We believe that by following some simple rules anyone can be successful in their exams.
We have put together a handy guide for parents/carers which focuses on revision matters and exam techniques.
In simple terms students need to:
– Plan their time
– Create a suitable place to work
– Plan WHAT to learn
– Plan HOW they will learn
– Make sure they build time for rest into their exam planners and revision timetables
“Failing to plan is planning to fail” Allen Lakein
Planning time and useful hints
We ensure that all Year 11 students have the tools they need to succeed with revision through our Year 11 revision skills day, ‘walking, talking mocks’ and our weekly exam preparation sessions that are built into the Year 11 tutor programme. Useful hints include:
- When creating a revision timetable the key is to be honest and realistic. Build in time to rest, in addition to mapping out the time that will be spent on subject content.
- Start early. Revision is reinforcing old knowledge, not learning anything new.
- Throughout your time at Graham School get into best practice. Do homework at set times, meet all deadlines.
- Plan from your exams and work backwards, build in birthdays etc. Be realistic.
- Somewhere to work – ensure that you have a quiet, calm place to work. If you struggle with this at home, see your Head of Year for help and support.
- Everyone needs a flat surface. Beds just do not work!
- Good lighting. You need to be able to see!
- Start early – all homework needs to be completed in these conditions. Get into best routines.
Plan what you will learn
- There is no point revising what you already know really well and can apply. Work out what you need to know, and what you don’t know. This is what you must concentrate on.
- Test yourself to establish how well you know something. Traffic light it:
- Green – I know it and can apply it
- Amber – I mostly know it but struggles to explain it
- Red – No-idea!
Plan how you will learn
Everyone learns in different ways, some of the following everyone MUST do but some suit only some people and subjects. Try different methods but remember you need to learn a topic but then you really want to be able to explain and teach it.
- Making notes and summarising
- Flash cards
- Mindmaps
- Quizzes
- Past exam papers
- Testing yourself with your friends
Further information
Should you have an urgent question, please contact your Head of Year.
Useful websites that support learning are available below. Registering and engaging with these sites will ensure you can practise the skills learnt in lessons.
Using The student room revision planner will help you to map out your studies over the weeks ahead.
Information for parents
There are many things you can do to support your child and to help them to do their best in their exams.
Click the link at the bottom of the page for 'GCSE Survival Guide – a free handbook for parents' by Tassomai
Here to help
If you have any questions about any aspect of GCSE exams please contact the school and we will be happy to help you.
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