Prelims grades are bad, A-level preparation advice [Tip]

Are you a JC student struggling with poor prelims results?

You’re not alone!

Many students face performance anxiety and uncertainty about their subsequent A level prospects. But what if there’s a way to overcome these challenges and ace your A levels?

By understanding the causes of poor preliminary exam grades, identifying knowledge gaps, and developing effective strategies for tackling exams, you can unlock your full potential and achieve success in your A-levels.

Poor Prelims Performance: The Root Cause

First, identify what is your knowledge level. Is it superb, just ok or poor?

If you are not sure, sign up for my free bio newsletter and use the free evaluation questions to see how well you score after submission. And if you are scoring in the high As, then your basic knowledge is great read on. Otherwise, jump to the appropriate sections below.

Poor Prelim grades but sound knowledge

In the instance when the student has a good score from my evaluation test then there’s nothing to worry about.

This shows that you have sound knowledge. That is the foundation in which answers to questions will come from.

The problem here is the school teachers.

Unfortunately, some of them like to make their prelims exam exceedingly hard.

To make matters worse, they are sometimes also unreasonable when it comes to awarding marks.

For example, I have seen some teachers practice awarding ½ marks. (With stubborn exceptions, schools are walking away from this practice as of 2024, thankfully)

In a 3 mark structured question, instead of writing 3 valid points to score the marks, students end up having to write 6?!

Unfortunately, it often causes the students to write too much. Consequently, they do not have enough time to finish answering the exam questions.

The teachers are training the students to be perfect and perfection is not the same as a high grade. Especially if the students cannot even finish the paper as a result of many unattempted questions.

Bad teachers are spoiling it for the good students during prelims

Not only that, when the teachers implement such practices, they want to jolt students into working hard for the finals.

This only serves to make students even more stressed heading into the exams.

More damningly, it also prevents students from using the prelim results to apply to top universities in the world because their deadlines close before the release of A level results.

Below is the timeline for applications process if one seeks admissions into Oxford university.

If a Singaporean students takes exams in 2024, the exam results will only come in late Feb 2025.

So the only way to gain admissions is via prelims results. And the ignorant school teachers don’t care anyway.

Even if the data is prevalent on the fact that positive reinforcement aids in learning.

Poor prelims performance poor knowledge

On the other extreme, there are some students who are just not ready.

This is due to poor grasp of knowledge or placing very effort leading up to prelims because of the huge attention on CCAs and other matters.

For these students, my suggestion is to give your H1 subject your best effort (or drop one of the subjects which you find the most difficult to get an A, from H2 to H1).

Then, take the experience of A level exams to your advantage and repeat the year focusing on the remaining subjects and GP. This way you buy more time to prepare, have less on your plate and more confidence since you already have the previous experience.

It is next to impossible trying to gain mastery in a subject in a short time from prelims to A levels. That is usually only about 1 month.

I talk about repeating A levels in greater detail here.

Poor prelims performance but OK knowledge

Most students belong to this group.

To improve from prelims to A level exams, you will urgently need somebody experienced to read through your answers and comment on them. Join my H2 bio classes if you need help in this specific area!

Cover the TYS questions to identify knowledge gaps and careless mistakes.

More importantly, focus on why your answer is wrong.

Majority of the time, students regurgitate valid facts but the answers are irrelevant to the question as the student is not answering the question.

It may be surprising to note that there are very high rates of incorrect interpretation of H2 biology questions.

Examiners frequently set unique twists to routine questions and students who cut, copy and paste textbook phrases are unlikely going to answer the questions correctly.

Let me give you an example from an actual TYS question:

Explain the significance to the alpha and beta cells of their blood supply.

I guarantee you almost 70-80% of students will focus their answers on the alpha beta cells. In my experience, only a small minority will see the focus actually being on the blood supply instead!

In tandem with the improving exam skills, continue to fill knowledge gaps as well as reinforcing knowledge. Use tools like the ANKI memory cards for the latter. I also have H2 biology notes that are very simple to read to fill the gaps in the shortest time.

All of these will increase will-power and giving you motivation which in turn shorten the exam preparation time for a very tough and difficult exam.

Addressing Poor Prelim Performance

On one hand, some students may struggle due to poor grasp of knowledge. For these students, it can be frustrating and demotivating, leading to a poor prelims grades.

However, the good news is that with proper guidance and support, many students can overcome their struggles and go on to achieve success in their subsequent A level exams.

By understanding the root causes of poor prelim performance and taking targeted steps to address them, you can set yourself up for success and reach your full potential.

Take Action Today

If you have poor prelims grades or are concerned about your exam readiness, take control of your learning. Reach out to a qualified educator or mentor who can provide immediate guidance and support.

Don’t let poor prelims performance hold you back from achieving your goals. With the right mindset and strategies, you can overcome obstacles and succeed in your exams.