The Insider’s Guide to Top Grades: Exam Tips from a 30-Year Expert
Exams don't have to be stressful when you approach them with a winning strategy. With over 30 years of experience coaching students from around the globe to academic success, I've seen that the highest achievers aren't just the smartest—they are the most strategic.
These are the non-negotiable exam tips and techniques I share with every student aiming for A* grades in their A-Level, IGCSE, or IB exams.
1. The Strategy of Starting Early
The single best antidote to exam anxiety is a structured study plan. Don't wait for stress to force you to study.
- Divide and Conquer: Break your syllabus into manageable, weekly chunks starting months ahead of time.
- The Power of Consistency: Daily effort, even small (e.g., 30 minutes of IAL Maths practice), is far more effective than an all-night cramming session.
2. Practice Papers: The Ultimate Exam Simulator
Treat past papers not as practice, but as simulated exams. The goal is familiarity with the format, timing, and question style of exam boards like Edexcel, Cambridge, and AQA.
- Religious Practice: Complete papers under strict timed conditions. This is the only way to build speed and reduce panic.
- Targeted Review: After grading yourself (using the mark scheme), pinpoint areas where you lost marks. Was it content knowledge or technique? Focus your next revision block there.
3. Master Command Words and Show Your Work
Examiners grade based on specific criteria. You must speak their language.
- Deconstruct the Question: Understand what a command word demands: "Explain" requires reasons; "Evaluate" requires a judgment supported by pros and cons.
- Partial Marks Count: Never leave a question blank, especially in subjects like Physics. Even if you can't find the final answer, showing your initial working or relevant formulas can secure valuable partial marks.
4. Time Management: The Non-Negotiable Exam Skill
Running out of time is the easiest way to lose grades you deserve.
- Allocate Minutes: Immediately calculate the time available per mark and stick to it. If a 10-mark question should take 12 minutes, move on promptly when the time is up.
- Review Reserve: Always aim to finish the entire paper with at least 5 minutes left to review any skipped questions, fix obvious errors, or check your working.
5. Look After the Machine
Your brain is your most powerful exam tool, and it requires maintenance.
- The Night Before: Get a full night's sleep. Cramming sacrifices memory consolidation for fleeting knowledge.
- Fuel Your Success: Stay hydrated and maintain good nutrition. Exercise and short, mindful breaks are essential for improving focus, concentration, and active recall.
Your success is a product of preparation and strategy. If you need a tailored plan that integrates these techniques for your next exam, reach out.