IB Physics Higher Level is undoubtedly one of the most difficult subjects in the IB Diploma. Still, at the same time, Physics is the most fundamental of the experimental sciences, as it explains all the existing phenomena in the universe, from the very smallest particles (quarks) to the vast and gigantic quantities such as the behaviour of celestial bodies.
Being an interesting subject and very well related to every walk of our life, achieving a grade 7 in physics is not that difficult. All you need to do is follow these tips from the beginning of your session, and you will realise that if it was not a cakewalk, it was neither a hassle. So, let’s start:
1. Know your stuff and start early:
The Syllabus consists of all the possible relevant concepts that can teach you how science works and could possibly test you on all your analytical skills and conceptual clarity of the subject.
This means that if you are well versed with your text and notes, then nothing can surprise you in your final examination. So, always start early to have plenty of time before your final exams.
2. Effective Planning:
Time Management is the first step to achieve any goal, so set up a viable timetable for your study. If you have just a month before your exams, divide your time among all your subjects based on the requirement for each subject. Then organise your study period accordingly. You may need to give more time to some subjects as compared to the others. Let’s focus On IB HL Physics right now. It needs at least 15 days for preparation.
3. Prioritise your task:
Your next step towards preparing for IB physics is to go through your textbook and make short notes on each chapter. Focus on one chapter at hand and finish it. After going through the text, you just need to practise some questions from the past papers for each topic so that you can apply all your knowledge to the different types of questions and analyse each step of your preparation. At this stage, most helpful resources like tribe topper offer quick revision concepts and completely solved question banks for each topic.
4. Flow charts:
In every topic, it would be helpful, if you can make a flow chart for all the connected concepts. It is easier to connect the concepts with visual aids. I am drawing one for you as a reference:
5. Chalk out your revision techniques:
Always keep 3 days for a thorough revision where you can first practise solved past papers for IB Physics and then take some mock tests. Mock tests can help you analyse any last-minute improvements you need to make.
6. Focus on the present question:
Some students have a habit of reading the whole paper first and attempting the easier ones or the difficult ones first. But my suggestion would be that when you attempt your exam, do not read the whole paper at once. Rather start from answering the first question and focus only on that. Once completed, move on to the next. Because if you find some questions difficult, your brain starts pondering over them, you may become nervous and tend to make more mistakes.
7. Eat well and Sleep well:
Eating a healthy diet and having a good sleep of at least 6 hours helps you remain active, and your brain grasps more and retains more. Speed is an essential part of your preparation so that you can cover up maximum in a minimum time.
8. Keep calm:
While all your preparation time, take out 5 min to close your eyes and try to do some deep breathing. This helps you to stay calm and not freak out while preparing.
Before writing your paper, close your eyes, feel confident and just go for it.