1. Data from 2011 student survey

2. Whats hard about exams? Major worries Timing – know every exam, use the planning sheet provided, for the timing. Know how long on each section or question; 6 th formers know this off by heart. Ask subject teachers for advice if they havent given it already. DO plan longer answers; time thats never wasted. Never leave gaps; go back and have a go at every question you missed first time. You cant be marked down and will almost certainly pick up some marks. Practise questions within the strict time limit of exams; dont kid yourself youve got longer. Major worries Meaning of Questions – practise questions may be boring but it works; The Perse in Cambridge spend a whole term doing nothing else. Underline the key words in questions; know what its asking you to do. Past Papers – look at as many as possible; ask your teacher for some if youre not doing them in class. The command words will be different in different subjects; make post its, flash cards, just like the key words/definitions.

3. Whats hard about exams? Minor worries Concentrating/Distractions – get a little bit stressed – it may help you focus! A LOT rides on these exams; what life allows you to do next year and into the future. Doors will get shut IF you dont try. Work out the time you have. It wont be long. Break it down for the questions. Bitesize chunks will fly by. You SAID timing was your biggest worry! Minor worries Stress- IF youve revised and practised, why worry. Getting it wrong before (in mocks, class, first exam) is very useful IF you know what to do this time round. Know when all your exams are. Know what to bring for each. Being prepared cuts down on stress – ask a well organised teacher!

4. Whats hard about exams? Minor worries Remembering every subject – make a revision plan that includes every subject. Separate your revision notes by colour or space (separate areas of your room). Leave no subject to the last minute. Definitions – post its, flash cards, heads & tails of all the key words in all your subjects. Look around the school; your teachers have put them up! They help you a) get the question b) answers the question c) write better shorter answers d) gain crucial 1 and 2 marks. Minor worries Revising- make a plan and STICK TO IT. Dont spend too long; 15 mins at a time. Dont just read through your book. It should be the perfect revision guide BUT make notes from it, record it, make flash cards, posters, case study cards; REWORK it into something shorter. Plan ahead; leave no subject to the last minute. Use people; friends and family to test you. Be a champion and work on your weaknesses.

5. Whats hard about exams? Minor worries Hunger – Who had breakfast this morning? Have breakfast every morning from now up to the exams. You need your body; its not separate from you. Different food affects you differently. Slow release carbohydrates, NOT sugars. E.g..........