3 Simple Tips for Starting IB Physics
Welcome to the beginning of your IB Physics journey 😀
Whether you're feeling excited or a bit nervous, I've got some straightforward tips to help you navigate the path ahead. My name is Sally Weatherly, the founder of GradePod and your guide towards mastering IB Physics.
Here, I'll share three essential tips to ease your experience and help you manage the workload effectively.
Tip #1: Use the Learning Objectives Checklist
One of the most effective tools you can have is a comprehensive checklist of learning objectives. This checklist includes every single thing you need to know for the IB Physics syllabus, broken down into simple, understandable terms.
Luckily, we have a free learning objective checklist here in GradePod. At time of writing, it's been downloaded over 3,000 times by other IB Physics Students since its release 10 months ago.
Download the GradePod IB Physics Checklist HERE
Why You Need This IB Physics Checklist
- Organised Learning: Bring this checklist to every class. As you learn new concepts, tick them off to ensure you grasp each area fully.
- Track Progress: Keeping track of what you know and what you need to review helps you stay on top of your studies and prepares you methodically for your final exams in two years.
You can download my free learning objectives checklist on GradePod. Trust me, this will be your go-to navigation tool throughout your IB Physics course.
Tip #2: Create Condensed Revision Notes
At the end of each topic, take time to write condensed revision notes. To help with this, I offer a free revision note template for IB Physics on GradePod.
How to Use the GradePod Template
The bets thing about this template is that it completely simplifies everything you need to know for each topic, into a series of six categories.
- Formulae: Document all relevant formulas used in the topic.
- Definitions: Write down the definitions associated with this topic
- Common Diagrams: Include common diagrams related to the topic.
- Common Graphs: Include and annotate any graphs you have encountered
- Common Practicals: What practical work did you do and what did you learn?
- Other Notes: This is where you note what you learned from completing past papers (or other important facts)
These revision notes will save you enormous amounts of time during your final exam preparations, as you won't need to start from scratch.
Check out this complete set of notes for Thermal Physics:
Tip #3: Practice Past Paper Questions by Topic
Expect to see a drop in your grades initially; this is normal.
IB Physics is challenging and designed to develop your problem-solving skills and exam techniques over two years.
It's important you start tackling exam questions very early in the course.
Begin practicing past paper questions from the very first topic you cover. For instance, if you start with A1 Kinematics, practice past paper questions specifically on kinematics. This way, you're reinforcing your learning as you go.
I provide these topic-specific past paper questions through the TrIBe Physics program. Starting early with past paper questions helps you develop critical problem-solving skills and exam techniques.
3 Simple Tips for IB Physics: Start Now
Embracing these three tips can make a significant difference in how you manage IB Physics:
- Download the Learning Objectives Checklist: Keep it with you and use it to track your progress.
- Condense Revision Notes: Use GradePod's free template to write structured, effective revision notes.
- Start Practicing Past Papers by Topic: Build your exam skills from day one with targeted practice inside TrIBe Physics.
For more detailed guidance and resources, consider joining the TrIBe Physics program. Here, you get direct access to me, and I'll be prepared to offer personalised support to help you excel in your IB Physics exams.
Become a Member of TrIBe Physics HERE!
Have a great day, and let's make this a fantastic start to your IB Physics adventure!
Best Wishes
