Pearson Edexcel International GCSEs are globally recognised qualifications with academic content and assessment designed specifically for international learners. In this post, I’ll be sharing some simple tips on how to study effectively for your upcoming iGCSE examinations. It’s how I study, and I really hope you find it useful too!
#1: Take Notes
I find that taking notes is a really good way of learning and revising. This is how I take notes:
• I learn the content (concepts, historical dates, formulae, etc.).
• I then write down notes about what I just learnt (without looking at the study book).
• I continue the process until I’m done studying.
• I use the same notes to revise on a later date.
I have uploaded some of my notes on this website, so you may view them as well!
#2: Make Flashcards
Another alternative way I study is by making flashcards. Sometimes, I don’t write notes, and instead I use a website called Brainscape to create flashcards and study them. Flashcards are great, as they trigger active recall, which helps in better memorisation of content. You can even make flashcards on small paper cards:
• Upper side of the card (visible one): Question/Term/Concept (eg: Photosynthesis)
• Bottom side of the card (hidden one): Answer/Drawing (eg: a chemical reaction that takes place inside a plant, producing food for the plant to survive / a drawing of how photosynthesis works etc.)
#3: Use the Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a great way of studying and organising your time into intervals. It is a concept that includes studying for a set amount of intervals throughout the day, while taking small breaks between each interval. Each interval is 25 minutes long, and each break is usually 5 minutes long.
I use the app Be Focused for studying, which follows this Pomodoro Technique. It’s a great app, since it records the amount of time you spend on each subject, and organises it into a pie chart, letting you know how much time you spent on each subject. For example, see below (other in blue is actually Economics – forgot to name it oops!).
#4: YouTube
Another good way to revise is to check YouTube videos about how to answer specific Pearson Edexcel iGCSE Exam Papers. Some good YouTube channels for studying are:
• CrashCourse (for most subjects)
• A long, long time ago… (for History)
• History (for….History…obviously)
• Mr Salles Teaches English (for English Literature)
• Dr. Aidan (for Shakespeare)
• Mr. Bruff (for English Literature)
• Rhiannon (tips on getting Good Grades)
Watch my YouTube Video on my channel knowIT (below) to see how I study using my computer:
I posted this article especially on request from a friend – Fathima Jazeela 😄💗
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