studywmax

[studywmax]

I’m writing this during April 2020. I’m in self isolation in my house, just like everyone should be. And we got news saying that our year 11 and year 13 exams are cancelled.

It’s so scary to think that this actually did matter, and may affect my final grades and my opportunity to get into uni.

“This isn’t the real thing” is what so many of us said during our end of year exams in Year12 and our mocks. We had no idea this was going to happen...

This is a scary time, and if you need support, please seek it out. You don’t have to face uncertainty and stress by yourself.

Now, for the question, what happens next?

Ofqual, the exam board, has released a statement explaining how results will be rewarded. I advise you read it through thoroughly.

Especially if you’re a private candidate (I.e. homeschooled, self teaching, international)

Here are the few points that I feel are the most important:

• Results day remains on the same day for both A levels and GCSEs

• External homework and tasks will NOT be considered, due to the fact that some pupils will be disadvantaged from not having a school environment to do their work

• It is NOT just based off mocks, but will take into consideration of any class work, participation, and non-exam assessments.

• The ranking system will also be used for standardisation

• Schools and colleges are NOT allowed to share information about pupils’ grades

Politics homework (+ a mini chat on exam results)

Started 2nd year stuff last week! And I got my end of year exam results back, happy about some, not so happy for the others.

For sociology, I got an A! 3 marks off an A* but I can always improve, I dropped some marks for some silly errors so I know what to do next time.

Law I got an A*/A, and I’m incredibly happy. I worked really hard in this subject and I’m looking forward to learning more second year stuff

Politics was a C. I was pretty disappointed since I was so confident after that exam, but I lost marks for silly errors again. This had never been my strongest subject, so I need to work extra hard for this one.

But overall, I just need to remind myself that this isn’t the real thing, and that there’s always time to improve. I need to use my time wisely

[studywmax]

Hi everyone,

I’m so sorry for not updating this as much as I would like too.

I’m talking from the depths of self-isolation, I’m at home doing all my homework, catching up on missed lessons and revision.

Self quarantine doesn’t have to be so dull, so don’t spend all your time revising. Make sure you exercise, clean up your room, and have fun doing non-study related activities.

On an important not of exams, though, I was advised to keep a log of my self-isolation experience, and I’d advise you’d do so too.

I hope you all stay safe, and I wish you all the best of luck.

Max.

[studywmax]

Book recommendations

Hi, I need some book recommendations for the New Years. I already have a list, I may share it with you guys once I have finished. But for now, I need some more

I’m more into a dystopian horror, science fiction, historical texts and criminology readings. But I also need some political readings too!

If you can reblog or comment with a suggestion, and maybe a mini summary (without spoilers)

[studywmax]

Sociology conference notes

Pretty eventful day in London, got to see some interesting talks (even though I was late because trains were delayed) and saw some pretty cool people - including the one and only Germaine Greer

Conferences overall, in my opinion, aren’t a necesessitiy if you want to boost your grades. Sure, they give you lots of info but most conferences are streamed online, so you can even watch them from the comfort of your home.

If your teacher had been to one, do ask. I’m sure they’ll be glad to tell you all about it

[studywmax]

The importance of mental health

It has been quite a while since I’ve done a proper post, and that is because I’ve hit one of the worst slumps I have ever experienced.

The first thing I do when I wake up was just stare at the ceiling for a good 2 hours before eating and playing video games. I didn’t really have the motivation to do any work.

I managed to do homework, but I didn’t do it to the best of my ability. Essays that were supposed to be 4 sides long ended up as 2, homework that was supposed to take an hour took me 20 minutes.

I had spent so much time exerting all my energy and focus on to my studies that I forgot how to be someone who also has a social life. I pushed away friends to snatch my favourite seat in the library to revise. I cancelled plans because I felt overwhelmed of the amount of stuff I needed to do. I studied during my friend’s birthday party. And then the exhaustion just smacked me in the face.

I’ve been (slowly) recovering. Though it really hurts, especially since I haven’t spoken to anyone about this. I don’t feel as though I have anyone to turn to, but I do. Just like everyone else.

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but I’m here for you. Make sure you don’t burn yourself out - know your limit. Stay safe <3

[studywmax]

What I do every night on a Sunday

I like to keep a large whiteboard to write down how my week is laid out, write when homework was set, my priorities within the week and how many hours of work I do per subject.

It’s just really handy to see your list when you first wake up :))

Sorry for the shaky camera too when I recorded me writing down, it’s hard to write with one hand and film with the other

I also like to listen to music or podcasts (subject specific) when doing this so I feel productive - you could probably see my revision for my sociology paper 2 mock

[studywmax]

the no bullshit guide to getting your shit together: for the lazy student

Let’s be honest: time management and organization? They’re really hard. Sure, at first you might feel like you’ve gotten the hang of them, that you’re in control of your life. But how often have you fallen off the wagon? Procrastinated on one thing and the next moment, you’re behind in all your classes? I know that sometimes laziness feels like a part of who you are, but honestly, fuck that. Do you really want to give up your success for the disinterest of a moment?

If your answer is no (it better be no, or you really need to get your priorities straight), let’s get to it. 

STEP ONE: BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF

“This class doesn’t even matter.” “I don’t care about my grades.” “I can finish this the day before.” Sound familiar? You might feel great now, but when you’re staring down at your report card later, it’ll feel like you just got punched. 

This is a cliche, but the greatest obstacle to your success is yourself - especially the lies you tell yourself! Sit yourself down and be honest about what you need to improve on. Be as blunt as you can, but for god’s sake, don’t throw yourself a pity party! There’s no use agonizing over what you can’t change. Instead, set realistic, achievable goals, and make a game plan. Struggling with math? Go to extra help. Behind in all your classes? Stay in for a couple nights and actually work. 

STEP TWO: STOP WITH THE FANCY SHIT

Now you know what your goals are, but maybe you want some inspiration, so you log on to tumblr and are instantly bombarded by all these beautiful, well lit shots of the most gorgeous bullet journals, planners, and notes. Impressive, right? Well, I’m gonna let you in on a little secret: they’re all useless! A simple phone planner works just as well, if not better, than a fancy agenda, because you’ll always have it on you, it’s not a hassle to carry around, and you don’t feel obligated to make it look pretty. 

Riddle me this, where are you going to find all this extra motivation to keep prettying up your bullet journal? To write all your notes in perfect, colour coded printing? There aren’t many times in life where taking the easy was out will actually benefit you, so take advantage! Stop wasting your time; get a phone planner and write your notes in your natural goddamn handwriting. 

STEP THREE: CLEAN YOUR ROOM

Yep, your entire room - not just your study space! This one can be put on the back burner for a bit if you’re on a really pressing deadline, but I wouldn’t recommend it. I’m notoriously messy, and if I don’t watch myself, I’d find myself in dirty-laundry-and-old-notes hell. A little bit of organized chaos is fine, I even encourage it! But try working when your desk is covered in mounds of paper and you have nowhere to put your laptop – it’s just not conducive to success. 

Keeping your entire room clean is a way to stave off stress, frustration, and even embarrassment, because nobody wants to show potential roommates how much of a mess they are. 

STEP FOUR: ACTUALLY WORK

Yeah, I know what you’re thinking: “actually work? Who does this girl think she is?” I’d probably think the same thing, except I’ve learned the valuable lesson of sucking it the hell up, and you will too. When you get home from work, grab a snack and work. When you have a free period, figure out what’s due and work. Stop reasoning yourself out of work: you’re not going to finish this later, and that will be on the test. There’s really not much to say about this one, because it’s the step that requires the most raw effort, and you’re really only going to find that within yourself. Tell yourself what’s at stake, and realize that, by setting the standard for your mediocrity now, you’re potentially trapping yourself in a cycle that will last for years. 

STEP FIVE: CUT YOURSELF SOME SLACK

Maybe you’ve been on top of your shit for a day, a week, or even a month, and that’s really great. But then… you fail. You miss a deadline or you bomb a test. So what do you do now? Do you allow yourself to fall back into your old habits? Fuck no! Everyone fails, even that studyblr with those perfect bullet journal photos and a perpetually clean study space. I’m going to tell you something that’ll sound really strange: you should value your failures, especially if you worked hard to avoid them. What?! Be HAPPY about failing when I actually TRIED? Yeah, you heard me right. If you don’t know how to handle failure, then when you inevitably experience it, your reaction will be much worse. 

Failing hurts, and boy, I know how embarrassing it can be. But learning how to deal with failure, and especially how to keep trying after it happens, is an invaluable lesson. 

STEP SIX: TREAT. YO. SELF.

Disclaimer: I’m not suggesting you treat yourself after the most basic of tasks, because please. Treat yourself when you know you goddamn well deserve it. Remember that “all work and no play makes jack a dull boy.” If all you do is study and do your homework, then, pardon my french, your life sucks. If you don’t have friends, play a video game! Eat an entire jumbo chocolate bar! Indulge in whatever the fuck you want, you deserve it. I’m someone that has trouble prioritizing future benefits over immediate gratification, so by allowing myself little pleasures, I save myself from crashing and burning. 

Hope these tips helped, but remember to take them with a grain of salt - you’re you and I’m me, and different things work for different people. Good luck!

[studywmax]

Sociology revision

Hi, sorry it’s been so long since I last posted. I’ve hit one of the worst academic slumps in the most recent months, and I had lost all motivation to do any work, let alone update my blog.

I’m back, and better than ever. Granted, I can’t guarantee that I’m gonna still be motivated but I’m gonna try my damn hardest

Anyway, mocks are soon and I’m just doing some last minute prep before I go into my exam.

I have also recently applied to UCAS, and I’m now waiting for uni offers - exciting times!

[studywmax]

Let’s hope this doesn’t flop 🤞

Hello!

This is @studywmax , and as a little tester I will be posting all the things happening in politics every week, and possibly for any MAJOR thing happening that may need a little more explaining.

This blog is aimed at Politics students (Currently doing Edexcel Politics A level) but feel free to follow if you’re interesting in political affairs.

The only rule I want to say is that this is a hate-free, and there will be no tolerance for harrassment, hate-speech or discrimination.

I’ll possibly reblog some other posts if I feel it is useful, and if I don’t understand (most likely the case, I’m aiming to use this blog to motivate me to look into the details deeper rather just reading the headline)

I hope this will be useful!

[studywmax]

Can you guess what my favourite colour is?

Just doing some prep for my diary next week. Writing some small reminders :))

Also my siblings got these Pokémon drinks while they were in London a couple of weeks ago. Includes Mewtwo, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Jigglypuff, Snorlax and Pikachu! Even though Snorlax is my favourite, the flavour was not my cup of sparkling water. Bulbasaur’s tasted like an apple lollipop!

[studywmax]

Late night revision and some new stuff

Got some reading to do and some other politics homework that I’ve been procrastinating on 😩. I need to do them tomorrow, since I’m going out on a study leave day to go to a trampoline place (whoopsie)

Also got some new notebooks that I love love love! They’re late bday presents from my friends. The bottom of the Dog Name notebook says “all breeds are considered to be very good dogs”. So cute!

[studywmax]

Plans for a politics group chat

My last post about being confused about politics was incredibly popular, and so I had an idea.

A Politics Group Chat

If you’re confused about something, maybe ask someone on the chat and they may be able to help you understand it better.

Politics, in general, is confusing. And I want to be able to help make it less confusing.

Let me know if you’re interested in this (not an actual thing I’m planning for, but I’m just curious as to if people want to do it)

Unsure for what platform to use it on (perhaps a discord?)

[studywmax]

Confused about what’s currently happening with politics?

Let’s help make politics less confusing!

TLDR News and Simple Politics has helped me catch up with everything to do with Brexit as well as global affairs.

They both have Instagram pages and update daily.

TLDR also uses YouTube to break down events and answers questions such as what does the proroguing of Parliament mean, what is going on with the US-China trade war and how come Estonia is the only country that allows electronic voting.

Feel free to add more suggestions to help all of us catch up with politics in a clear (and preferably unbiased) way.

[studywmax]

ITS GCSE RESULTS DAY

I remember how nervous I was last year, I was basically throwing up from nervousness. But my god, what a relief it was to see my results.

There were grades that I was incredibly ecstatic about, such as my double science’s 8 7 (A* A) and my maths’ 7 (A). But I wasn’t happy with all of them, of course. Both my Englishs were 5s (C). I thought I had done so well in the exams but apparently not.

Even though I passed everything I was still disappointed in myself for not reaching the grades I wanted. I had held such a high expectation for myself that I wasn’t prepared for me to accept the possibilty that I might have not reached it.

Get rid of the high expectations of yourself, you have done the best you can. One of the most challenging obstacles have now been tackled. You deserve the rest of the summer to relax.

You worked hard enough, take a break

ILY <3

- Max

[studywmax]

Late night revision

Flash cards for religious organisations for sociology’s beliefs in society unit

Feeling a bit burned out... make sure you take breaks regularly to avoid this. Currently drinking 3 cups of tea

[studywmax]

PARLIAMENT REVISION POSTER

I haven’t felt productive at all during summer, but then I realised... I’ve done most of my work within the first 2 weeks already.

I’ve just been doing some light revision here and there to keep the brain movin and stuff

[studywmax]

It *was* my birthday!

Officially 17 🎉🎉