As a British expat living in France, you may feel slightly nervous about your upcoming IGCSE exams. Considered one of the most pivotal rites of passage in a student’s life, these exams shouldn’t be taken lightly in the least.
While you won’t be sitting your exams in the UK, you can still prepare for them just as meticulously. As you put your study plan into practice in France, make sure you avoid these three critical mistakes:
Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Institution
While you may feel compelled to opt for a local institution or self-study, we strongly recommend steering clear of these two options. Unfortunately, they’re both extremely common among students who are preparing for their IGCSE exams in Europe.
It’s important to note that your IGCSE grades will be taken into consideration when you apply to an undergraduate university. Self-studying is not advisable at this stage owing to its lack of structure. Without the right expertise and guidance, you’ll struggle to prepare as comprehensively and rigorously as you need to.
We also recommend avoiding a local institution and opting for a British school instead. Cambridge Home School is one of the top considerations among students who will be sitting their IGCSE examinations in France. As one of the leading online school for children UK and France, we have a team of MA/PhD qualified subject specialist teachers on board.
We also have a small classroom size (8 to 10 pupils per group) and an independent curriculum in place. As a student, you will be provided the resources and guidance you need to secure A*s and As in your upcoming exams.
Recommended Read: Acing Your IGCSEs in 2021: Are Online Classes the Way to Go?
Mistake #2: Forgoing a Study Plan
As a student, you may have heard your friends say they’re “taking it one day at a time” in reference to their exam preparation journey. This approach is becoming increasingly common among students.
Unfortunately, impromptu preparation can backfire, no matter how great of a student you are. While you may think procrastination, complacency, and restlessness won’t come knocking at your door, you’ll be surprised when they do show up unannounced.
Avoid overestimating your capabilities. Instead, err on the side of caution by creating a well-structured study plan. As you navigate each day with a sound plan in place, you’ll meet your agenda for the day. Structured, methodical, and seamless preparation will help you secure excellent grades in your IGCSE exams.
Mistake #3: Failing to Eliminate Distractions
If your study space is replete with distractions, you may be inadvertently hurting your chances of acing your exams. Before you start following your IGCSE preparation plan, make sure you get rid of any distractions in your space.
If your room has a gaming setup, shift it elsewhere for a few months. If your phone is filled with social media apps that continually distract you, uninstall them temporarily. You can also set a time limit for each app to keep yourself in check.
Ridding your physical and digital space of distractions will go a long way in helping you prepare like a seasoned pro.
Recommended Read: How to Enrich Your Online Learning Experience as a Teenager
At Cambridge Home School, we provide a quality online British education to students who are preparing for their IGCSEs in France. Click here to find out more about virtual learning school for children UK and our program.
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FAQ
What are the common mistakes British expat students make while preparing for IGCSE exams in France?
One of the frequent errors is opting for local institutions or self-study, both of which lack the structure and guidance needed for rigorous IGCSE preparation. Other common mistakes include failing to develop a structured study plan and not eliminating distractions from their study environment.
Is self-study a recommended approach for IGCSE preparation?
Self-study is generally not advised for IGCSE preparation due to its lack of structured guidance. Without expert advice, students may struggle to cover all the required material comprehensively.
Why should I consider a British school like Cambridge Home School for my IGCSE exams?
Cambridge Home School offers an independent curriculum, small classroom sizes, and MA/PhD qualified subject specialist teachers. These factors make it an excellent choice for comprehensive and rigorous preparation for your IGCSE exams.
How can I avoid procrastination and complacency during my IGCSE preparation?
Creating a well-structured study plan can help you stay on track and meet your daily learning objectives. This methodical approach is crucial for securing top grades in your IGCSE exams.
What should I do to eliminate distractions during my study time?
Start by removing any distracting elements from your study environment, whether it’s a gaming setup or distracting social media apps on your phone. Setting up a focused workspace will aid in your exam preparation.