How to improve your TAGs- 10 ways to subtly charm your way to 3A*s – Freya H-S
The news of Teacher Assessed Grades replacing A-levels and GCSEs has been met with an array of responses. For some, TAGs will be a saving grace, a way to avoid the intimidating prospect of the exam hall and the pressures of Easter holiday revision. For most, however, the decision to rely on TAGs rather than A-Level and GCSE exams will prevent the classic approach of simply ‘pulling it out of the bag’ in June.
If you are like me and have now entered a constant state of panic and regret following the news, asking yourself ‘why the hell did I not revise or work at all before now’, I have an easy solution. In this article I’ve outlined 10 subtle ways to make your way back into the good books of your teachers, increasing your chance of getting the grades you so hoped you would achieve.
- Bribery: This must go beyond the mandatory ‘end of year’ teacher’s presents if you really want those top grades. The more personal the present, the better- do your research. Serial gifting is advisable if you want to see a more significant effect on result’s day. Let’s face it, teachers love to be showered with gifts whether they are edible or not.
- Compliment them: Who doesn’t love a compliment? There’s no better way to become a teacher’s favourite than to consistently provide them with a daily ego boost. Flattery works wonders. This can be concerning anything from their outfit of choice to their intellectual prowess. As with gifting, repeat offences will receive a more substantial response.
- Laugh at ALL of their jokes: We are all aware of the fact that teachers tend to lack comedic ability. Take advantage of this! Your unique selling point could be that you are the only pupil who actually finds your teacher’s jokes funny and they will favour you for this. Make sure your level of supposed amusement is high and your laughter is loud and clear. For bonus points, aim to achieve some form of inside joke with them.
- Show excessive interest in your subject: Whether you care about Russian history or not, ensure that your teacher thinks you do. By frequently asking questions about your subject and doing that extra reading, you are not only showing interest in your A level/GCSE, but in your teacher themselves- after all they did devote their whole life to teaching this subject.
- Ask if they need help… and then actually help: If a job needs doing, offer to do it. We all know that if you are nominated to hand out the work sheets, you’re either disruptive and in need of a distraction, or you are no.1 teacher’s pet. Become the latter. If you make the teacher’s life easier, they will be far more inclined to return the favour when it comes to your A-level or GCSE grade.
- Constantly put your hand up: This is especially important on Friday afternoons and Monday mornings- there’s nothing worse than a disengaged and uncooperative class. Ensure that your hand is raised for the majority of the lesson even if you have absolutely nothing to contribute- keep up appearances. For maximum subtlety, have the occasional ‘off’ lesson and leave the heavy lifting to someone else- a teacher can sense when someone’s trying too hard.
- Win every Kahoot/Quizlet you do: Online quizzes equal merits and merits equal A* student. Take no prisoners when partaking in Kahoot. Make sure your reflexes are sharp and sabotage others if necessary for your survival. Your teacher will remember it if you are consistently at the top of that podium.
- Volunteer- specifically for the Bubble: Whether it’s eco-committee, food-council, MUN or as a chapel sacristan, volunteer for any role of responsibility. Teachers lap it up. If you’re an English Literature student and happen to find yourself needing to boost your grade this summer, writing something for the Bubble is your way to go. Mr Hodson wants those page views…
- Be overly grateful: Again, to distinguish yourself from the rest, this needs to go further than the staple ‘thank you’ at the end of an RS lesson. Thank your teacher excessively for absolutely everything: when they open the door for you, when they hand you a ruler to borrow, when they call your name from the register. Being polite gets you anywhere these days.
- Do some work…: Possibly the least effective of my suggestions. You could maybe try doing the work they set you to an acceptable standard. I can’t be certain that it will bag you those 3A*s but it’s worth a shot…
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