Private tuition should be done regularly over a substantial period of time for it to have an impact, especially if you need to cover multiple subjects and curriculums during lesson time. This means that if you start private tuition a couple of weeks before your GCSEs, you should not expect it to have much of an impact on your grades. The earlier you start, the better! In general, at the beginning of the year in September is a good time to start, to make sure the tutor can cover all the topics with you and prepare you properly for your GCSEs.
Which subjects do GCSE students need help with
Although the subjects for which students require private tuition vary greatly from student to student, there are some subjects, like maths and science, that many students struggle with. Here are some of the common types of GCSE tutors:
- Maths and physics tutors: Maths and physics are some of the harder subjects students have to take at GCSE, which is why there are many tutors that offer tuition for both subjects.
- Chemistry tutors: Chemistry is another subject that many students struggle with, as they are required to carry out formulas and memorise a vast number of scientific facts.
- Biology tutors: This is another subject that is heavy on the memorisation of scientific facts. A biology tutor can not only tailor the lessons to your exam board and curriculum, but also help you understand difficult concepts and teach you memorisation techniques.
- Science tutors: For those students who are not taking biology, physics and chemistry separately, or wish to have one science tutor to cover all three subjects,
- Language tutors: Many students are required to take a language at GCSE like French, Spanish or German which is difficult for students who struggle with the pronunciation, grammar and memorisation of vocabulary. Having a native tutor in the subject allows students to practise their speaking skills and can provide students with motivation to learn the language.
Exam and study tips for passing GCSEs
Exam time is a very stressful time for students which is why we want to provide you with some studying tips and advice for taking exams.
- Take notes: It’s important not to leave things to the last minute, which is why taking high-quality notes throughout the year is extremely important. This way, when it comes to your GCSEs, you will already have your notes ready and can start revising straight away.
- Identify your learning style: It’s important to know which study techniques work for you so that you can revise efficiently and effectively. Figure out whether you are a visual, auditory, kinesthetic or reading/writing learner and use the relevant study techniques. If you have a private tutor, your tutor can help you identify what works best for you.
- Create a timetable: Creating a revision timetable can help make sure that you make time to study all the material before an exam without having to cram it all in three days before your GCSEs.
- Take breaks: Revising for hours without taking any breaks or taking one big break after 1 or 2 hours is not effective. The best way to study is to take regular short breaks. The pomodoro technique, for example, advises students to set a 25-minute timer and work on a particular task or topic, when the timer is up you can take a 5 minute break. Every four breaks take a longer 15-30 minute break. Alternate between active breaks where you move around and static ones where you can use your phone.
Online lessons for GCSE
Online tuition for GCSE is becoming increasingly popular among students and parents alike. With the convenience and flexibility of online lessons with GCSE tutors, students can receive personalised instruction from expert tutors without leaving their homes. This is especially beneficial for GCSE students who may have a busy schedule or live in remote areas where access to quality tutoring is limited. Online lessons allow students to study at their own pace and focus on the areas they need the most help with.
