I've just started my A levels. I'm doing 5 subjects (Law, History, English Lit & Lang & Psychology and a Maths GCSE retake) I'm also working Tuesday nights 7:30-11:45pm and Saturday afternoons 3-7pm. I'm struggling to cope with all the work, I'm hardly getting any sleep and i've been very tired and feeling unwell a lot lately. My form tutor hasn't given me much advice i was just wondering if anyone out there could advise me on what to do. I don't ever get to go out with friends it's all work and trying to get a bit of sleep whenever i can.
TIA
2006-09-21 05:54:52 · 17 answers · asked by tward1989 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Other - Education
how come you taking so many classes? That already is a hand full. Plus you're working/ I assuming you attending Britisch school system? Do you don't have parents that could help you with expenses? Than you could concentrate completly on studying. My advice get rid off some classes. Too much stress and little sleep can make you ill.
Also don't you have student loans, and government loans avaiable in Britain like we do have here in the USA?
Wish you good luck. Hope this helps a little. I once was there my self. Never over took a class load more than 13 credit hours was all I was able to handle.
2006-09-21 05:58:37 · answer #1 · answered by angelikabertrand64 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There's a lot of good advice in the other answers on here, but as I've been where you are now, I thought I'd repeat some of the best tips!
1. Definitely think about dropping one of your subjects. I studied English Literature, History and French at A level, so I know how much these subjects require of you in terms of reading, writing and lesson preparation. Are you studying Law with a view to studying it at university? If so, definitely think about dropping Law! It sounds strange, but I studied Law at university, and was told by many lecturers that they actually prefer students NOT to take Law at A level. The A level course is too simplistic, does not go into enough detail, and means that A level Law students are not at an advantage on a Law degree - they basically have to forget everything A level taught them and relearn from scratch anyway! You're still studying 3 good, academic A levels, which will not hinder you in applying for a Law degree.
2. I would also follow the advice others have given you to think about quitting your job, or at least cutting your hours down to maybe one day a week. If money is a problem for you, have you checked to see if you are eligible for the Educational Maintenance Allowance? You could receive £30 a week plus bonuses (check out the link below for details). I know money is important, but as someone else here said, A levels are in many ways more intensive than degree courses, so you really need to prioritise your studies at this point.
3. Having said that, you also need to put aside time for yourself, whether that's by seeing friends, going shopping or just reading a book for pleasure. Make sure you give yourself at least one evening a week off - you'll find it difficult to cope otherwise.
Good luck - it can be done! And if nothing else, remind yourself of all the fun you'll have at university!
2006-09-21 06:19:18 · answer #2 · answered by queenofbob 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I studied A Levels (maths, applied maths, physics, psychology, critical thinking) and yeah, they are tough. Infact, I'd say the intensity of the work you do at A Level is much more than degree level.
Anyway, my advice, drop a subject. Quite simply it will free up a lot of time. Also, let your tutor know you're struggling and why.
Don't forget also, some people simply aren't cut out for A Levels, ask yourself if you really need them, if not, it may be better to try a different approach, modern apprentice etc.
If you're looking to go to Uni, most Uni's only requre 3 A Levels, so if all else fails, drop back to your best three.
2006-09-21 05:59:08 · answer #3 · answered by sly` 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A Levels are really hard its jaw dropping that you are doing 5 most college's and 6th forms usually only let you take 3. Since you are taking separate English Language and Literature, is there a course which joins the both of them into one? Maybe you should find out it may not cover as much when you study then together but you'll still get a chance to study both in one A Level altogether.
For the others maybe you should consider dropping maybe one that you find least interesting if you don't want to it up to you. But its really hard to do 5 at once they are really hard and you are struggling to keep up with all of them and you're young you need your social life too!
2006-09-21 06:10:33 · answer #4 · answered by bluestar 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you don't get enough sleep you won't be able to do anything. Burn the midnight oil and you won't wake up bright eyed and bushy tailed in the morning.
You also need to get out the house and disconnect from your studies from time to time. This way your mental batteries can recharge and you can put in some quality study time.
Studying for hours on end does nobody any good. Why do you think athletes pay so much attention to warming up, warming down and rest in their approach to physical fitness?
Our brains also need this approach if they are to function best.
Another question. Why do you think classes (In most cases) last for a maximum of 90 minutes? This is the length of time anybody can concentrate effectively. Beyond that and anything taught goes in one ear and out the other.
Studying is similar. When I was cramming for my finals at university, I broke my study periods down into periods of time. I would read or study my chosen subject for about 45 minutes. I would then close my book, file etc and mull over what I had read, sometimes making notes on those things I hadn't fully understood or needed clarification. Then, after say 10-15 minutes I would go back to the passage and clear up my doubts.
Once I had everything clear, I would stop, have a cup of coffee, watch a bit of t.v. or read the paper for half an hour.
After the break I would be ready to go back and study something not related to the previous subject. A good analogy of this is weight training. People who work out, work on various muscle groups in any one session. Over work your legs, for example, and you could easily pull a muscle. Over work your brain in one area only leads to confusing the brain with too much information. Spread the workload out and you'll find that learning becomes a lot easier. It worked for me. I managed to get a 2:1 B.A. (hons) and I'm no Einstein. Good luck.
2006-09-21 11:19:25 · answer #5 · answered by markspanishfly 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I tried to juggle a job and A-levels at the same time, and it resulted in me getting a D in my mocks. I dropped it, worked hard for the remainder of the year and came out with 3 A's. So I recommend that you give up your job. I know you might need the money, but in the long run your education matters the most and that's what's going to get you a well-paid job in the future.
With regards to the social side of things, it is important to get out now and then so try to set aside some time to go out with your friends. It will help you relax and that in turn will help you sleep.
If you are not sleeping well, this will affect your health, but if you are always feeling down you might need to take vitamins.
the number 1 rule is to take time to relax and do what you enjoy. Even 10 minutes can make a difference.
I really hope this helps.
Best of luck with your exams.
2006-09-21 06:01:12 · answer #6 · answered by Ms. Roxie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
try and cut down your working hours for a start....you shouldnt work so late on a tuesday night, you'll just get tired....i know a part time job can help (i have one myself) but if you are serious about getting good grades then your schoolwork should take priority....
if you really need the money then i suggest getting yourself a saving account with high interest rates and pay your wages in there so you can make more of your wages!
if you can maybe its better to drop a subject to take some of the strain off you...you probably dont want to but you could drop it now and take it up again next year as an AS...
hope this helps...believe me i know what i am talking about...its tough at A level so make it easier for yourself and you'll do ok...
good luck!! :-)
2006-09-21 11:45:17 · answer #7 · answered by belleoftheball 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Make sure you have a good schedule and stick to it. Also schedule time to sleep!
I used to work Tuesdays 6-12.30 and Fridays 6-3am as well as doing sport on another night and playing that sport on Sundays. I just worked in the rest of my time, and probably lived off about five hours' sleep, but caught up on Saturdays. Suppose I didn't do as well as I could, but I got into uni at least.
It should easily be possible to do a lot fo your work in free periods at school and to have some free time; this is vital as you know! Good luck.
2006-09-21 06:07:32 · answer #8 · answered by cheekbones3 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
U mean A levels as in beginning As or A2...As isn't too difficult although you have taken subjects that tend to require ''a lot of writing'' if you really don't think you can cope with all of your subects it is possible to speak to someone..ie Head teacher etc about possibly taking one less subject, some people in my year were allowed to drop an As because they felt it was far too much for them and effecting all of their grades. So i guess you could try the same?
2006-09-21 06:01:21 · answer #9 · answered by jo88 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hmmm, unsure i ought to handle something with out alcohol. yet i would not strategies making a threat that as quickly as I come again, in my next existence, i'm going to be born right into a temperance relatives in the different case among strict Muslims. Oh, oh! That thought has sent me finding for the beers that did no longer get fed on final evening!
2016-10-15 06:30:52 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋