KEEP CALM AND REVISE FOR EXAMS

With the final exams only weeks away we offer this booklet on revision tips and techniques to our Year 11 students and their parents. The key to successful revision is organisation (of time and materials), knowing what to revise and starting early. If you leave revision to the last minute and try cramming for your exams you will leave yourself tired and panicky. SO WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO? Read this booklet to get ideas on how to set out a revision programme that will best suit you. Download the revision timetable from the school website. REVISION - PLAN OF ACTION KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE TO REVISE Get a copy of the subject syllabus. Make sure you know what topics you need to revise for each subject. ORGANISE YOUR TIME FOR REVISION Plan an effective, usable and realistic revision timetable. STICK TO IT. FIND A WAY TO REVISE THAT SUITS YOU Find a quiet place to revise (your bedroom, the community library, school) and refuse to be interrupted by distractions. Use the relevant section in this booklet to find the best way to revise for you. USE GOOD EXAM TECHNIQUES Practise on past exam papers or revision tests available on the internet. Know the exam regulations and make sure you follow them.

POINTS TO REMEMBER Make sure you have all the materials you need before you start revising. Identify the subjects/topics that you find difficult and require more time to learn. Do not make the mistake of neglecting subjects/topics that you find easy. Stick to your revision timetable. Make sure that you plan breaks into this time. Make your revision active. Sitting staring at a book doesn t work. Test your progress at the end of a study session. Ask yourself what have I just learned? Eat properly and get lots of sleep. Believe in yourself and be positive. If you think you can succeed you will. WHAT SHOULD I REVISE? The simple answer is everything. You cannot afford to neglect the areas you find difficult or too easy! FIND OUT THE TOPICS LIKELY TO BE COVERED HOW? ASK YOUR TEACHERS! What exam board and specification are you taking in their subject (if you don't already know):- AQA CIE OCR EDEXCEL WJEC Use their websites to download the relevant syllabi (web addresses can be found later in this booklet). Download any examination reports. These will tell you the common mistakes made by candidates when answering previous exam questions. This will help you identify where errors can be made and stop you making the same ones. What exam questions are coming up? This is not as silly as it seems although its is not foolproof. There are often trends in the questions being asked or ones that have been absent for too long! Keep the past papers coming!!! Practise makes perfect? Or as close to as you can get. Practising past papers against the clock helps you focus your exam answering skills, gets you used to the way questions are asked and will make you less nervous when a real paper is placed in front of you. Download past papers from the relevant websites.

PLANNING YOUR REVISION TIME This is crucial in the run up to the exams. encompassing timetable and stick to it. You must create a realistic, all Find a fixed place to revise, a room at home, a spot in the library or a room at school that becomes associated in your mind with productive work. Have all of the equipment and materials you need within reach. Below is an example of a revision timetable that can be downloaded from the school website. WEEK MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY TUTOR TIME BREAK TIME LUNCH TIME AFTER SCHOOL CLUB 4.30-5.30pm 5.30-6.00pm 6.00-6.30pm 6.30-7.00pm 7.00-7.30pm 7.30-8.00pm 8.00-8.30pm 8.30-9.00pm 9.30-10.00pm 10am 11am 12pm 1pm 2pm 3pm 4pm 5pm 6pm 7pm 8pm 9pm 10pm

REVISION TECHNIQUES EXPLAINED You can either make your own or buy index cards from good stationers. They are available in different colours to enable you to distinguish between subjects/topics. Keep to a set pattern/format to aid revision. Subject Topic Key words to trigger recall Use arrows for links, mnemonics, basic maps where location is important. Colour to aid recall be consistent. Makes you read through all your notes again. Forces you to pick out only the key information as there is limited space. Easily carried around because of the size and can therefore be used anywhere you have free time. Design them the way that suits you to aid recall of information. Write questions on one side and answers on the other, you can then get your family and friends to test you. NOTES Thoroughly read the text to make sure you understand it. Do not copy out large sections of texts try to summarise it. Make notes relevant to you add your own personal comments/ style (this will help you recall). Try different styles to see which works best for you numbered lists, bullet points etc. Allows you to summarise the information into key points (bullet pointed). Helps you to understand the topic as you have to process the text and put it into your own words. Allows you to organise the information and make links. Makes you concentrate on what you are learning.

DIAGRAMS (SPIDER, MI ND AND FLOW CHARTS) These are very useful because they show how the information links together and because you can make them very visual, they often stick in the memory longer. SPIDER DIAGRAMS Excellent for identifying sub topics for revision purposes. Very simple. MIND MAPS Much more visual and powerful. Use drawings or simple cartoons to personalise and therefore make easier to recall. Able to divide them in half for advantages and disadvantages on certain topics. You can use mind maps for testing how your revision is going draw a mind map after you have finished revising a topic and see how much you can recall you will be amazed and it will give your confidence a boost.

FLOW CHARTS Use when the ORDER of information is important. Different shapes can be used to show different processes are taking place. They break down complex processes into managable chunks using KEY WORDS. MNEMONICS Can be good fun and therefore easily remembered. Can be used in different ways. INITIAL LETTER Very useful for remembering lists, especially if they are needed in the correct order. To remember the order of the planets. Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Take the first letter of each planet MVEMJSUN Now create a memorable sentence using words for those letters. such as: Many Very Elderly Men Just Snooze Under Newspapers Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain for the colours of the spectrum. Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet. Never Eat Shredded Wheat for the compass points. These can be successfully used with your FLASH CARDS especially when linking with KEY WORDS for a topic.

WORD ASSOCIATION Use words that sound similar to the ones required to aid revision. Making informational words for a letter found only in one set of facts to give a clue to what/where it relates to. STALACTITE and STALAGMITE which hangs down and which grows upwards? OR It is mighty difficult to grow up therefore STALAGMITES grow upwards Tights hang down from the washing line - therefore STALACTITES grow downwards. METACARPALS and METATARSALS which bones are found in the feet and which in the hands? T for Toes therefore METATARSALS are in the feet. DIAGRAMS Make them clear and simple. Draw them in pencil. Annotate the diagram to explain what is happening. CARTOONS These make revision more fun. As they are funny or strange they will stick in your memory and are therefore easier to recall. Include these with other revision techniques.

PAST PAPERS EXAM QUESTIONS Answering exam questions is the best way to improve your exam technique. The more practice you get at answering exam questions the more skilled you will become at recognising the COMMAND WORDS. You will improve your TIMING in answering questions. The layout of exam papers will become more familiar and therefore less scary. Exam boards can only ask a certain amount of questions, so they don't get repeated (asking for the same information in a slightly different way). There is important information on the front cover and often on the inside page of an exam paper YOU NEED TO READ IT. EXAMPLE PAST PAPER DO NOT open your exam paper until instructed to do so by the Invigilator. Make sure you have clearly entered all of your details on the front cover. Check that it is the correct paper (subject, unit, level and tier). Check you have all the items stated on the cover. Read the instructions on the front cover, this will tell you which questions to answer and where to write your answers. Note the length of the exam. Read the information, this will tell you about the paper and questions including how to find the marks for each question and which questions SPaG will be assessed.

EXAM SKILLS It is important to read the instructions on the front cover of the exam paper carefully, you will be given time to complete and read the front cover of the exam paper before the exam starts. Make sure that you understand if you need to answer ALL questions in the paper or if you have a CHOICE of questions to answer. Certain subjects including English, English Literature, Geography and History instruct you to choose which questions to answer, you should already be familiar with the question paper format for each subject you are studying, but if in doubt ask your Teacher. If you need to select a question to answer it is vital that you take into account the topics that you have been taught in lesson and for English the texts that you have covered. Sometimes important data is provided at the bottom or often on the inside front cover of the question paper. This information can include formulae for Mathematics exams or suggested times to spend on each question in English exams. Divide up your time, allowing more time for the questions with the most marks. Highlight or underline KEY and COMMAND WORDS in questions. Include all your rough work with your exam paper, you might get some marks for your planning or showing your calculations. KEY AREA This is a common mistake that students make. Be prepared and bring your own equipment to every exam in a clear plastic wallet: 2 Black ball point pens 2 HB pencils Ruler (marked with millimeters) Pencil sharpener Eraser Compasses Protractor Calculator (any lids, cases and covers which have printed instructions or formulas must be removed) REMEMBER The question paper is yours, make FULL use of it. Mark which questions you intend answering. Plan your answers. Underline or highlight KEY and COMMAND words in each question. Note down things that occur to you as you read through the question. Show any workings out, they may be worth marks even if you get the wrong answer.

EXAM REGULATIONS Page 11

EXAM REGULATIONS

EXAM REGULATIONS Page 13

CONCLUSION This booklet will help you with your revision and examination technique, so that you can make the most of what you know, understand and can do. It will help you make the most of the time you have left. PLAN YOUR REVISION Do not kid yourself that everything can be done the night before each exam. Work out how long you ve got before the exams and thoroughly plan how you are best going to use the time. PREPARATION Familiarise yourself with the way exam questions are asked. Take a look at the syllabus for each of your subjects and know what will be included in the exam. Make sure you know what you will need for each exam, what you will need to take in with you and what is provided. Know your candidate number to avoid any anxiety in finding your desk. Make sure you know when and where your exams are to be held. Pin up the exam timetable at home when it is published. Make sure you are comfortable going into an exam. Go to the toilet. Take a clear bottle of water in with you (labels must be removed). Try to ensure that you eat sensibly, especially breakfast on exam days. Try to ensure you get enough sleep, especially the night before an exam. Make sure that you know the rules and regulations for the exam. Never be tempted to break them.

IN AN EXAM Read the instructions on the front cover very carefully, do the right number of questions from the right sections and answer all compulsory questions. Plan your time in the exam, if you only attempt half the questions, your best possible mark is 50% no matter how good the answers. Read the questions carefully, underline or highlight the KEY or COMMAND words in the questions before you start writing. The examiners allow you time to read the paper when they plan it, so don't think that you are wasting time. Answer the questions set, not the ones you hoped for, However good your work, NO marks are awarded if you don't answer the question set. Make sure your answers are carefully presented, write as clearly as you can and label diagrams if they help in your answer. Let invigilators know if anything is disturbing you (by putting your hand up). AFTER AN EXAM Do not go through it with your friends or teachers. Nothing can change the outcome now and you do not want to break your concentration on the next exam by worrying if you ve misunderstood a question. Tell the invigilator straight away about any illness or other circumstances that might have affected your performance. DO NOT PANIC Exams are NOT designed to catch you out. Being calm and thoughtful in the exam will help you get the most from your preparation.

English / English Language Examination INSIDE STORY HEADLINE Board: Cambridge International Specification: IGCSE 0522 Recommended This story can fit websites 150-200 for content revision: to your newsletter is newsletter to a Web publication. words. to develop and write your So, when you re fin- http://www.cie.org.uk/i-want-to/resource-centre/ own articles, include a ished writing your newsletter, schemes. convert it to a Web site One benefit of using your Cambridge newsletter as International a promotional Exams calendar past of upcoming papers and events mark or a special offer that promotes a new product. and post it. tool is that you can reuse http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english/ content from other marketing materials, Bitesize. such as press BBC releases, market studies, and You can also research articles or find filler articles by https://www.showmyhomework.co.uk/ reports. accessing the World Wide Web. You can write about a All While students your main have goal their of distributing a newsletter might own login for show my homework. variety of topics but try to keep your articles short. After be to school sell your revision product sessions or every Tuesday. service, the key to a successful Much of the content you put newsletter is making it in your newsletter can also English useful to your Literature readers. be used for your Web site. Microsoft Publisher offers a A great way to add useful Examination Board: Edexcel simple way to convert your Specification: Certificate KETO OR Examination Board: OCR Specification: GCSE J360 To catch the reader's attention, place an interesting sentence or quote from the story INSIDE STORY HEADLINE This story can fit 100-150 or improvements to the http://www.edexcel.com/i-am-a/student/pages/pastpapers.aspx here. words. business. Sales figures or Edexcel past papers and mark schemes earnings will show how your The subject matter that appears in newsletters is virtu- business is growing. http://www.ocr.org.uk/i-want-to/download-past-papers/ ally endless. You can include Some newsletters include a OCR past papers and mark stories schemes that focus on current column that is updated every technologies or innovations issue, for instance, an advice http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english_literature/ in your field. column, a book review, a letter from the president, or an BBC Bitesize. You may also want to note editorial. You can also profile business or economic trends, https://www.showmyhomework.co.uk/ new employees or top customers or vendors. or make predictions for your All students have their own customers login for or show clients. my homework. If the newsletter is distributed internally, you might com- After school revision sessions every Tuesday. ment upon new procedures Mathematics INSIDE STORY HEADLINE Examination Board: AQA Specification: 4365 http://m4ths.com/gcse-videos-higherfoundation.html A selection of free videos on all GCSE topics www.mymaths.co.uk All students have their own login for MyMaths Caption describing picture or graphic. Revision Guides, Maths Watch CDs, CGP Online Maths Tutor and Scientific Calculators can be purchased from the school.

Science Core Examination Board: AQA Specification: 4405 http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/ BBC Bitesize. http://aqascience.gcsehomework.com/ AQA website which has a practise section for all units. Additional Science Examination Board: AQA Specification: 4408 http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/ BBC Bitesize. http://aqascience.gcsehomework.com/ AQA website which has a practise section for all units. Triple Award Examination Board: AQA Specification: Biology 4401; Chemistry 4402; Physics 4403 http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/ BBC Bitesize. http://aqascience.gcsehomework.com/ AQA website which has a practise section for all units. Revision Guides for all Science Specifications can be purchased from the school.

Art and Design Examination Board: Edexcel Specification: 2AD01 http://www.edexcel.com/i-am-a/student/pages/pastpapers.aspx Edexcel past papers and mark schemes Business Studies Examination Board: AQA Specification: 4133 Catering Examination Board: WJEC Specification: 4730SA http://www.wjec.co.uk/students/past-papers/ WJEC past papers and mark schemes. Child Development Examination Board: AQA Specification: 4582 Revision Guide can be purchased from the school. Dance Examination Board: AQA Specification: 4232

Design Technology Examination Board: Edexcel Specification: Electronic Products 2EP01 Specification: Graphic Products 2GR01 http://www.edexcel.com/i-am-a/student/pages/pastpapers.aspx Edexcel past papers and mark schemes www.technologystudent.com Youtube useful videos on production processes required from the Pre-release material. Revision Guide can be purchased from the school. Drama Examination Board: Edexcel Specification: 2DR01 http://www.edexcel.com/i-am-a/student/pages/pastpapers.aspx Edexcel past papers and mark schemes https://www.showmyhomework.co.uk/ All students have their own log in for show my homework, there are revision power points for each unit. Food Technology Examination Board: AQA Specification: 4547 Geography Examination Board: AQA Specification: 9035 https://www.showmyhomework.co.uk/ All students have their own log in for show my homework, there are revision power points for each unit. http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/gcse/geography-b-9035/teaching-and-learning-resources Further textbooks and materials are listed in the Resources Lists which are available on the GCSE Geography B page of the website. AQA GCSE Geography B by Payne, Lamb and Rutter, published by Nelson Thornes (ISBN-978-1-4085-0331-7)

German Examination Board: AQA Specification: 4668 http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/german/ BBC Bitesize Revision Guide can be purchased from the school. French Examination Board: AQA Specification: 4658 http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/french/ BBC Bitesize Revision Guide can be purchased from the school. History Examination Board: Edexcel Specification: 2HB01 http://www.edexcel.com/i-am-a/student/pages/pastpapers.aspx Edexcel past papers and mark schemes IT Examination Board: Edexcel Examination Board: OCR Specification: BTEC Specification: Cambridge National Creative imedia http://www.edexcel.com/i-am-a/student/pages/pastpapers.aspx Edexcel past papers and mark schemes http://www.ocr.org.uk/i-want-to/download-past-papers/ OCR past papers and mark schemes

Media Studies Examination Board: AQA Specification: 4812 http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/media-studies/gcse/media-studies-4810/updates/teacher-furtherguidance-2015 Music Examination Board: Edexcel Specification: 2MU01 http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/music/ BBC Bitesize only the 12 set works will be in their exam. All theory on this site is relevant. RE Examination Board: WJEC Specification: 4459 (Year 10) http://www.wjec.co.uk/index.php?subject=99&level=7&list=paper WJEC past papers and mark schemes Spanish Examination Board: AQA Specification: 4698 http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/spanish/ BBC Bitesize Revision Guide can be purchased from the school.

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