Are you in year 9 or 10, or even in year 8 preparing yourself for the IGCSE exams? If you’ve been struggling with choosing subjects, understanding the program, or want some advice on studying from those who’ve already passed them… then this blog is for you!
Honestly, we get it. The exams sound terrifying especially when the word IGCSEs has been thrown at your face for the past year(s). Let’s break down the process. That way, you don’t stress and you get real advice from people who’ve been through it.
- Picking your subjects
When it’s time to choose your subjects, everyone suddenly starts talking about your future or university path. Your friends, your parents, your teachers, your brother’s stuffed animal…
But you have to remember, you’re the only person that really knows what works best for you.
- Pick subjects that you’re actually good at, not just because your friends are choosing them.
- Don’t choose something because it “sounds easy”. Nothing is easy.
- Think long-term: Does this subject help with your future goals? Does it align with your interests and possible university choices?
- Note: Those who choose to do all three sciences in the IGCSE have less regrets in the IB or in the future. This is in case you change your mind about your interests. Leave room for opportunities, not a strict path.
- Understanding the system
IGCSE is definitely not just about memorizing the book and the questions, or losing sleep and crying right before the exams. The whole point is to teach you how to critically think, analyse, and apply ideas. And trust us, it is way more useful than it sounds.
Secret Formula:
Pay attention in class + Ask questions + Revise consistently = Actual progress.
- Study tips for you!
Make a timetable: That’s all you hear, right? It may work for some, but I know that for others that isn’t the case.
The key is:
- Past papers = your best friend. They’re all the practice you need besides classwork.
- Short study sessions > all nighters. Sleep is crucial to retaining the information and actually understanding. Plus, remember, your mental health still matters.
- Explain concepts out loud or to others. If you can’t explain it, you don’t understand it. How do you think teachers know the stuff they explain to you?
- Take. Those. Breaks. But take them before you burn out, not after. This helps stimulate your brain. And that pomodoro technique? Works.
If you just laugh and get distracted while studying with your friends, then avoid it. You have time to gossip and mess around after you study.
