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Your teenager is studying for their A-level in Chemistry, you are wanting to help them achieve their best but not sure how. There is no need to be a helicopter parent, in fact, doing that often has the opposite effect, annoying teenagers whilst they navigate the path of independence. It can be difficult to watch your teenager go through the stress of impending A-levels, helpless to know how to help. So here’s a quick guide to supporting them to achieve an A* in their A-level chemistry.
Do they know their specification?
As surprising as it may be, many students don’t know the chemistry specification they are studying, until a few months before their exams. Knowing the specification will help them identify the content they need to know and can be used as a resource to identify any topics they need to revise. Help them out by having a chemistry file with a printed copy of the specification at home which they can refer to and annotate.
Active recall
Students learn far more from active recall than by noting the textbook. Active recall can take many forms but two ways you can participate is by:
Testing them using their chemistry flashcards
Asking them to teach you a topic they struggle with, having to break down the topic into understandable chunks will not only help them with their understanding but hopefully you’ll learn something too.
Planning for success
Consistent revision and reflection throughout the year make the topic-performing students. Scheduling 1 hour a week of chemistry revision, focused on past topics (not current homework) helps them keep on top of their subject knowledge without being too onerous. By using The Chemistry Program's editable weekly planner, make them accountable by getting them to detail when and what they will do The Chemistry Program's editable weekly planner . Want to take it one step further why not make that time a family power hour, lock the phones away and get everyone to complete an hour of focused work?
Communication is key
Teenagers aren’t always the most open when it comes to discussing academics, but having good communication at home can make a world of difference. Being interested in their current chemistry topics, finding out about their latest experiment, knowing when the next end of topic test is and regularly asking how they are feeling about the subject, will help you get a better understanding of the day-to-day chemistry and you’ll be in a better position to spot if there are academic challenges.
Do they need extra help?
The best-performing students I know ask the most questions, they seek help no matter how big or small the question is. When they don’t understand a particular topic, have an exam question conundrum or struggle interpreting the mark scheme, they ask for help. Encouraging your child to seek help can be the boost they need, online resources like ChemGuide is a great start, as well as getting them to speak to their teacher after class, attend chemistry workshops or possibly seek a tutor if they need more regular scheduled support.
Be a cheerleader
Unless you’re a chemist yourself, there’s probably not much academically you can do to help. But there is nothing more important to a student than having people to cheer them on throughout the process. Celebrate each little win, each improvement no matter how small and remember they are only in competition with themselves, not other students or the system.
Free Guide to an A* in Chemistry Checklist
Want to give them the checklist to getting them to reach that A* goal and give them inspiration for what they could improve upon? Download my guide to an A* in Chemistry checklist.
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