As you navigate your academic journey, getting higher grades is crucial and should remain your goal. Despite the obstacles you may encounter in your academic path, you need to keep striving to improve your grades and give your best performance at all times. It will, of course, require you to put in more time and effort, go the extra mile and cut off some distractions, but the results will be worth it.

Achieving better performance at school has many benefits! Beyond giving you a feeling of fulfilment, it also sets you apart from the pack. Furthermore, it places you among the top choices in your future career path. Studies have found that students with higher Grade Point Average have better income. Additionally, achieving higher grades boosts your confidence and grants you admission to elite universities and colleges. This also makes your parents or carers happy and proud of you. Beyond that, you also get proud of your achievement. As you read this blog, you will discover 7 practical tips to help you boost your academic performance and achieve higher grades.

1. Have an Organised Study Space

Setting up a dedicated and clean study space can significantly help you stay concentrated. It also helps motivate you when you want to study or revise your lessons. This blog states that having a good study space helps you stay on track with your studies and build healthy study habits. This is why you should be deliberate about this. Set up a quiet, tidy and distraction-free study spot either in your room or where you regularly study. Have all the frequently used materials and tools at your fingertips. This will help you avoid interrupting your study sessions by going to look for study materials. Have enough lighting so that you do not strain your eyes. Also, have your calendar with important dates written and your daily to-do list with daily goals set.

Ensure that your study spot is regularly cleaned to keep it tidy and organised. This will help you easily find all your important items. Avoid any distractions. If you use gadgets to study, only use the apps that you study with during your study time. As your study space is clean, well-equipped and distraction-free, your performance and concentration will increase during your study times. This will ultimately positively impact your academic performance and promote higher grades.

2. Have a Good Study Time Management

The next tip to help you grow in academic performance is time management. You can have a good study spot, but if you fail to manage your study time, you will fail to meet certain deadlines. This will then affect your performance at school. As we’ve already mentioned, having a detailed study calendar that has important dates and deadlines well-marked is helpful. Make sure to set up alarms and reminders on your gadgets for 10 minutes or 30 minutes before study time. This is to help you not miss your revision and study sessions. Have a goal for each lesson. Set daily, weekly, monthly and termly personal study targets and make them achievable. Based on your goals and targets, create a simple study plan to achieve these goals and execute your plan. It’s important not only to write a plan, but also to implement it. In our blog, we mention that sticking to a study plan boosts focus and reduces stress. This then leads to better understanding and longer-lasting memory.

Higher grades will not come to you automatically on a silver platter. You will need to work for good results. It’s therefore necessary to develop discipline to stick to your study plan until you meet your goals and targets. To help you stay motivated, you can also reward yourself when you meet your goals.

If you are struggling to create healthy study habits and need motivation, the GT Scholars Co-Study Club offers support through collaborative learning. You will boost your study motivation as you study independently in the company of your peers and under the supervision and guidance of a study coach. You’ll not only learn great study tips and learn how to set study goals. You will also gain rewards for studying! Learn more about the Co-Study Club here.

3. Use Different Study Methods

Everyone learns differently, so it is important to find which method is best for you. Some learn better using gadgets, while others prefer studying off-screen. Some learn efficiently simply by watching videos, while others assimilate lessons better when they practise collectively in small groups. Take time to discover the method you are most efficient at and maximise it.

As you adopt your favourite study method in your study sessions, you will be learning at your optimal level. This blog shows that scholars who develop good study methods feel more focused, confident and in control of their studies. It also mentions that effective study methods help build habits that contribute to long-term academic success. This will reinforce your understanding of the subjects you are studying and increase the possibility of higher grades. Also, consider practising past exam papers. This helps you to familiarise yourself with the types of questions that usually come up during exams. This can save you time and give you a significant advantage as you prepare for your exams or GCSEs.

4. Stay Healthy

When you maintain a healthy body, you help your brain function more efficiently. You can make sure to exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet and get enough sleep. This will boost your energy levels and mood, keeping your mind active during study times. Remember, a tired brain cannot effectively absorb information. Make sure to include good rest and hydration in your healthy habits. This will boost your mood and help your study time. It will also make it easier for you to understand your lessons and perform well in tests and exams. The benefit of it all is that you will get those higher grades you’ve been working hard for.

Moreover, avoid straining your brain with long study hours. Schedule breaks during your study time to help you refresh your memory. For example, instead of having a strenuous 2-hour-long study session at once, you can break it down into many sessions of 50 minutes and have 10-minute breaks between each session. During your 10-minute break, you don’t need to be distracted. You can have a 5-minute walk around the garden, drink a cup of juice or water, or stretch! After your break, jump back into your study session.

5. Consider Tutoring or Mentorship

Another important tip that can greatly improve your academic achievement is getting enrolled in a tutoring or mentoring programme. This is a personalised learning approach that will help you study at your own pace. It also helps learners grow in their environment and under the guidance of an experienced tutor or mentor. You can decide to get a tutor to help you in a certain subject, whether Maths or English, or any subject you need improvement in. If you need guidance in academics or beyond, you can get a mentor who coaches you on diverse aspects. A mentor can teach you important skills and show you key strategies to help you reach the success you desire in your academics.

Research shows that students who are tutored outperform those who aren’t by 90%. With tutoring, you have the benefit of arranging study sessions with your tutor at your convenience. Tutors consider your best learning style and review lessons as many times as possible until you fully understand concepts. These are target-oriented study sessions where you are free to ask questions. Your tutor will reemphasise parts that might have escaped your attention in school lessons and areas you feel less confident in. At GT Scholars, we run high-impact online tutoring and mentoring programmes designed to help scholars achieve their goals. You can have a conversation with your parents or carer about it and contact us to set yourself up for higher grades at school!

6. Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help

There will be times when you can get stuck in a lesson or a task. Never hesitate to ask for help from your teacher, parents or classmates who have higher grades in that same subject. You can always approach your teacher if a lesson seems a bit difficult for you to understand. Another option is talking with your parents about considering getting a tutor if you feel you need more support. If you get lower grades than you expected in a particular subject, take time to identify where the problem lies. Explore and write down possible solutions to the issues that you have noticed. 

Additionally, you can join study groups or attend revision sessions. You can also watch YouTube tutorial videos or use online resources to help improve your understanding of those tricky subjects. This can ultimately bring a positive impact on your grades. Aim to associate and surround yourself with supportive friends who keep you motivated. This support system can encourage you to give your best, meet your study goals and achieve higher grades.

7. Don’t Forget to Relax!

The volume of school work can be overwhelming for students and can easily be demoralising. Time for relaxation with friends and family is equally important to diligent study. Balance your weekly activities with moments of conscious rest time. Remember that a tired brain can’t do much, so rest when necessary. It’s true that sometimes, based on the ongoing activities at school, you will need to put in more study hours. But rest is important, so include it in your routine. 

A practical tip to help you include rest in your lifestyle is to allocate time to declutter your mind. For example, you can watch your favourite TV show or go to your favourite restaurant with your family to unwind. Don’t let the overwhelming pressure of school work take away opportunities to relax your mind. Spend quality time with your loved ones and have moments of joy and laughter with friends and family. This will help your mental health and boost your mood. Having a healthy and rested mind will have incredible effects on your academic performance. It helps you effectively process information and bring the desired outcome of higher grades that you aim to achieve.

Remember, everyone learns differently. So, prioritise finding your own path and discover what best suits you. As you apply these practical tips, you will see your grades jump from one level to the next. Stay determined, diligent and resilient to succeed despite the challenges you might encounter.

At GT Scholars, we help young people aged 10-18 through high-impact programmes to achieve their academic, personal and career goals. Our award-winning programmes are designed to improve grades, promote great academic and leadership skills, and help you succeed at school and beyond. You can contact us today and let us support you on your journey to academic success.

Memorisation techniques are great to use when you’re studying for a test or an exam. You can also add them to your daily school routine to help you memorise important information in class. Memorisation techniques are helpful tools that can help you improve your ability to remember the content you are studying. 

These techniques will help you to go into your exams feeling prepared, confident and less stressed. In this article, we’ll share 5 of the best memorisation techniques to improve memory recall, helping you to ace your exams!

Use Mnemonics

A mnemonic is simply a memorisation technique that can help you study for tests and exams. Using mnemonic strategies can give you the boost in your memory that you need while you’re studying for your exams. 

It focuses on using memory strategies that help you retain the information that you’re studying so that you can recall it easily during your exams. It may look difficult at first, but with some practice, it will become easier to use these mnemonic devices to study. We’re going to share 4 of the most commonly used mnemonics that you can use.

Audio Mnemonics

Audio mnemonics use sounds, rhythms, and melodies to help store information in your memory. A simple and effective way to use this technique is by setting information to a familiar tune or song. You then adapt the song to the information you want to remember. 

For example, take the song “If You’re Happy and You Know It”. You can change this song to remember a mathematical formula. By signing the formula to the melody, the rhythm and repetition will help you to reinforce the information in your mind. 

For example: 

If you’re solving for the area, use πr²,

If you’re solving for the area, use πr²,

If you’re solving for the area, solving for the area,

If you’re solving for the area, use πr².

You can enhance this method by using physical actions like clapping or tapping your fingers to the beat. This multisensory approach strengthens the links between your memory and the information. But remember to only use these actions while studying. Clapping or making noises during an exam might be disruptive and against the rules.

Using audio and rhyme mnemonics can make learning more enjoyable and significantly improve recall during exams.

Visual Mnemonics

Image or picture mnemonics use visuals to help you remember information when needed. These images can be mental or sketched into your study notes. The sillier the image, the easier it is to remember the information. 

For example, picture meeting someone named Sarah Harward at a party. To remember her name, visualise Sarah sitting on a log in a forest (a “harwood”). The quirkiness of the image will make it more memorable. If you are sketching the image, don’t worry about your artistic ability, as it is more important for you to understand your sketch, no matter how it looks. 

Word and Expressions Mnemonics

This is one of the most popular mnemonic and memorisation techniques used. It involves using the first letter of each item in a list to form a phrase or word. To do this, write down all the difficult-to-remember terms from a topic or subject and create a mnemonic for them. 

In English, the seven coordinating conjunctions are For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, and So. The first letter of each of these conjunctions put together spells FANBOYS. Another example is in Maths, the order of operations is Parentheses, Exponents, Multiply, Divide, Add, and Subtract. An expression to remember this is “Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally”. 

Spelling mnemonics

Spelling mnemonics can be an effective memorisation technique that makes difficult spellings much easier. If you have some tricky words you would like to use in your next English exam, you can come up with spelling mnemonics to help you remember them. 

Take a look at some examples:

ARITHMETIC: A rat in the house may eat the ice cream.

BECAUSE: Big elephants can always understand small elephants.

DOES: Daddy only eats sandwiches.

To create your spelling mnemonic, focus on the most challenging words first, then move on to the easier words. This approach helps you to recall difficult words more effectively whilst studying or during exams. 

Enhance Your Focus for Better Memory Recall

Maintaining focus is very important for effective memory recall. You need to concentrate on the material you are learning to transfer information from your short-term memory into your long-term memory, no matter which memorisation technique you are using.

Keep active to improve your focus

Staying focused involves minimising distractions in your environment. Young people typically maintain a peak focus of 1-2 hours daily. Regular exercise can also help you improve your focus by providing necessary breaks and keeping you alert during study sessions. 

It is recommended to break your study time into 20-minute sessions for optimal mental and physical health during study periods. Set a study goal for the day, focus on it, and then reward yourself with a mini-break. You can get your body moving by taking a quick walk to refresh your mind before you begin another session. 

Eliminate Distractions

To make sure you study well, you should choose a place that is free from distractions like television, music, and other disturbances. If you have trouble minimising your distractions, we have some techniques to help. 

You can start by identifying the things that distract you the most. Remove these from your space before you start. If this does not work, you can try using the Checkmark System. Each time you lose concentration, you mark a check on a scorecard (this can be a blank page or a digital note). At the end of your study session, count the number of checks. Then aim to reduce the number of checks with each study session. 

Optimise your study times

It is important to understand at what time of the day you feel you can concentrate and perform best. Some teens find that they concentrate best in the late morning, and others feel more productive late at night. 

Identifying your most productive times and creating a study schedule that aligns with it will help you improve your study sessions. If you struggle with managing your time, you can read our blog on effective time management techniques at this link

Understand the importance of sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining focus and enhancing memory. Aim for 8-9 hours of sleep each night. A good night’s sleep can improve your ability to learn and retain new information. Taking a nap after studying can also help consolidate your memories and keep you focused.

Organise Your Thoughts

Organising your thoughts is an important part of most memorisation techniques. By structuring your information clearly, you can make it easier for your brain to store and remember information. 

Information is organised in our memory by related topics. You can use this by structuring and organising the materials you’re studying. Group similar concepts and terms together, and outline your notes and textbook readings to keep related topics together. 

Techniques for organising your thoughts

Organising information into meaningful groups is a powerful memorisation technique to improve memory recall. For example, if you are trying to memorise vocabulary for a foreign language class, classify words with similar meanings into categories. Associating words together this way gives them context and meaning, making them easier to remember. 

It can be daunting to memorise large amounts of information, such as the human anatomy.  The thousands of parts that make up the human body can be organised into systems based on function or location. This makes memorising them more manageable.

Use Chunking to Aid Memory

“Chunking” is a strategy for organising information into smaller, more manageable groups. You likely use chunking without realising it, such as memorising a phone number or a lock combination. When you break these numbers into smaller chunks of three or four digits, it becomes easier to remember the long number. 

This method works because our short-term memory can only hold about three or four pieces of information at a time. Organising your thoughts might seem difficult at first, but once you chunk information into bits and pieces and practice daily, it will become second nature.

Use the Power of Association

You can link a term you need to remember with a memory or something you’re familiar with – this is known as association. Associative memory is a way to learn and remember the relationship between unrelated information, such as the name of someone or the smell of perfume. 

When you’re studying a subject that you don’t understand, take the time to think about how this information relates to what you already know. By establishing relationships between new ideas and previously existing memories, you can greatly increase the chance of recalling the recently learned information.

How Association Helps You Remember

We all experience something that reminds us of something else. For example, the smell of fresh-baked bread might remind you of your mum’s apple pie, or hearing someone sing the ‘ABC alphabet’ song might take you back to your preschool days of learning the alphabet. Generally, the Association Technique is a useful tool to help you memorise unrelated items or ideas.

This memorisation technique connects the items or ideas we want to remember to a single visual theme. Our brains act like computer file folders, slotting newly learned information into the same file as already learned information. By organising information this way, you align with the brain’s natural method of processing and storing data, helping you remember information more easily.

Visualise It

Visualisation refers to our ability to create pictures in our minds based on what we read or hear. When words are used to create mental images, our understanding is increased in our daily studies. Therefore, those who use visualisation have an advanced ability to understand, learn, and remember.

How to Visualise Information

Many people benefit greatly from visualising the information they study. You can pay attention to the photographs, charts, and other graphics in your textbooks. If you don’t have visual cues to help, try creating your own. Draw a mind map and make use of highlighters or pens in different colours to group ideas in your study activities.

Using Visualisation Techniques To Study

There are many ways to use visualisation in your studies to help your memory recall. For instance, making flashcards of different terms in English Literacy you need to remember can help the information stick in your mind. 

When reading text, you can read aloud and slowly, thinking of each image created by the words you are reading. You can pause after each piece of text you read and try to visualise with your eyes closed to create a mental image. 

The Bottom Line

Memorisation techniques are invaluable tools in preparing for exams or trying to retain important information from classes. Adding these methods to your study routine can increase your chances of remembering and recalling your curriculum content, boosting your chances of good grades in your exams and assessments.

You can improve your chances of succeeding during your exam season using our workbook on How to Ace Your Exams. You can access the workbook and PDF download by following this link

What do we mean by Study Skills?
The dictionary defines ‘Study’ as:

• The devotion of time and attention to gaining knowledge of an academic subject
• A detailed investigation and analysis of a subject or situation

The best way to think of studying is as a time that you dedicate beyond the classroom, to understand even more about a subject.

What’s The Difference Between Studying And Revision?

Everyone has a different experience of studying and revision – your experience will usually depend on the information given by your school. Some schools have a huge focus on building your study skills and other schools will only focus on revision.

The key difference between studying and revision is that studying is something that you can do throughout the year and throughout your school life. You can do it at any point in time. Revision is what you usually do in the last few weeks or months, building up to an exam or a test.

To revise means to ‘revisit’, so in theory, you can’t revisit some information if you didn’t study it in the first place. Many young people feel anxious about exams and revision because revision feels daunting. They never had a chance to study the information so revision means they are ‘studying’ the information for the first time.

In this blog, we’ll explain some of the key things that you should consider when setting up a study routine.

1. Have A Clear Goal In Mind

It’s important that you start with an end goal in mind. What are the grades that you’d like to achieve? Which subjects are you struggling with? Which subjects do you find easier? How much time can you realistically dedicate to studying? What are your predicted grades at school? What are the grades that you would like to achieve, i.e. your personal target grades? You may decide that there are only a few subjects that you want to study each week because you don’t have time to study every single subject.

2. Small Chunks Make A Huge Difference

You don’t have to study for long periods of time every day. Similar to revision, it’s important to take breaks when you’re studying. This means studying in 20-50 minute chunks followed by 10-15 minute breaks. You may decide that you want to study for 1 hour a day or just 30 minutes per day. You may not have to study for a huge period of time and you may be selective about what you study, e.g. you may choose to only study the things that you found difficult in that week. This means that you use your study sessions to ‘troubleshoot’ and get a better understanding of those areas that you struggled with at school that day or that week.

3. Set Up A Study Timetable

Where possible, you should dedicate a couple of hours each day to studying and a study timetable can help you achieve this. The aim of a study timetable is to remind you about the best times to study and to give you an idea of the subject/s to study each day. It removes decision fatigue because it means you don’t waste half an hour deciding on what to study and you just jump straight in and start studying a subject based on what you have written in your study timetable. When creating your study timetable, it’s important to consider the best time of day to study. Do you want to study during the week? And weekends? Mornings? After-school? In the late evening? Do you want to have some days off?

4. Some Things Are More Urgent Than Studying

In an ideal world, it would be great if you could follow your study timetable and make time to study every single day. However, this might not be realistic due to various more urgent tasks that need to be completed eg. completing your coursework, pieces of homework or revising for a test. Be realistic and be aware that some days you will need to focus on what is ‘urgent’ and you won’t be able to study. It’s urgent that you revise for upcoming exams so you get a decent grade and it’s urgent that you complete your homework so that you can submit it on time. On days like this, studying will just have to wait.

5. Paying Attention In Class

It’s much more effective to pay attention in class than to spend time studying and re-learning at home. The point of studying is to gain a better understanding of something that you’ve already been introduced to. If you pay attention in class, you’ll find that you don’t have a huge amount of studying at home. This is because you are already making sense of things in class and you have fewer questions.

6. Make Clear & Concise Notes

Research shows that you are more likely to remember things when you have made hand-written notes about them. You must make clear and concise notes in dedicated notebooks that you can use purely for study and revision. One notebook or folder for each subject is highly recommended. However, the contents for each notebook will probably look quite different. You may make notes using mind maps, diagrams, or summary posters in one subject, highlighted notes in another subject and index cards for another subject. In maths, you may simply practise questions under that topic and have a notebook with all the formulas, definitions, and examples. You don’t have to use the same ‘study style’ for every single subject. You can choose what works best for you.

7. Textbooks & Past Papers

Before you make notes, you need to decide on the resources that you’ll be using for learning. Most exam boards create a specific textbook to help their students prepare for the upcoming exams. They also make sure that the past question papers are readily available to students who want to prepare for the exams. It is highly recommended that you use these textbooks and past papers to help you with the exam preparation.

8. Make The Most Of Different Resources

In addition to textbooks and past question papers, you can use a wide range of resources to help you with studying. In science, you may prefer to use a combination of textbooks and YouTube videos. You may have a specific language website or audio guidebook that you use for languages. In Maths, you may have a website that provides past question papers based on each topic. In History or Geography, you may prefer to watch summarised video clips and make notes while you watch them. The most important thing is that you decide the learning format that is most effective and efficient for you – no time wasting! For our favourite pick of over 250 free learning websites, visit www.thelearningdirectory.com.

9. Create A Topic List

Most people study the topic that was most recently covered in class. Some people study topics based on the contents page for their textbook or the syllabus list for the upcoming exams. You may decide to shorten the list by only studying the topics that you’ve found really difficult. It’s important that you have a summary list of the topics that you will be covering in your study time, as well as topics that you want to study in more detail in the future. You can check these off as you go. The list serves two purposes. Firstly, it gives you a sense of accomplishment, so you know how far you have come. Secondly, it gives a sense of direction so you know which topics you still need to cover in the future.

10. Create An Environment That Works For Studying

Do you like to study with music on or are you more effective working in silence? If you listen to music, what kind of music? What are the potential distractions that you might have when studying or revising? How can you reduce those distractions? Do you prefer to study or revise in a local library or do you prefer working at home? Do you prefer to study with friends or on your own? Can you work in your room or do you need to be somewhere else in your home? Do you need to turn off your phone, or does it need to be on silent or do you just give it to a parent because you know that it’s too distracting? Everyone is different and everyone has their preferred way of studying. You must take the time to understand what works best for you and keep making changes whenever you realise that it’s not working.

11. Ask For Help If You Get Stuck

If you’re stuck and you’re struggling with a topic, then there are a few things you can do: You can take a short break or try a new technique and if that’s not working, then you must ask for help. One of the key benefits of studying is that it gives you a sense of ownership of your learning. You can choose what you want to study, when you want to study and how you want to study. This independent way of learning has many advantages but one of the disadvantages is that you may forget to ask for help. If you find that you’re struggling with a topic, then make sure you ask for help. This can be from a parent /carer, a teacher, or a tutor. You don’t have to do it all on your own.

12. Be Mindful Of When To Switch To Revision Mode

Studying gives you the luxury of digging deep into topics and sometimes even exploring new topics and discovering new things that will not come up in the exam. Once you build momentum with studying, you might actually start to enjoy it! However, it is different from revision and as you approach your exams, you will need to switch gears and move into revision mode. Revision does not give you the luxury of exploring new topics and discovering new things. When you’re revising, you cannot afford to waste any time. When you’re revising, you’ll need to focus on the exam at hand. You must focus on the topics within the exam, make sure you test yourself and assess your knowledge and make sure that you address any knowledge gaps in a way that helps you feel prepared for the exams.

13. Assess Your Knowledge

How do you know if you are studying in the right way? How will you know if the time that you’re putting into studying is worth it? The only way you can know is to test yourself, i.e. assess your knowledge. This is a key part of studying. You can make notes all day but it’s pointless if you can’t remember or apply what you’ve learned. So how can you test yourself? Most textbooks will have an end-of-chapter quiz section and many websites will have a questionnaire or exam-style questions that you can use to test your knowledge. Make sure that the quiz has accompanying answers so you know if you’re getting it right. One of the main advantages of quizzing yourself during your study time is that you don’t have the pressure of trying to get everything 100% correct. The most important thing is that you make a note of the quiz questions that you struggled with and study them again. If you’re still struggling, then make sure you ask for help from a teacher or a tutor. Assessing your knowledge regularly will help you build more confidence, it will help you become more secure in your knowledge, and it will ultimately make revision for exams much easier.

So What Is The Key Advantage Of Studying Throughout The Year?

When you choose to study a new topic, you are deciding to gain a full understanding of that topic. It makes exam revision much easier because you’ll have a better understanding when you’re revising and re-visiting a topic. If you study all through the year, revision will be much easier and you’ll probably find that it has a hugely positive impact on your exam grades.

At GT Scholars, we help young people achieve their aspirations and reach their academic and professional goals. We run high-impact programmes that can boost your academic performance and benefit you beyond your study journey. You can contact us today to know more about our programmes.

During your secondary school years, you often don’t realise that your decisions and actions can impact your future long-term. Understanding how an A grade translates financially into long-term success is essential for young people. During these years, we start laying the foundations of our lives. The skills you learn in school will stay with you forever. You know to set goals and apply yourself so that you can achieve those goals. School teaches you how to balance life between work and play. You also learn to prioritise, focusing on what needs to be done instead of what you would like to do.

How Good Grades Translate to Financial Value

Often, young people underestimate the value of good grades and their impact on their future. Good grades can open many doors, especially when applying for a tertiary education programme. With good grades, you can translate a solid education into a rewarding & well-paying career. Many students cannot access the tertiary education programme of their choice due to not achieving the required marks in secondary school. Students need to understand this and work hard during school to get good grades. The future is yours, and it can be bright with good grades.

In addition to opening the doors to a stellar tertiary education, obtaining above-average grades in secondary school can also improve your employability. Employers look at secondary school results to determine whether a candidate can perform well academically. They use this information to determine whether candidates can learn and thrive in a specific setting.

If you are unsure about which career path you would like to embark on, good academic results will allow you to secure an entry-level job which pays relatively well while you decide on the career that will be best suited for you. This way, you will discover your strengths, weaknesses, and likes and dislikes.

Scholarships

Universities like Liverpool John Moores University offer full merit-based scholarships, rewarding exceptional students for their outstanding academic achievements. Most of these scholarships offer to settle the tuition fees for an entire undergraduate study programme, freeing the scholarship recipient from any obligation to repay the programme fees. A wide range of scholarships is available, including Masters and Doctoral studies.

Young people who excel academically can also consider applying for a scholarship abroad, opening up a new world of possibilities. Studying abroad will allow you to immerse yourself in another country and its culture.

Education is a personal and financial investment and one of the best investments you will make. It influences your life significantly and can determine which path you take in the future. It can even empower you to make a change in the world as we know it.

Earning Potential

Having a good education with exceptional results can provide a stable career with high earning potential. A recent article in the Telegraph stated that a person without a degree could earn up to £12,000 less per annum than a graduate entering the job market. Furthermore, the report says this amounts to over £500,000 difference in earning potential over an average working life. A survey by the jobs website Adzuna analysed a million vacancies, concluding a widening pay gap between non-graduates and graduates. This demonstrates the difference in earning potential that having a solid education can make when pursuing the career of your choice.

Performance in School Translates to Performance in Career

A proven correlation exists between not doing well in school and not doing well in university or your job. An article by James Rosenbaum on the American Federation of Teachers website states that students who do not perform well in school will probably not graduate from college, and many will not progress further than remedial courses. There is a close connection between high school preparation (regarding the rigour of courses and grades received) and college completion. This information is well-known to statisticians, researchers, and policymakers who follow such matters. High college enrolment rates and low graduation rates are known facts in most open admissions and less selective colleges (both two- and four-year).

Education is a lifelong journey which adds lasting quality to our lives. There are so many different educational pursuits we can follow and many different fields of study. The tricky part is choosing what you want to pursue!

The GT Scholars Awards programme focuses on helping young people understand the variety of career and study options available to them and can assist in making informed decisions about their future careers.

If you are struggling to achieve good results in school, our flagship programme, The GT Scholars Academic Programme, has helped many students. This unique after-school programme combines tutoring in either Maths or English, enrichment and skill-building classes. After joining the programme, students improved by two grades within a year. If you are interested in one of our programmes, you can register your interest here, and one of our team members will contact you to discuss things in more detail.