Seeking Help for Specific Subjects for GCSEs

Hi,

I’m Alix and it’s my mission to help as many of the next generation as possible to work in jobs that meet their passion and purpose, making them happy and fulfilled adults. Taking them by the hand to provide support with hints and tips along the way.

With no support myself as I faced my GCSEs, and no guidance on their importance, or how to attack them, I know that my life would have been very different if some kind of mentor had been around. Now I want to offer hints and tips on what to think about as you face these same challenges.

Be your ‘virtual mentor’ where I can help support you should you not have any.

GCSE exams…

GCSE exams are a crucial milestone in any student's educational journey.

The pressure to perform well can be overwhelming and seemingly come from all sides: schools; teachers; and, in some (hopefully rare) cases, parents.

Schools and teachers are under pressure to produce good results because they’re judged on them, with the possible knock-on effect of this pressure being passed on to their students. While being understandable, students need support, not more pressure.

It’s normal to struggle in certain subjects and seeking help and support is the sensible way for any pupil to overcome these challenges. It’s not failure not to know or understand something. Indeed, school is there to teach you.

Students have different ways of finding learning easier, be it reading or using visual demonstrations to name but two, the important thing is that it’s dealing with an obstacle and identifying the way to tackle it that’s crucial (a very valuable life-lesson).

In this article, we’ll explore effective strategies for getting that help, giving you the confidence to seek it so that you can excel.

Identify challenges…

The first step is to identify the subjects that challenge you.

Consider your strengths and weaknesses, review previous school reports and exam marks, your mock results, along with teacher feedback and identify the subjects that require more attention.

This self-assessment will enable you to focus your efforts and seek targeted support where necessary.

Utilise school resources…

Your school is a valuable source of support when it comes to getting help.

Take full advantage of the resources available, including teachers, tutors, the library, and study groups.

Talk to your friends, perhaps they’re having the same difficulties? If so, approach the subject teacher together for additional explanations and clarification on concepts you’re finding difficult to grasp. You may well find that the teacher asks the whole class if they’re struggling with the same concept and, if so, either review how it’s been taught and teach it a different way or hold a special class.

Many schools also offer extra after-school study sessions and revision classes coming up to GCSE exams to provide extra guidance. Use them. They’re there for you and can only help with your revision.

The time and effort you put into your GCSEs now will pay you back over and over in time and, remember, the school and teachers do want you to do well.

The internet…

The rise of online learning has revolutionised education.

Websites now offer a wide range of resources, including video lessons, interactive quizzes, and practice tests, all designed to support you.

Search for websites that provide comprehensive subject-specific content, allowing you to learn at your own pace and revisit challenging topics. You can watch and re-watch a video as many times as you like until the lightbulb moment when it clicks for you.

There are also numerous subject-specific apps and resources available that can help your GCSE studies. For example, in mathematics, search for apps that solve complex equations, firstly showing you how, then allowing you to practice. Check your work or ask a teacher to.

Subject-specific textbooks, revision guides and online forums can also provide additional support and practice opportunities.

Study groups and peer support…

Joining or forming a study group with classmates can be beneficial for tackling GCSE challenges.

Getting together with your peers, who are also studying the same subjects, can provide support - as long as they’re serious about studying and not going to distract you.

In study groups, you can discuss difficult concepts, share insights and engage in collaborative problem-solving. Where you understand a concept, explaining it to others can be a form of revision, backing up your own understanding and you could gain new perspectives on subjects when asked questions or you listen to others explaining concepts.

Private tutoring…

Private tutoring can be expensive but is an effective way to receive personalised attention and tailored instruction in specific subjects.

Although it costs, your parents may be able to hire a private tutor who can work with you one-on-one, identifying areas of weakness, providing targeted guidance and offering additional practice materials.

Again, perhaps a friend needs this too and both your parents could share hiring someone?

Tutoring can greatly boost your understanding, confidence, and performance as they explain concepts until you fully understand them.

One last thought…

If you find that you’re still struggling with a certain subject and cannot seem to overcome the challenges it presents, it may be possible to switch to another. But this isn’t a path to be taken lightly. Read my article ‘Switching GCSE subjects mid-course’ for considerations on this.

Conclusion…

GCSE exams can be challenging, but with the right support, you can navigate through the difficulties and achieve success.

By identifying any struggles, utilising school resources, engaging in study groups, making use of online internet resources, exploring subject-specific apps and considering private tutoring, you can effectively tackle GCSE challenges giving you the confidence you may need.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength and determination and it can make a real difference to your academic journey.

I’d love to hear how you’re getting on and, where possible, if we can help more.

Lastly, I wanted to both wish you luck and say that I know you can do it.

Success is within your grasp - good luck!