Mock Exams Year 11 Assembly 9 November 2015
TIMETABLE WEEK 1: 23rd 27th NOVEMBER
TIMETABLE WEEK 2: 30th NOVEMBER 4th DECEMBER
HOW THE WEEKS WILL WORK Only have to be in school for exams You have to know when your exams are You have had your own personal timetable! Arrive 15 minutes early Bring in what you need, e.g. to write with, calculator Full uniform in exams and around school Study Room will be made available check notice board for details Any queries see Mrs Roberts, Exams Officer
IN THE EXAM ROOM No mobile phones No communication with other students Listen to invigilators instructions Any problems raise hand to speak to an invigilator Don t leave until instructed to do so Exams will be run according to the same rules that will operate for the real exams next summer
WHY BOTHER? Exams will be run according to the same rules that will operate for the real exams next summer Good practice But only if you treat them as a serious opportunity That means prepare properly revise before and during Study Leave If you do the best you possibly can, we ll be able to identify next steps to get you prepared for the summer
REVISION TIPS 1. Start as soon as you can 2. Make a plan 3. Create a suitable space 4. Use methods that work best for you 5. Take regular breaks 6. Revise with a friend 7. Use past papers 8. Eat healthily
MAKING A PLAN Find out what s going to be in the exams (ask your teachers) List every topic that you need to revise, for every subject Know what you need to do to get an A*/A, or a C, or Draw up a schedule 30 minute sessions (short focused bursts) Plan in breaks 15 minutes Find out when after-school revision sessions are being held, and put them on your schedule Plan to do other things too! (Sports ) Fill your schedule up with your list of topics No more than two subjects a day too confusing otherwise Plan to revise all topics before the exam period starts Go back over them during the exam period Make sure you spend time on the difficult things start sessions with the tough stuff Be honest with yourself If you need to review and/or amend your revision schedule, then do!
GIVE ME SOME SPACE Have a regular place to revise Make sure it s well-lit Keep all your stuff there Have definite start and finish times, and stick to them Mornings are probably better than afternoons Dedicated computer time (tell your family!) Put your phone in a different room! Keep hydrated
THAT S THE WAY I LIKE IT Involve others revise with a friend, or as part of a group, or with parents Use active memory strategies that most suit you: Mnemonics (e.g. SOHCAHTOA) Outline answers Revision guides Flashcards Past papers Walkabout Post-It Notes Notes on tape Read it Posters Punchbag Dartboard Music Hide it Write it Pictures Subheadings Tables / lists Highlighters Colour codes Websites Games Mix it up! Rewards Condensing
LOOK AFTER YOURSELF Eat well! Relaxation techniques mental images, muscle relaxation, breathing techniques Don t cram the night before just read over your notes then get a good night s sleep Eat a good healthy breakfast in the morning before exams Keep hydrated Don t add to your stress by leaving it to the last minute to get your stuff together for an exam pack the night before Make sure you ve got your best gear ready to wear the next day! (And a watch) Going into the exam have your own personal happy song in your head Be positive! I m rubbish at Maths Maths is a challenge that I am up for! Coming out of the exam don t discuss the exam with anyone! It s done! Some smart alec who probably got the question wrong anyway is going to stress you out with his (or her) smugness
IN THE EXAM Read the title of the paper Check the number of marks total, and for each question Then read the question Read the question again what is asking you to do? Be prepared to be shocked question papers never look exactly the way you expect them to If you have a choice of questions, make sure you answer the ones your teacher has prepared you for If you don t understand the question, don t panic, break it down into smaller chunks If you go blank, don t panic, on scrap paper doodle key words you remember from your revision Don t spend ages on questions you can t really answer that well better to give full, excellent answers on the things you really do know! If you re running out of time, key words / phrases in note-form, or showing some workings, will still get you some marks
AFTERWARDS Teachers will mark exam papers Results will not be revealed until after Christmas Friday January 8th, Period 5 Certificate of Results, to collect from the Dining Hall WWW / EBI individual targets for improvement identified by teachers
SUMMARY Effective revision will increase your chances of success You need to plan to make it effective A little and often is best Ask for help, don t panic! These exams are very important This presentation will be on the school website