Lockdown helped me get A*s, here's my tips

I started my GCSES in year 9 which was a slight shock.

I decided on Drama,Art,Geography and German along with the core subjects, the subject that really stuck out for me was Geography, my teacher was amazing and really motivated me ( which I know I was really fortunate to have) my first test came along,I felt really excited about this because it was my ‘chance to show what I’m made of’.

I got my results back 2 weeks later and got a 4( which is a low C). I was really upset but that test sparked something.

I set myself a challenge, I wanted to get a 6 in my GCSEs.

My third test came and I’d revised so hard. I did it I got a 6! My teacher called us up one by one to tell her our aspirational grade, she told us to ignore our target grades and focus on what we want, I told her I wanted an 8 in my GCSEs she was a little worried but told me to go for it.

Throughout year 9 & 10 my grades fluctuated sometimes I would get 4s sometimes 6s.

When lockdown came I promised myself to work my absolute sock off to achieve high and that is what I’ve been doing I have got 2 8s (A*) and a 9(A**)! I couldn’t believe it.

However the only reason I started achieving high was because I researched how to revise effectively, I found the Cornell note method which was amazing and really worked for me I also did past papers so I could get a feel for the questions and get to know know the structure of the exam.

If I could give you one piece of advice it would be to forget target grades set by the government, ignore your teachers targets and go for want you want just because your in a low set or have been targeted a 5 doesn’t mean you can’t get a 9. You're all amazing in your own ways and remember your grades don’t define you as a person.

Submitted by Izzy S