KS4 parents workshop – Preparing for exams Aims of this session: To understand how you can support revision at home To show you resources that can be used out of school to support learning

29/08/2015 Structure of the evening 1.6pm – 6.30pm in assembly hall 2.Workshop sessions Every 20 mins – English E8 Maths N1 Science J1

29/08/2015 Session 1 1.Supporting at home – using sims learning gateway 2.Revision – how to’s and how not to’s! 3.Using online tools – sam learning/bbc bitesize/GCSE pod/exam boards/O2 learn/youtube

Sims learning gateway The aims of the learning gateway are to enable you to see in real time how your child is doing in school. 1.Achievement – reports/oobles 2.Behaviour – C1’s and C2’s 3.Attendance and punctuality 4.Homework set and hand in dates

SIMs learning gateway for your tablet/phone

View your child’s assessment records – including reports

Sims learning gateway 1.Set up a user log on (this is via a sign up sheet) 2.Your log on will be sent out to you 3.Install the website/app on your phone/tablet 4.Get your child’s educational record into your hand held device

Revision – why revise?

Memory When you are taught a fact you usually remember it for about one week If you revise this fact within the first week you can extend the recall time to about one month If you revisit the same fact again within the first month then the recall time extends to several months and sometimes years

29/08/2015 How does memory work?

29/08/2015 Your brain can usually work effectively for about 20 minutes It is then necessary to take a short break, usually about 5 minutes Then you are capable of another 20 minute revision session After 6 sessions you can no longer study effectively How much revising should students be doing?

29/08/2015 Bitesize.co.uk Learn.co.uk

Getting started What do I need to get started? Paper, PC, files, post-its, CDs, coloured pens dividers, calculator Past exam papers Core text books?Space to study Gather revision materials Find out about the exam paper(s) Plan of what to revise Revision timetable

29/08/2015 How parents can help 1.Work together at the planning stage, plan in breaks and things to look forward to as well! 2.Encourage them to study subjects they find most difficult first 3.Look at their revision material 4.Get them to teach you 5.Ensure they go to bed early and eat well (especially on the morning of an exam)

29/08/2015 Top revision tips 1.Start as early as possible 2.Make a plan 3.Create a suitable space 4.Use methods best for you 5.Take regular breaks 6.Revise with a friend 7.Use past papers 8.Eat healthily

29/08/2015 Using online study tools 1.Sam learning 2.BBC bitesize.co.uk 3.O2 learn + Learn.co.uk 4.You tube revision videos 5.Follow revision links on 6.Exam boards for past papers 7.GCSE podcasts 8.Revision apps for tablets – CGP etc. 9.School website Further useful websites:

29/08/2015 Departmental workshops English – E8 Maths – N1 Science – J1 You are free to visit these in which ever order you wish! Workshops will start every 30 minutes so that you have the opportunity to visit them all should you wish.