Definitive answer from FFF, who puts it all very lucidly.
Student~C150: One extra point: choose a particular chart series and stick to it at this stage. Until you have a feel for it all, instinctively, there is no point running the risk of being confused by the assumptions made by differing cartographers and designers. Personally, I'd go for the CAA 1:500000 series, though some FTOs prefer you to use the 1:250000 at your stage of training.
I'd be delighted to go through all the ground stuff with you sometime, but suspect we live too far apart. Nevertheless, if you're ever up this way, you're welcome to PM me to arrange a pint with charts, etc..
Of course, if you get stuck into ground school, you won't need the mentoring. Have you reached a decision on that?