Understanding of Key Topics

For each subject, ensure you have a deep understanding of key topics and concepts. Don’t just memorise facts, make sure you can apply this knowledge to different situations and questions.

Key Steps:

• Use a variety of resources: Textbooks, online resources (e.g., Revision World, Revision Science and Revision Maths, YouTube tutorials,), and study guides can all provide valuable explanations and examples.
• Break down complex topics: If you encounter a difficult topic, break it down into smaller sections and tackle it step-by-step. Seek help from teachers, tutors, or classmates if necessary.
• Make summary notes: Write concise summary notes or bullet points for each topic. This will help reinforce key concepts and create quick revision sheets for the final stages of your revision.
• Stay updated: For subjects like economics, politics, or current affairs, ensure you’re up-to-date with recent developments. Use newspapers, online articles, or podcasts to stay informed.

Take Care of Your Well-Being

Achieving top grades requires mental and physical well-being. Ensure you prioritise self-care during your revision period to maintain focus and avoid burnout.

Key Well-Being Tips:

• Sleep: Ensure you get adequate sleep, aim for 7-9 hours per night. Lack of sleep can negatively affect concentration, memory, and overall performance.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity helps reduce stress and improve focus. Even a short walk or a 20-minute workout can be beneficial.
• Eat Well: Maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients. Foods like fish, nuts, fruits, and vegetables are known to support brain function and energy levels.
• Relaxation: Take regular breaks to unwind. Practices like mindfulness, yoga, or simply spending time with friends can help relieve stress.
• Stay Positive: A positive mindset can help reduce anxiety and keep you motivated. Focus on your progress, not your setbacks.

Stay Organised

Staying organised can reduce stress and make your revision process more efficient. Keeping your study space tidy and planning ahead will help you stay on track.

Key Organisation Tips:

• Keep a study schedule: Stick to your revision timetable and check off tasks as you complete them. This will help you stay motivated.
• Organise your notes: Keep your notes organised by subject and topic, either digitally or in physical folders. Colour-code or use tabs to make key areas easy to locate.
• Use a revision checklist: A checklist for each subject will help you track your progress and ensure you’ve covered everything before the exams.

Practice Past Papers

One of the most effective ways to prepare for exams is by practising past papers. This helps you familiarise yourself with the format, timing, and types of questions likely to appear.

Key Steps:

• Complete past exam papers: Try to do this under timed conditions to simulate the actual exam environment.
• Review your answers: After completing past papers, carefully mark your answers. Identify any mistakes or areas where you could improve.
• Use mark schemes: Compare your answers to the official mark schemes. This will help you understand what examiners are looking for.

Stay Consistent and Keep Motivated

Achieving an A* requires sustained effort over time. Motivation can fluctuate, but consistency is key.

Key Tips:

• Set small, achievable goals: Break down your revision into small, manageable tasks. This will help you stay focused and motivated.
• Reward yourself: After completing a revision session or a difficult task, reward yourself with something small (e.g., a break, a snack, or an episode of your favourite TV show).
• Stay focused on the bigger picture: Remember why you’re working hard, whether it’s for university, future career goals, or personal achievement.