Grade 8 Scales, How do you do them? Options

[purple dolphin]

Considering we need to know almost all the scales there are for grade 8, how do you go about learning them? Do you learn all the majors one week and then the harmonic minors the next etc, or do you do them by note i.e do all the C scales one week then the C# scales next week? I was just wondering because my teacher wants me to do them by note, but I prefer to do them by type, and I'm more likely to get them right by doing them by type as I have the shape in my mind more.

[Roseau]

Many years ago when I learnt them for Grade 8 piano I used to do them by note. (C major, C melodic and harmonic minors, C contrary motion, in thirds and the various arpeggios). I had a chart to make sure I rotated them regularly.

When I started the oboe I started learning scales the same way and my teacher said this was not a good idea. He recommended learning the major and the relative minor at the same time as the fingering patterns are similar. I did try this and I can see his point but I actually prefer playing them by note. I also quite like playing all the majors (or minors) going up a semitone at a time. (Basically I'm one of those weird people who finds scales relaxing).

My conclusion is that it is personal preference. Try different ways and see what suits you best.