Topping in IGCSE is a serious flex. Imagine being that one kid who topped every single subject they wrote without appearing to have any ego about it. That one kid that almost seems like a myth - one we all either idolise or are INSANELY jealous of. Thankfully, I was able to meet a vibrantly experienced IGCSE teacher from my school, Ms Zafreen, who casually shared with me all the secrets to becoming an IGCSE topper during my snack break. Thankfully, I’ve compiled it all into simple key points. Let’s talk.
Consistency
The amount of passion Ms Zafreen used to emphasise this point makes me safely conclude that it’s the most important one. “In IGCSE we start board portions from grade 9 itself and aim to finish (the portions) 6 months before board exams. Most students start studying within the span of those 6 months. Toppers don’t do that. They start from day 1 and keep going.” That got me wondering - maybe that’s why I never see them too stressed before exams and stuff.
Punctuality
Ms Zafreen used this point to emphasise the importance of submitting your homework on time. I do have to agree. Submitting assignments on time, and being on top of your work, though not directly related to success, is somehow present in almost every successful student I’ve come across. When you do your work on time you almost WANT to go to school that day, submit it with a smug smile on your face and show your classmates how amazing you are. And THAT, my friends, helps foster interest - in my experience at least.
Sense of responsibility
Toppers often end up being accountable only to themselves. They usually don’t rely on parental pressure to score. They’re the ones to beat themselves up when they don’t do well enough on a test. They don’t wait for someone else to set or validate their standard of work - they just do it themselves.
Memorization
Toppers in IGCSE genuinely don’t rely on rote learning as much as the practical application of everything they learn. “When you take a subject, make sure to give it justice,” Ms Zafreen says. Knowing a concept, in every sense of the word, and truly having analysed it from every angle possible is the only way to truly ensure the best mark. Of course, that takes a new level of consistency and willpower that a few can achieve. But what’s the harm in trying?
These were some of the tips and tricks I was able to receive from a successful IG teacher. But what about a successful IG student? Stay tuned to learn more and crack your examinations this year :)
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