Jonah: How a strong plan and academic balance delivered results
Jonah achieved excellent GCSE results last summer. He is particularly pleased to have raised his Maths grade to a 9 — an outcome he attributes to being both challenged and supported since arriving at Sedbergh. He has now chosen to take A Levels in Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Geography.
Having joined the School in Year 10 from Bahrain, he reflects on adapting to a new academic environment, the support he received from his teachers, and how structure and balance have shaped his approach to learning.
Jonah’s Key Reflections
“I also learnt the benefit of being organised and planning ahead. With my mocks and GCSEs, I put a plan in place from the start as to what subjects I would cover each day.”
“Having good friends and a busy schedule means you can settle quickly — prep time every evening provides a clear block to get things done.”
“Keep things in balance. You need to study, but you also need time to switch off and relax.”
How did your teachers help you prepare for exams — was there a particular approach that really worked for you?
We were given guidance to revise for 100 hours over Easter. I found that helpful and I did just over 100 hours during that break. I tracked the hours I was doing each day and against each subject. We were also given advice on different types of revision like mind maps, flash cards and past papers, and I used all of these. During the exam period there were very helpful evening revision sessions for Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry, Physics and History. When you are tired from exams and revising, it was good to go to these sessions for some extra help with the teachers.
What do you think is different about studying at Sedbergh compared to other schools?
I was born in Bahrain and went to school there before joining Sedbergh in Year 10. The lessons at Sedbergh last about 50 minutes and I was used to classes of 70–80 minutes. I found it much easier to stay focused in 50-minute classes, especially in Year 10. The school day at Sedbergh is much more varied with a greater number of lessons and then sports as well. As a result, I found the studying process more enjoyable and less pressurised.
How did boarding help you balance your academic work with everything else you do at school?
I had visited my grandparents and family in the UK many times but had never lived in the UK before joining Sedbergh. As a result, joining Sedbergh meant both a new country as well as a new school for me. However, everyone was very welcoming and I enjoy being part of Evans House. I think because most students board, everyone is in the same position and you are able to make friends quickly. Having good friends and a busy schedule means you can settle quickly.
Having prep time every evening meant I did not need to worry about when I should do my work, as there is a clear block of time to get things done.
Aside from grades, what have you gained from your GCSE journey at Sedbergh?
Well, I am really happy with my grades and that my hard work paid off. For me, the process showed me that I benefit from a good balance. Having time to study but balancing that with time for exercise and relaxation seemed to work well.
I also learnt the benefit of being organised and planning ahead. With my mocks and GCSEs, I put a plan in place from the start as to what subjects I would cover each day. That needed adjusting from time to time if I was tired or needed to focus on a subject more, and I needed help getting that together, but having a plan to follow meant I could just get on with the work.
Did you discover any new interests, subjects, or skills that surprised you?
Before I came to Sedbergh, I was a Set 2 Maths student. So I am really happy to have finished with a Grade 9 in Maths and a Grade 7 in Further Maths. I had not fully appreciated my interest in Maths before I came to this school. I realised early in my time at Sedbergh that I really liked Physics and that I wanted to study it for A Level, but I needed to improve my Maths. I attended the Morning Maths Club pretty much throughout Year 10, and my confidence and ability grew. Sedbergh also put me in the higher band for Maths, which I found difficult at first, but it pushed me to improve.
How did sport and other activities fit alongside your studies?
I focus on rugby in Michaelmas Term, running in Lent Term, then tennis and cricket in Summer Term. I also did my Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award. For me, sport allows me to switch off from study and focus on my fitness, so even though I do get tired physically, my brain gets the chance to relax. The Duke of Edinburgh was challenging when we did the expedition at the end because it was raining most of the time, but the build-up and practice we did to prepare was a welcome break from study.
What A Levels/BTEC subjects have you chosen for Sixth Form?
I am taking Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Geography at A Level. The main priority was choosing subjects that I find the most interesting and that I think I can do well at. I have also got to know the teachers in those subject areas, and I think I can do well with their guidance.
It is too early to decide, but I am quite interested in economics, science and finance, and I thought these subjects would be helpful for university.
Do you already have an idea of the pathway you’d like to follow after school (university, apprenticeship, career area)?
I think university. I would like to have the opportunity to study overseas for part of my degree if I can. I am thinking about it quite a lot and have had a few discussions at school and with my family and friends, but I have not made a firm decision on the subject as I want to see how Year 12 goes.
What advice would you give to younger pupils just starting their GCSE courses at Sedbergh?
Try to get organised. I found that a bit challenging at first with eleven subjects, so I asked for help to organise my revision. Use the Year 10 exams and mock GCSE revision period to study so you aren’t starting from scratch in the Year 11 Easter holiday. Do make the most of the Easter revision period because I was quite tired when the May half term came, so I was glad I had done a lot of my revision before then. I tried to be honest with myself, so if I was struggling on a particular topic, I would work hard and get help to try and understand it rather than ignore the topic. Use the extra help available and go to revision classes.
Finally, I would say keep things in balance. You need to study, but you also need time to switch off and relax.