Results
I now have 27 “A” level results in. I am delighted for my students and their families, having achieved 1 A*, 7As, 8Bs, 6Cs, 3Ds and 2E, with an average grade improvement (compared to mock exams or Year 12 exams) of 1.5 grades which is strong. This is typically the impact of one lesson a week over the long-term.
For one of my students on an A who achieves an A there is no grade improvement though a great performance across two year’s work. For another student who was on a U in their mock exam to achieve a C grade that’s a three grade increase. Overall I am delighted!
Some of these lower results are with students who were really struggling and on average there is a significant improvement. The more academically gifted students have performed strongly in the context of grades this year returning back to pre-pandemic levels.
As always results focus the mind and drive the need for continuous improvement
Year 13: Initial Tests – potentially for UCAS Predicted Grades:
• As usual there is quite a number of my students who will have some form of assessment in September/October to contribute towards the UCAS predicted grade. A number of my students know the scope of the assessment and we are working in this area. Other students of course are waiting information from their teachers – please keep an eye on this and as soon info comes through – please advise. Other students have advised that they have a confirmed UCAS predicted grade from their teacher – maintain your level!
Year 13: The Way Forward (After any Initial Tests)
• Year 13 is a step up from Year 12 with more challenging content with the need to continue to develop the application, analysis and evaluation skills as required to answer the short, medium and essay questions.
• The focus is understandably initially on the new Year 13 content and getting to grips with this after perhaps doing some Year 12 content at the start of term – it varies with schools
• Initially lessons may need to blend a focus on Year 13 new content with Year 12 consolidation and further skills develop. This will vary with each student. That said this year I am looking, in a sensible way, to exploit the use of artificial intelligence namely ChatGPT for Year 13 (and Year 12) students.
Year 12 & 13: Raising Your Level (I’ll discuss with students):
• Deepen and knowledge and understanding. Consider the use of Anki Digital Flashcards, creating your own flashcards or Tutor2U Flash cards. Anki Digital Flashcards supports retrieval practice (I have produced an article on Anki – and will send it through to my new students)
• Consider deepening understanding through a linked mind map where you link concepts from different chapters on an A4/A3 sheet providing ideas for arguments
• Develop core skills of application, analysis and evaluation through a Point Development Mind Map / Plan where you identify a Point, apply and analyse it, and then evaluate it
Year 12 & 13: Artificial Intelligence – ChatGPT
• I have been to a national educational conference on AI and ChatGPT at Epsom College in May. I have been experimenting with the free of charge version of ChatGPT v3.5 via https://openai.com/
• ChatGPT is an opportunity to enhance learning, though needs to be used with care. Get the obvious out of the way – cheating is totally unacceptable, ChatGPT content may be inaccurate and there is NO ChatGPT in A level exams. I’ll produce an article of ChatGPT – for now I see this as a tool to support essay planning, revision and provide ideas for essay writing and I’ll use this with students though in a careful way.
Any queries drop me a note and we can arrange a short call (enquiries@tutoraim.co.uk)
Kind Regards,
Dave 25/08/2023