Revision and Exams GCSE 2015 Mr Dennis Co-Headteacher Ms Grewal Assistant Headteacher Key Stage 4
Preparation is everything Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe Abraham Lincoln
14 Points that will lead to success
Point 1 Recognising the challenge part 1 GCSE Past and Present Year 11 2013 Modules completed throughout the two years. Chance to re-sit examinations. A small number of exams at the end of Year 11. Year 11 2015 All modules examined at the end of the two years. One opportunity to succeed. Multiple papers in each subject at the end of Year 11.
Point 1 - Recognising the challenge part 2 Subject Number of papers Subject English 1 Textiles 1 Maths 2 French 2 Biology 2 German 2 Chemistry 2 Spanish 2 Number of papers Physics 2 Economics 1 Year 11 Trial Exams Start on Monday 23 rd February 2015. 6 days away. Additional Science 2 Geography 2 RE 2 History 2 Graphics 1 Computing 1 Resistant Materials Food and Nutrition 1 PE 2 1 Music 1 Electronics 1 Dance 1
Point 2 Understanding the Year 11 timeline Friday 13 th February Deadline for CCA/INSET day. Year 11 Trial Exams Start on Monday 23 rd February 2015. 6 school days away. Wednesday 18 th March Exam results morning. Thursday 19 th March The final tracking of Year 11 goes home. Monday 11 th May GCSE exams start. 50 school days away.
Point 3 What do students have? Subject Specific guidance, Trial Exam schedule, form discussions and JCQ guidance.
Point 4 A universal truth It is not possible to learn everything the night before the exam. It is not enough simply to read through class notes. Very few of us have a photographic memory. Students will need to have other techniques
Point 5 Another universal truth The average user now picks up their device more than 1,500 times a week The average user reaches for their phone at 7:31am in the morning These users check personal emails and Facebook before they get out of bed And many of us pick up our phones more than 1,500 times each week Do not imagine that life will go on as normal during important examinations. It won t. This is a critical time in the life of a Y11. Students will need to be prepared to make some sacrifices to make sure they are completely ready.
Point 6 A final universal truth Be positive. Everything is possible. Revising thoroughly and receiving the help and support will make all the difference.
Point 7 Preparation for Success 1. Audit what do students already have/need. 2. Know what needs to be covered 3. Get all necessary resources 4. Plan a revision timetable
Point 8 Calculate the time until May 11 th 2015 Number of non school days 43 Number of school days 50 Revise for 4 hours on non school days 172 hours Revise for 2 hours on school days 100 Total time available 272 hours of revision time!
Point 9 What students already have Notes/folders/revision materials from lessons. Form Discussion devoted to revision styles. Revision guides from subject areas. Achievement catch up every Tuesday morning at 8.15 and Wednesday afternoon at 3.15. The support of everyone in school!
Point 10 What students need to have Examination timetable. Are the exams on an electronic calendar? Family calendar? School equipment a number of pens, pencils, ruler, protractor, calculator and a clear pencil case. Uniform Punctuality Great behaviour A growth mindset can do attitude.
Point 11 Revision Guides English, Maths and Science
Point 11 Revision Guides Geography, RE, History, DT, Languages
Point 12 Be healthy Eat regular meals. Sleep well. Get some fresh air. A change of scenery.
Point 13 More tips know which one works
Point 14 Good habits and Lifestyle choices Revise in a quiet environment. Have a phone amnesty. Putting it on silent may not be enough! Turn off notifications for a few weeks. Unplug the computer (unless it s for revision) Homework club Tuesday 8.15, Wednesday 3.30 now with 6 th form learning coaches.
Can we do it?
Question 1 Exam clashes? There are always some clashing exams at some point through the exam season. The examinations officer in school sorts them out when the seating plans are finalised. Rescheduled exams are written on the individual student s timetable. If a student has a clash they must go to the examinations office.
Question 2 Mock exam feedback? Students will receive specific and detailed feedback following their mock exams. We will send out a final revision pack after the mock exams but before Easter. It will include some final revision tips, the dates of the final examinations and some further guidance from subject leaders.
Question 3 Study Leave? Exams start on Monday 11 th May with RE (both papers), French, Spanish and PE in the first week. Study leave will begin on Monday 18 th May which is also the day of the English Literature exam. During the week beginning Monday 18 th May there will be bespoke Maths, English Language and Biology revision sessions. Details from these departments will follow.
Question 4 How to keep up to date with GCSE information Follow us at @TaptonSchool1 For up-to-date news and information about Tapton School