YEAR 11 EXAM SUPPORT A guide for students and parents. 2018
Introduction This is a time which we all recognise as extremely important for your son/daughter as they enter the final stages of exam preparation. It is a time where we often see stress levels rise, feelings of nervousness and tension increase and therefore we all need to work together. This support pack is designed to help you and your son/daughter maximise their final preparation stages. Revision is absolutely key to success. As Parents/Carers you play a really important role in supporting students with their revision and helping students perform well in their exams, we hope that this guide will assist you.
Key Dates Event Date Excellence Tie Evening Tuesday 27th February, 2018 English Intervention Event (1) March/April 2018 English Intervention Event (2) March/April 2018 Maths Intervention Event (1) April/May 2018 Maths Intervention Event (2) April/May 2018 Formal Examination Period Starts Monday 14th May, 2018 Year 11 Leavers Day Friday 15th June, 2018 Year 11 Prom Wednesday 27th June, 2018 Formal Examination Period Ends Friday 22nd June, 2018 GCSE Results Day Thursday 23rd August, 2018
Exam Timetable A copy of the full examination timetable is available via our website. Please go to http://www.wollastonschool.com/wpcontent/uploads/2018/01/2017-18-exam-timetable-gcse.pdf A personalised timetable is available via our Insight system or go to http://insight.wollaston-school.net/insight/secure.aspx To access you will need to log in using your personal username and password. Select ASSESSMENTS, then EXAMINATION TIMETABLE and then STUDENT NAME. Students should make note of start / finish times, venue and seat number.
Exam Regulations A copy of the JCQ examination guidelines can be found on our website. Please go to: Notice to Candidates http://www.wollastonschool.com/wpcontent/uploads/2018/02/notice-to-candidates.pdf Information for candidates written exams http://www.wollastonschool.com/wpcontent/uploads/2018/02/information-for-candidates-writtenexams.pdf Information for candidates on-screen tests http://www.wollastonschool.com/wpcontent/uploads/2018/02/information-for-candidates-on-screentests.pdf
Expectations/Rules Students must continue to wear full school uniform at all times. Jeans and trainers are not acceptable. Students must attend all lessons unless they are in an examination. After the examination has finished students are required to return to normal lessons. In lessons where students have completed all aspects of their course including their examination, personal revision time will be allowed. We expect students to behave appropriately at all times and in accordance with exam regulations.
Revision Classes Highlighted cells represent a lunchtime support session. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday French (Grammar) LA1 SUM French (Homework) LA1 SUM Geography HU1 / HU6 COL / GRG / FIT Music MU1 / MU2 WAL ICT IT1 FOS E&P HU8 WAD Product Design D5/6 & IT4/5 DDL / KLI Art & Photography D8 / D9 / D10 WLK / HWK / MIL GCSE PE / NCFE PE IT3 MEE Sociology HU7 HOP Art & Photography D8 / D9 / D10 WLK / HWK / MIL Food & Cookery IT4 THO Science (PP) S1 LYD Textiles D4 CHA History HU5 MRT / DOW / KEA Comp. Science IT1 FOS German LA3 ROC Music MU1 / MU2 WAL / HBN Combined Science Various TBC Music MU1 / MU2 WAL Dance Studio / EN8 STO / MKS Triple Science Various TBC L&T IT7 YUI Drama DR1 GDG Food & Nutrition D2 WOR Physics S9 Various Biology S2 Various Food & Cookery IT4 THO Combined Science S5/S7 Various Product Design D5/6 & IT4/5 DDL / KLI Chemistry S9 Various
Core Subjects Since the start of January we have utilised registration periods as an additional way of boosting grades in core subject areas. There are 3 bespoke tutor groups; English, Maths and Science. Groups are purposely smaller and typically aimed at Pupil Premium students. Additional intervention days for English and Maths will take place from March onwards. After-school revision sessions for English (Tue/Wed) and Maths (Wed/Thu) will start after Easter.
Revision Revision is a vital aspect of self-study. No exam preparation is complete if you do not revise effectively. An effective revision is key to achieving good marks and success in your exams. Students who neglect revision often end up with low marks. Choosing the right methods is an important part of your revision process.
Revision Timetable Make sure every subject is covered. Break down subjects into topics. Colour code make sure you vary what you do. Subject and revision method. Include breaks. Tick off when complete.
Example Timetable
Getting Revision Right Simply reading over class notes or revision material is not enough. For information to stick, you need to do something with it you need to transform it. Transforming your revision: Write revision flashcards Design a test Make up a poem or mnemonic Write, then reduce revision notes until you have focused on the most important points Teach someone else Practice questions against the clock
Revision Methods - Flashcards Make yourself a set of cards or buy some blank postcards. Write a keyword/prompt on the front and important information on the back. Add new information as you learn. Carry them with you revise on the go. Get someone else to test you.
Revision Methods Post-it Notes Write keywords/facts/quotes on a post-it note. Colour code group keywords/topics. Stick them around the house in places you will visit regularly. Bedroom Wardrobe door Mirrors Bathroom Fridge Everywhere! Add as you learn.
Revision Methods Audio Recordings Use your electronic device to record your revision. Listen at night / when you wake up / when getting ready. Summarise key points. Create your own podcast. Share and exchange with friends.
Revision Methods - Mindmaps Reduce word count. Use pictures/diagrams. Link topics. Use colour and arrows to emphasise key points. Add to your mindmap as you revise.
Revision Methods There are many.. Read, Write, Cover, Check Create a poem/song Learn Mnemonics Revision websites Past papers Hard copy and online Design a quiz
Top Tips for Students In School Think positively. Attend all lessons, arrive on time and make the most of every minute of your lessons. Use the teacher this is your best resource. Complete homework expect feedback. Ask if you are unsure. Attend revision sessions.
Top Tips for Students At home Have a plan create a revision timetable. Stick to it! Avoid distractions Phone/TV/Internet. Revise in chunks. Eat well, Exercise (even if only a little), Take breaks, Reward yourself when you meet your goals, get enough sleep. Prepare for the next day Check timings/equipment.
Top Tips for Students The day of exams Avoid a morning rush set alarm, uniform ready. Eat breakfast, have a drink KEEP HYDRATED. Final checks Equipment/Exam time/venue & Seat No. Final prep 5-10 mins going over key words. Use your Flashcards/ Post-it Notes. Meet friends try to relax. Don t panic Staff will be available if you need them.
Top Tips for Parents Provide a revision toolkit equipment essentials. Create a quiet space prioritise your son/daughter during this time. Check that your son/daughter has a revision timetable. Support them sometimes your son/daughter might need a hug, a chat and sometimes just space. Allow for some flexibility in house rules e.g. meal times but also use social time to discuss things other than exams. Allow your fridge to be decorated with post-it notes
How else can we help you? If you are finding something difficult, come and see us. Your teachers, support staff, year team and senior staff are all here to help you. Make us aware of issues. We will help to resolve them. Suggestions let us know.
Finally.what are you waiting for?
Wishing you great success Year 11!!