Failing to prepare is preparing to fail! How to fail GCSEs in 4 words “I will do it tomorrow!” Revision/Mocks Part 1of 3

Year 11 Trial Exams 1 st – 12 th December 2014 Active & Independent Learning, this is what you should all be striving to attain You know how you best learn What do you want on the sheet of paper on Trial Exam Results Day on Jan 22 nd ? What will you be happy with? Think about the Target Setting session during E Day. What are your target grades? What have you done to work towards them? Now is the time to be really positive and see what works for you in terms of revision techniques. (Assembly 2) These exams are a rehearsal for the real thing in May & June.

Tip 1 – Trial Examination Timetable You will be given a personalised timetable with your exams on, what day they are on, where the exam is and what time the exam is. (Next Wednesday) Make a copy of it and have one for you and one for your family, stick it to the fridge. Essentially, know your exam timetable.

Tip 2 – Revision Timetable Prepare a revision timetable starting soon You can download a timetable, add your exams Or draw out a weekly revision timetable divide in to one hour slots Do not draw up revision timetables for the next 6 weeks in advance, work 1 or 2 weeks ahead of yourself Get a good balance of all subjects Keep a log of what you do

Tip 3 – School/Life Balance Work, rest, play and SLEEP! Get the balance right between revision and other things in your life. Manage your other commitments, such as part time job, sport, hobbies, social networking, romance!

Tip 4 - Accommodation Think carefully about where you decide to base yourself for your revision You need a spacious, clutter free area Make sure the area is well lit and well ventilated No TV, no brothers or sisters, no distractions, and certainly NO PHONE!

Tip 5 - Equipment Have all the necessary equipment you need to help you revise Make a list of what you require, paper, pens, highlighters, paper, flash cards etc... Ask your parents to support you with this, ask them to buy what you need this half term

Tip 6 – Tidy your Files Start revising with all your work in files, remove any rubbish Have the work from each subject all in the same place. Break each subject down into sections Ensure the work is in order

Tip 7 – Food & Drink Make sure you have a bottle of water on your desk, keep hydrated Every so often have a break and have a hot drink Eat well, do not revise on an empty stomach Ask parents to get some snacks ready

Tip 8 - Technology Use a PC to revise when necessary There are a host of websites you can use to help you revise Use your mobile device to help you revise Get the balance right, not too much on the PC, have a varied revision programme Don’t be tempted to have a quick look at Facebook!!

Tip 9 – Support at Home Tell those at home what you are doing Get them to show an interest in what you are doing by talking to them Support at home is invaluable Ask for help if you need it

Tip 10 – Reward Yourself Try to enjoy the experience of revising Try different ways of revising, work out what is best for you Get used to committing the time to revision Set targets and reward yourself Eg – I can go out later if I do two hours revision first

Assemblies 1 – Preparation Today 2 – Techniques Next Week 3 – Examination Rules! wb 24 th November GOOD LUCK!