Online A Level student Katie achieves the highest mark in the world in Psychology

Katie: After having multiple bad experiences while attending my previous school, I was given the choice to leave and change to King’s InterHigh. At first, I was sceptical because the concept of an online school seemed too good to be true, but after researching the school, I was eager to join.

There were so many motivating factors that led to my decision, such as the flexibility of being able to access my lessons from anywhere alongside being able to access the recordings whenever I needed them, the increased course variety on offer, and the ability to personalise my learning rather than follow the very generalised curriculum that was used in my old school.

Katie: I chose Psychology at GCSE as it was unique and fascinating. I enjoyed studying all of it at GCSE and felt more knowledgeable in so many new areas, so when it came to selecting my A Levels, I knew without a doubt that I wanted to continue it and expand my knowledge further.

Katie: I honestly enjoyed all the topics in A Level Psychology, and I think that's what made psychology my favourite subject. Although the topics were quite different, they were all so exciting and had so much depth.

If I had to be particular, I would say my favourite area was the biological approach in AS Level and the abnormality topics in A2, as I found them to be the most challenging and complex as they had many scientific aspects to them.

I found the explanation topics of abnormality to be the most captivating and engaging because they often presented different arguments, which allowed you to use your knowledge of the area to critique each one and come to conclusions as to which you believe is the best explanation for the area being studied.

Katie: There were so many features of King’s InterHigh that were highly beneficial to me when it came to studying.

Accessing lesson recordings at any time was extremely helpful as it allowed me to recap the lesson immediately if I needed to make sure I had understood a topic or at a later date if I needed to double-check my notes or add any missing information. This also applies to the resources available at all times, such as PowerPoints and information sheets, which meant I could cross-check my notes for accuracy and ensure all the information I needed was included.

Another of the most beneficial factors of studying at King’s InterHigh was the teachers. All my teachers went above and beyond in supporting me when I needed any questions answered or feedback on a practice answer and preparing us for our exams by providing revision resources, advice and tips.

Katie: At AS Level, I was taught by Abigail Law; at A2 Level, I was taught by Josephine Mole and Rachel Kersey.

Every psychology teacher I had was incredible; they always ensured that every lesson was enjoyable and engaging and that everyone was following and understanding all the content. Additionally, they were also all very understanding and willing to go the extra mile when it came to explaining and helping you if you required additional support.

Their enthusiasm to teach made me look forward to each and every lesson I had.

Katie: When preparing for my exams, I knew I worked best when I had a detailed plan to help guide me through the process. So, a few months in advance, I made a very detailed plan outlining all the goals I wanted to achieve and when I wanted to accomplish them.

For example, when I wanted to complete a specific past paper, to have everything fully memorised, when I wanted all my revision resources to be finished, etc.

Furthermore, before creating revision resources, I made sure that I focused on making sure I truly understood the concepts and could explain them rather than just purely relying on memorising what they were.

While I was busy studying, I also prioritised studying healthily; I knew that if I forced myself to study when I felt like I needed a break, I would not withhold any of the information I was revising. Therefore, I took frequent breaks to let my mind rest so that I could return feeling refreshed and motivated to continue. In the end, combining all these aspects allowed me to succeed.

Katie: One of the most crucial preparation methods for my exams was ensuring I spent time in advance experimenting with different revision methods to ensure I could find one that worked best for me. Flashcards were one of my favourite revision methods, but I had difficulty memorising a few of the more complex flashcards.

I used the resources provided in the exam preparation classes to help me solve this problem, as I was introduced to the concept of spaced repetition and decided to incorporate it with flashcards. I used the Brainscape app, which combined these for me, and suddenly, I could fly through all the problematic flashcards.

Katie: Finding out what revision method worked best for me was one of the most challenging aspects at A Level. I had tried many suggested methods but hoped for something to work better. I didn’t let this deter me, and I persevered through trying all the different suggestions I had received until I finally found the one that clicked for me.

At first, I also found adjusting to the workload quite challenging. However, I adjusted quickly after talking to my classmates and realising we were all in the same boat. I just needed time to adjust to change and eventually adapt to the pace required to keep up.

Finally, I found that my nerves about exams were highly challenging and sometimes distracting during my A Level studies. Luckily, support from my teachers and form tutor allowed me to find ways to relax and prepare. Completing past papers as a revision method was one of the best ways to cope with this, as when I took the exam, I knew what to expect, how to pace my writing, and how to answer all the questions.

Katie: I suggest that other students start preparing early to prevent themselves from needing to cram and revise any areas they may still be struggling with at the last minute.

I recommend prioritising staying on top of the workload by ensuring you understand the content, your notes are complete, and that you have made revision resources for the topic as you go along. That way, the information is still fresh in your mind.

Furthermore, use the revision resources you create consistently throughout the rest of the year to make sure you constantly remind yourself of the details.

Lastly, set realistic goals for yourself and find an appropriate pace to work towards them, remembering to take breaks when you feel you need them and not overwork yourself.

Katie: I am taking a gap year and have many goals I aim to achieve during the rest of the year. There are numerous volunteering opportunities I am looking at partaking in, alongside visiting lots of places within the UK.

I plan to spend the remainder of my gap year experimenting with new areas and hobbies to find something I want to pursue at university later this year.