[Kate72]

I was in England the other week and i bought the Bitesize GCSE book to help me revise. Unfortunately, i'm doing the Standard Grade couse. WhOoPs!

Are the two courses completely different, or are they the same?

[Mr Field]

It really depends on which topics you are studying. Obviously the history will be the same but you might find, for example, that you are studing a local topic or something slightly different.

The book will probably be useful, but whenever looking at revision guides it is essential to look at the coverage. In England and Wales there are four different exam boards, each offering three different syllabi, which in turn includes potentially 12 or more topic choices.

The solution for you is to look at the contents of your new book and then look at the topics your syllabus covers. If you don't know, speak to your teacher. Ask them which topics you are studying, or even take the book to them.

In answer to your questions - no and no. The courses are not completely different, nor are they the same. You will find that, for example, a topic about World War I might cover the years 1914 - 1918 in the Bitesize book, but the Standard Grade might also covere the Peace Treaties after 1918.

So - have a good look through the syllabus and then compare it with your book.

[A Finemess]

I would suggest that you take the book to your History teacher and ask his/her advice on what areas are common to the S Grade Course.

[Kate72]

Thank you! My Bitesize book is quite helpful, but i will show it to my teacher and if i see it, buy the Standard Grade course book.

[Kate72]

I'm doing Standard Grade History and i was wondering if anyone knew of any good revision guides availible to buy? I've grasped the idea of most things, but there are some things i'd rather have proffesional notes on, preferably written in a book. I'm welcome to all suggestions, so please put them down.

Thank You, Kate.

[Mr Field]

I've merged your two topics together. We have already answered your question haven't we? To get the best advice you should ask your teacher.

Depending on your exact course, there are additional books and revision resources - especially for the Scottish curriculum. As long as you are very clear about the topics that your course covers, you could also look in your local bookshop or have a look at online booksellers.

As before though, do check with your teacher.

[Kate72]

Thank You. I really meant any good revision guides apart from the Bitesize ones, but i will ask my teacher, because i realise that there's not much an English teacher can tell me about the Standard Grade course. Thank you anyway Mr Field.

[Mr Field]

OK - yet as I said there are a number of Scottish teachers who also support this forum, they might be able to offer additional advice.

The 'general' GCSE / Standard Grade revision books are all linked directly to specific exam boards and their specific topics.

[celticfc88]

hi. i think the skool library sells standard grade revision books now kate

[Kate72]

Right, i'll check there too then. Thanks for the tip CelticFC88!