How to Go From ‘Eh’ to A Like a Pro!


Ever wonder what it takes to score straight A*s at IGCSE? At Maple Leaf Kingsley International School, students excel academically by taking full advantage of the IGCSE A Levels Programme and its well-rounded approach to education. Through a mix of structured guidance, student-driven strategies, and ongoing support, Kingsley empowers students to achieve their academic goals. In this guide, we’ll explore perspectives from top-performing students like Jaewon, alongside key strategies for success.

Understanding the IGCSE A Levels Programme

The IGCSE A Levels Programme at Kingsley provides a comprehensive and balanced learning experience. It prepares students for higher education while fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management skills. Jaewon, one of Kingsley’s accomplished A-Level students, shares his experience:

“Further Mathematics quickly became my favourite subject because of the intellectual challenge it posed. Unlike other subjects, such as Mathematics, Chemistry, or Physics, which rely heavily on memorisation, Further Mathematics demanded a deeper understanding of concepts. Solving complex problems brought immense satisfaction and allowed me to stretch my academic abilities.”

The programme’s structured curriculum gives students the tools to succeed, ensuring they are equipped to pursue their dreams, whether in science, arts or beyond.

A pair of lab partners diligently read through the instructions provided by the school before their experiment.
The chemists are going ‘full metal’. But first, let’s follow the instructions!

How to Get Straight A*s for IGCSE

Scoring straight A*s is not just about intelligence; it’s about cultivating the right habits and strategies. Consistency, time management, and self-discipline are at the heart of success. For Jaewon, a focused and consistent study approach was key:

“I planned to study every day unless something urgent came up. On school days, I would come home and study until bedtime, with occasional breaks to avoid burnout. Maintaining consistent momentum is crucial to reducing stress, especially before exams.”

Kingsley’s structured environment supports such consistency, helping students avoid last-minute cramming and burnout while achieving their desired results.

Mentorship and the Role of Teachers

The mentor-mentee programme at Kingsley is a cornerstone of academic success. It provides personalised support, helping students stay on track with their studies and personal growth. For Jaewon, the mentorship and teaching quality made a remarkable difference:

“Throughout my A-Levels, my Chemistry teacher, Ms. Gladys, was exceptional. Her ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and structured way made learning easier. Her well-selected practice materials allowed me to excel by following her step-by-step guidance.”

Teachers like Ms. Gladys exemplify how Kingsley’s mentorship nurtures student potential, helping them achieve beyond expectations.

Making a scientific discovery is better when you have an expert right beside you!

The Power of the Mentor-Mentee Programme

At Kingsley, the mentor-mentee programme is tailored to meet each student’s needs. Students receive guidance on study methods, goal-setting, and even personal well-being. Jaewon credits this supportive environment as a key to his success:

“Kingsley’s well-organised study curriculum, structured by talented teachers, provided a clear path for me to follow. This support allowed me to achieve my target of four As while mastering advanced German, despite the challenges.”

This kind of encouragement enables students to stay motivated and focused, driving them to achieve their personal goals.

Kingsley INVESTS in our educators! We are regularly trained on Multiple Intelligences and other courses.

Multiple Intelligences Approach in IGCSE

Kingsley’s adoption of the Multiple Intelligences Approach ensures that all students can excel, regardless of their learning style. Whether through linguistic, logical, or visual-spatial intelligence, students engage fully with the curriculum and discover their strengths.

This inclusive approach enhances engagement and academic performance, providing students with opportunities to grow in various areas of intelligence.

Visual learning aids are implemented in the Multiple Intelligence course using jigsaw puzzles.
Learning materials don’t only apply to our students, teachers need them too!

Personal Study Plans

One of the secrets to success is having a well-structured personal study plan. For Jaewon, consistency and regular evaluation were essential:

“It’s important to regularly assess your study progress and methods. Too often, students focus on solving as many questions as possible but neglect to understand and correct their mistakes. I recommend keeping a notebook or file for each subject where you record all the questions you got wrong. Reviewing these regularly can help secure extra marks in exams.”

Top-performing students at Kingsley dedicate 2-3 hours a day to focused study, breaking it into manageable sessions to avoid burnout.

Pure focus in action!

Tips for IGCSE A Level Success

From Jaewon’s perspective, achieving top results comes down to diligence, practical strategies, and consistency:

  1. Start Early: Don’t wait until exam season to begin preparing.
  2. Stay Organised: Keep track of deadlines and create a realistic study plan.
  3. Learn From Mistakes: Focus on correcting misunderstandings rather than repeating questions without reflection.
  4. Take Breaks: Rest is vital to prevent burnout and maintain focus.
  5. Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to approach teachers and mentors for support.
Proud parents and teachers celebrate the graduation ceremony of the hardworking A-level students of class 2024.
Congratulations, class of 2024!

Setting and Achieving Goals

Setting clear goals and staying motivated is key to achieving success. For Jaewon, aiming for four A*s while pursuing German required confidence and careful planning:

“At the start of my A-Level course, I planned to study Computer Science or Engineering in Germany. Despite being told that achieving 4 As and mastering German would be difficult, I believed in my ability to do so. That confidence, paired with Kingsley’s structured support, allowed me to achieve my goals.”

Kingsley encourages students to set ambitious yet achievable targets, providing the resources and mentorship to help them succeed.

Conclusion

Achieving great results in the IGCSE A Levels Programme is possible with the right mindset, habits, and support. Jaewon’s story highlights the importance of consistency, strong mentorship, and a well-rounded study approach. With Kingsley’s personalised guidance, innovative learning methods, and holistic PSHE curriculum, students are empowered to overcome challenges and achieve their academic goals. Remember, the journey to success begins with a single step—so start today!

FAQ

  1. How can I stay consistent with my study routine?
    1. Break your study time into small, manageable sessions and stick to a daily timetable.
  2. Do I need a mentor to achieve straight A*s?
    1. While it’s possible to succeed without a mentor, many students find that the mentor-mentee programme provides invaluable support.
  3. How can I balance studies with extracurriculars?
    1. Create a balanced schedule that allows time for both academic and personal activities, and stick to it.
  4. What if I don’t meet my target results?
    1. Don’t be discouraged! Reflect on your performance, adjust your study plan, and aim to improve in the next round.
  5. How does Kingsley support student success in IGCSE?
    1. Kingsley offers a wide range of support services, from the mentor-mentee programme to diverse teaching methods under the Multiple Intelligences Approach, ensuring every student has the tools to succeed.