01 Introduction: Who Is Kam Taj?

Key Points Summary:


A short video answering some common questions about Kam Taj, such as:
  • Who is Kam Taj?
  • What is Kam's academic and professional background?
  • Why did Kam create this course?

(Trigger Warning: Mentions of Mental Health Illnesses & Suicide, no graphics)

Activities:


In this video, Kam mentions that he went from:

  1. Failing his A-Level Further Maths mock to getting an A* grade.
  2. Achieving 2.2 grades in his 1st and 2nd year at Cambridge University, and then achieving a 1st Class grade in his 3rd year.

Take a moment to imagine that it's 100% possible for you to achieve your ideal grades (for GCSEs, A-Level, university, or whichever qualification you're doing), regardless of where you currently are in relation to them.

Notice the thoughts that flow through your mind as you imagine this, and write down the following:

1. Each of the negative thoughts and beliefs that currently justify why it isn't possible for you to achieve these ideal grades. For example:
  • I can't do it.
  • I'm not smart enough.
  • It's too much effort.
  • I'm too afraid to fail
  • I don't have enough time
  • Kam could do it but he's probably smarter or more hard working than me.
  • Etc.

2. A statement that challenges each of those negative thoughts and beliefs. For example: 
  • I've never tried my best so how do I know what my best really is?
  • I can become smarter every single day with consistent practice.
  • It doesn't have to take huge amounts of effort if I learn to study more intelligently.
  • I would rather fail trying my best than to remain too afraid to try my best.
  • I can learn to study more efficiently and manage my time more effectively.
  • It's not fair of me to make assumptions about what someone else can or can't do, all I can focus on is what I can currently do and how I can slowly begin to improve it.
  • Etc.

3. Write down where you feel you could make the most improvements to your current study strategy. (Watch the next video on The 8 Principles of Exam Success to find out which of the 8 Principles will specifically help you the most to achieve this.)

Recommended Reading:


None.

Studies/Articles Referenced:


  1. UK Student Mental Health Statistics: https://yougov.co.uk/topics/lifestyle/articles-reports/2016/08/09/quarter-britains-students-are-afflicted-mental-hea
  2. UK Student Suicide Rates: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/students-more-likely-to-kill-themselves-rbxld8m9l