5 Common Mistakes Students Make in GCSE Science (And How to Avoid Them) Worried your child might be making mistakes in GCSE Science without realising it? You’re not alone. Science is one of the most
5 Common Mistakes Students Make in GCSE Science (And How to Avoid Them)
Worried your child might be making mistakes in GCSE Science without realising it?
You’re not alone.
Science is one of the most challenging GCSE subjects—not just because of the content, but because of the way it’s assessed. Even the most capable students can lose marks through small but avoidable errors.
As a qualified science teacher and full-time online tutor, I’ve supported hundreds of students through their GCSEs—and I see the same mistakes pop up again and again.
Let’s break them down, and more importantly, talk about how to fix them.
1. Ignoring the Command Words in Exam Questions
Many students lose marks not because they don’t know the answer—but because they don’t understand what the question is asking for.
Common command words include:
• Describe – what it looks like, feels like, etc.
• Explain – give a reason or cause
• Evaluate – weigh up both sides
• Suggest – use what you know to make an educated guess
Fix it:
Get your child into the habit of underlining or highlighting command words in every question. A great strategy is to turn the command into a sentence starter (e.g. “One reason is…”).
2. Not Revising Required Practicals Properly
They’re worth a significant number of marks—but students often skip revising them because they seem “boring” or they were rushed in school.
Required practicals appear in both paper 1 and paper 2, and questions often ask students to:
• Identify variables
• Evaluate a method
• Suggest improvements
• Analyse results
Fix it:
Make sure your child has a simple summary of each required practical, understands what they were meant to learn, and can explain it clearly. We focus on this heavily in our booster classes.
3. Weakness in Scientific Calculations
Students often panic when they see a calculation—even if it’s a simple one.
Common issues include:
• Forgetting the correct equation
• Not showing working
• Losing a mark for incorrect units
• Using the wrong values from the question
Fix it:
Teach them to use this structure:
Equation → Substitute → Answer → Units
Even 5 minutes a day practising calculations can make a huge difference.
4. Writing Too Little on Six-Mark Questions
The dreaded six-marker! Many students write two or three sentences and move on… even though the question is worth six marks.
Fix it:
• Use a clear structure: Point – Explain – Link
• Encourage planning with bullet points
• Remind them: if it’s worth 6 marks, they should aim for 6 relevant points
We run full sessions on six-mark questions in our online course—it’s one of the most powerful ways to boost a grade.
5. Not Practising Enough Past Paper Questions
Knowing the content isn’t enough. Students need to practise the way it will be asked.
Common pitfalls include:
• Overusing flashcards or passive revision
• Not timing their answers
• Avoiding full papers because “they’re too hard”
Fix it:
Build exam confidence gradually. Start with a few questions a day. Then progress to full sections, and eventually full papers. Focus on exam-style wording, not just content recall.
Bonus Tip: Answer the Question, Not Just the Topic
Some students are so eager to show what they’ve revised, they forget to actually answer the question being asked.
Encourage them to re-read every question before submitting their answer and ask, “Have I answered what the examiner is looking for?”
FAQs for Parents
Q: My child knows the content but still drops marks. What can I do?
Focus on exam technique. Science is not just about knowledge—it’s about how to apply it in the right format.
Q: Are past paper questions more useful than revision notes?
Yes. They help students learn to think like an examiner and spot patterns in how questions are phrased.
Q: Can a tutor help with this?
Absolutely. A good tutor focuses not only on teaching content but on how to tackle exam-style questions confidently.
Want to Help Your Child Avoid These Mistakes?
We cover all of this—and more—in our weekly GCSE Science Booster Classes.
Your child will learn:
• How to break down six-mark questions
• How to revise efficiently
• How to walk into their exams feeling ready
£120/month for weekly term-time sessions, taught live on Zoom by lucie Eaglesmith
How to revise during February half term
It all begins with an idea.
How to Make the Most of February Half-Term to Boost Your GCSE Results
February half-term is a crucial time for GCSE students. With just a few months until exams, this break is the perfect opportunity to get ahead, fill in knowledge gaps, and boost confidence. But let’s be honest half-term isn’t long, and spending it glued to a revision book with no structure won’t be effective.
So, how can students use this week wisely to have the most impact on their GCSE results? Here’s a step-by-step guide to making half-term revision productive, balanced, and stress-free.
1. Start with a Plan
The biggest mistake students make is revising without a clear strategy. Before half-term starts, create a realistic revision timetable:
Prioritise weaker subjects and high-mark topics.
Plan short, focused revision sessions (30-45 minutes).
Mix in active revision techniques (more on this below!).
Schedule breaks and relaxation to avoid burnout.
A structured plan helps students stay on track and feel in control.
2. Revise Smarter, Not Harder
Many students waste time passively reading their notes, but GCSE success comes from active learning. Instead, try these high-impact revision techniques:
Past Papers & Exam Questions Practise real exam-style questions under timed conditions.
Flashcards! Test yourself on key facts, definitions, and equations.
Blurting. Write down everything you remember about a topic, then check for gaps.
Mind Maps. Organise topics visually to make connections clearer.
Teaching Someone Else. If you can explain it, you truly understand it!
By focusing on active recall and exam practice, students retain more information and build exam confidence.
3. Tackle the Hard Topics First
It’s tempting to start with easier topics but the best way to make real progress is to face the tricky ones head-on.
Students should identify topics they find difficult and:
Watch revision videos for step-by-step explanations.
Use revision guides or online resources for extra support.
Break topics into smaller chunks and focus on one at a time.
Overcoming weaknesses now will save time and stress later in the year.
4. Use the Pomodoro Technique to Stay Focused
Long revision sessions often lead to burnout. Instead, students should try the Pomodoro technique:
Study for 25-45 minutes
Take a 5-10 minute break
Repeat 3-4 times, then take a longer break
This keeps energy levels high and prevents procrastination.
5. Prioritise Past Paper Questions
At this stage, the best way to boost grades is exam technique. Students should:
Complete past papers under timed conditions.
Check mark schemes to understand what examiners look for.
Identify mistakes and redo incorrect questions.
Use model answers to improve structure and wording.
For subjects like Science, Maths, and English, practising past papers is the fastest way to increase marks.
6. Balance Revision with Rest
Working too hard without breaks can lead to stress and exhaustion. Half-term should include:
Plenty of sleep “ A well-rested brain remembers more!”
Exercise & fresh air. Even a short walk boosts focus.
Relaxation time Downtime is important for memory consolidation.
Students who look after their well-being will be more productive and ready to tackle revision effectively.
7. Set Goals & Track Progress
Setting small, achievable goals keeps motivation high. Students should:
Make a daily to-do list and tick off completed tasks.
Celebrate small wins (e.g., mastering a topic, completing a past paper).
Keep a revision journal to track improvement.
Progress tracking keeps students motivated and focused on success.
Final Thoughts: Make This Half-Term Count!
February half-term is a golden opportunity to boost GCSE results but only if it’s used wisely. A well-structured revision plan, active learning techniques, past papers, and rest will make a massive difference in exam performance.
By following these steps, students will head back to school feeling more prepared, confident, and ready to succeed!
Want expert GCSE revision support?
At Eaglesmith Education, we provide high-quality tutoring to help students maximise their potential. If your child needs structured revision, exam practice, and expert guidance, get in touch today!
Comment below or visit eaglesmitheducation.com to book a FREE consultation!