Improving your grades

Improving your grades

There's nothing wrong with aiming for a 2:2 or a pass, unless of course, you are capable of doing much better. To make the most of your time and money, avoid "coasting." Too many students seem prepared to accept a D when they are capable of a B, or don't bother working for formative assessments because they "don't count". They do count; not as a grade, but certainly in terms of practice and feedback that you can use towards your summative assessments. Formative assessments are about learning; not about "killing time" whilst you wait for the real work to start!

Whatever your academic ability, set yourself a standard and stick to it, or aim towards it. Your module handbook should contain details of marking criteria. Use this as a guide to see what you need to do to achieve a certain grade. Also, when you have completed a piece of work use the criteria as a checklist. Check that your work includes the things needed to get the grade that you want. Check your spelling and punctuation and make sure that you have written the work in the format required e.g. double-line spaced, large margins, etc. 

           

Support with study skills
The University has a range of study skills resources to help you improve your grades.            

  • Writer in residence:  we have two professional writers available on campus to help students with their writing, they can give practical, one-to-one advice on your essay writing skills and/or general writing techniques. To make an appointment please email: rlfwriterinresidence@worc.ac.uk 
  • Referencing and finding resources: Library Services offer 1:1 sessions on referencing, using and finding on-line resources, Blackboard, Pebblepad and other VLEs (Virtual Learning Environments), email askalibrarian@worc.ac.uk for further information.
  • Study skills website: http://www.worc.ac.uk/studyskills. The site has a wide range of study skills resources including MP3 downloads, short films and advice sheets.
  • Study skills advice sheets: These are available from the Peirson Study and Guidance Centre. They cover a range of topics including "Taking notes", "Organising yourself" and "Exams and revision".