The Style Of A Level Work

You will quickly discover that there is a world of difference between the approaches to GCSE and to AS Level study. The transition to new methods of study will not occur overnight, but occur it certainly must if you are to derive the greatest possible benefit from your lessons in the Sixth Form. AS Level classes are smaller and more intimate than those in the Lower and Middle School, and this places a much greater emphasis upon your active involvement in lessons. You are likely to see each of your teachers for several lessons each week, and you will quickly appreciate the importance of developing a good working relationship. In the Sixth Form, the role of the teacher is not to spoon-feed, but rather to direct, advise, stimulate and encourage. It is highly unlikely that many lessons will be confined to lectures and dictated notes; most (and especially in arts and humanities subjects) will be characterised by discussion and exchange of views. You must arrive for each lesson prepared to be lively, interested and involved; reading ahead is of course a precondition of active and informed contribution to classroom discussion.

You must quickly get into the habit of making your own notes in the classroom, as new information and ideas emerge in the course of discussion. Personal and intellectual motivation are needed throughout your courses, and not simply in the weeks preceding public examinations. In most subjects, there are seldom many 'right answers', and so no purpose is served in passively waiting for them to be provided. Your aim should be to become an independent learner; this is the main feature of AS Level work. Remember that your classroom work and formal assignments are only part of your AS Level preparation; a regular review of your files and notes, as well as additional reading, is essential.