Summary of "HOW TO GET A GRADE 9 IN GCSE HISTORY (Top Tricks They Don't Tell You)"
Summary of "HOW TO GET A GRADE 9 IN GCSE History (Top Tricks They Don't Tell You)"
This video by Shola provides a comprehensive guide on excelling in GCSE History, focusing on three key areas: memorizing content, improving exam technique, and preparing for any possible exam question. The advice is practical and based on personal experience, aimed at helping students achieve the highest grade.
Main Ideas and Concepts
1. How to Memorize Content
- Understanding the overall timeline and significance of events in the studied period is crucial.
- GCSE History success heavily depends on memorization, despite the subject’s broader educational goals.
- Recommended resources:
- Use the purple revision guides (specifically for Edexcel) as the primary study tool.
- School textbooks can be used only as supplementary material.
- Methodology for memorization:
- Summarize each sub-topic from the revision guide into concise bullet points on A5 sheets.
- Keep summaries very brief — ideally fitting on one A4 page, max two pages.
- Use symbols (+, &) and shorten words to make it easier to memorize.
- On the reverse side of each summary, write questions that cover the content to facilitate active recall (like flashcards).
- If a question is answered incorrectly, reread the summary to reinforce learning.
- This portable method is effective for cramming and detailed memorization, including dates and specifics.
- Alternative methods like blurting or traditional flashcards are less efficient for detailed recall across many sub-topics.
2. How to Improve Exam Technique
- Knowing content is not enough; understanding what each exam question demands is essential.
- Use the purple revision guides which include:
- Question types,
- Sample answers,
- Mark schemes,
- Advice on how to improve answers.
- Tips for answering questions:
- Stick strictly to the question focus (e.g., if asked for two consequences, do not discuss causes or unrelated points).
- Provide distinct points, supported by dates and statistics.
- Aim to secure easy marks early on (e.g., 4-mark questions).
- For essays, seek detailed feedback from teachers and improve based on their advice.
- Practice:
- Complete past papers under timed conditions to simulate exam pressure and build stamina.
- Formulate your own questions by adapting question stems to your sub-topics.
- Practice planning answers rather than writing full essays to save time and prepare mentally.
- During the exam:
- Read each question at least three times to avoid misinterpretation.
- Identify the conceptual focus (causation, significance, similarity, change over time).
- Make your evaluation clear and decisive (avoid ambiguous stances).
- Manage your time strictly (e.g., allocate 45 minutes per unit in a 1.5-hour paper).
- If stuck on a question, move on and return later to avoid losing marks by leaving answers blank.
3. How to Be Prepared for Any Question
- Turn the exam specification points into questions and plan answers for each.
- Even if you can’t cover every question, this builds a flexible mindset and framework for answering varied questions.
- Typed essays are preferable for submitting to teachers for feedback as they are easier to track and review.
- Focus feedback requests on areas for improvement rather than just strengths.
- Regular essay practice on textbook or revision guide topics helps simulate exam conditions and reduces stress.
- Familiarity with exam format and practicing under timed conditions reduces intimidation and mistakes during the actual exam.
Detailed Methodology / Instructions
- Memorization:
- Use purple revision guides as main resource.
- Summarize each sub-topic into bullet points on A5 sheets (max two pages).
- Use symbols and abbreviations to condense information.
- Write questions on the back of each summary for active recall.
- If a question is missed, reread the summary to reinforce learning.
- Carry these portable notes for flexible study sessions.
- Exam Technique:
- Study question types and sample answers from revision guides.
- Answer exactly what is asked — no irrelevant information.
- Use distinct paragraphs for each point.
- Support answers with dates and statistics.
- Practice past papers under timed conditions.
- Create your own practice questions based on sub-topics.
- Plan answers quickly before writing full responses.
- Read exam questions multiple times.
- Allocate time per section and move on if stuck.
- Be clear and firm in evaluation questions.
- Preparation for Any Question:
- Convert specification points into questions.
- Plan answers to these questions regularly.
- Type essays for teacher feedback.
- Focus on improving weaknesses based on feedback.
- Practice essays on textbook/revision guide topics.
- Simulate exam conditions to reduce stress and improve confidence.
Speakers / Sources Featured
- Shola – Main presenter and
Category
Educational
