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I know for many of us this is such a confusing time, especially for students. A levels and GCSEs in general can be stressful and at the moment there is an added element of stress. Additionally, applying to or thinking about applying to medicine/dentistry is a challenge in itself.
Here is a miniseries of advice, tips, do’s and don’ts to help you get through and make this time a little easier. This is my own personal advice, somewhat based on my experience and research. (Do clarify any questions with your teachers)
Here’s some advice for Year 11’s.
Year 11 is an exciting and challenging year for many. It is the last year of secondary school and it seems like the end or an era! In year 11 you sit your GCSE exams; these will allow you to apply for and take certain subjects in sixth form/ college. Additionally, everything may seem a little more serious and a little stressful, especially at the moment. There is still some uncertainty about school opening (planned for the 8th March) and how GCSE examinations will go ahead, but here’s some advice and things you can do in the meantime.
You don't need to be sure on what you want to do!
In year 11 you do not need to have a clear decision on what you want to do post 18, there are so many options. From going straight into work, apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships, going to university or even taking a year or so out! But for those considering medicine or dentistry at university there are things you need to consider.
Some universities (this may need to checked depending on the institution) have specific GCSE grade requirement to study medicine/dentistry. It is not something you should fixate and worry about as long as you are doing the best you can.
Do continue to learn the GCSE content
DO continue learning the GSCE content as ‘usual’ to your best of your ability. If you are considering studying medicine or dentistry you need to take some specific A level subjects such as Chemistry and another Science subject such as Biology or Maths. (This may vary between universities, so check each institutions websites). I studied Chemistry, Biology and History for A levels so feel free to dm or email me if you have any questions surrounding these.
Having a complete understanding of these subjects at GCSE level will allow you progress onto year 12 as there are some key concepts in Chemistry for example, you need to understand to be able to do them at a level qualification. Follow along with any online lessons and teacher assignments you may still have. Looking through your specification can help you plan which areas of the course you have covered and are yet to cover. You can write a schedule of areas you wish to go over and learn whilst studying remotely. There are many resources out there to help you learn your content.
Keep organised
DO schedule your time to keep organised. There are plenty of online planner templates to help with this. This can help you keep on top of things, making you feel more relaxed.
Relax
DO take time out of your day to relax, whether this be cracking open a new book, delving into a new Netflix series or/and doing daily exercise. This can benefit your mental health.
Revision techniques
DO practice good revision techniques such as active recall and practice questions you can implement into your studies. The jump from GCSE's to A level is quite big, this can help the transition feel a little easier. You will use these revision techniques throughout the year and into year 12 to achieve your aspired grades.
Gain an insight into medicine/dentistry
If you are considering studying medicine or dentistry at university, you can look to gain an insight around these subject areas. This can include searching and reading research papers, articles or journals that relate to medicine/ any new areas of medical research that may interest you. Wider reading can be included in your personal statements in the future!
There are also many online events, live streams and talks for prospectus medical students/ applicants in year 10-12s that you could look for and attend, this can help you decide if you want to study medicine and help you gain insight into a career as a doctor. I will also be linking some upcoming opportunities on my Instagram highlights.
Don't be or feel the need to be productive all the time!
DON’T feel guilty for not being productive or working all the time. Looking and following productivity or ‘study’ pages can sometimes be off putting as there is often an unrealistic standard portrayed that you must be working all the time which is not the case.
Log your work in case you need to repeal any exam grades
DO log any work you do / evidence of work just in case you need to go through any appeal process of exam grades. This could be:
• Keeping a record of which lessons you have attended.
• A folder of exam papers you have done.
• File any mocks you have completed to mark your progression.
• Everything/ anything you have done to prove you deserve the grade you believe you should have received.
Don't fixate or stress out abound wanting to study medicine.
DON’T let Medicine consume you. By this I mean do not spend your time worrying about university and the course you want to study, although this impacts what subjects you may need to take for A levels, you may also change your mind further down the line. There are plenty of routes into medicine and dentistry so don’t worry about it too much. Trust in the process and believe in yourself, you have worked so hard already to get here. Enjoy the journey, this is only the start!