1. AQA Core Science exam preparation E Sarris Head of Science Faculty esarris@thedownsschool.org Specification can be found at: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/science-a-4405 http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/science-a-4405

2. Aims of This Session A summary of the topics in the different GCSEs and when the exams are taking place To offer lots of good advice on how to help your child revise using different revision techniques How to use the science department to help with your child's revision

5. In the next 10 mins…. What kind of things will be in the exam? Styles of questioning: knowledge, application, evaluation Revision pack - instructions of where to find resources, plus a starter pack for you to take away

6. AQA Core Science GCSE

7. Supporting Science Revision How should students be revising? – 3 styles of question, testing 3 different skills

8. Learn all the definitions and keywords. Be able to label diagrams with keywords and be able to describe processes Be able to explain why processes happen. Be able to use equations (magic triangles). Be able to describe & explain trends in results (from tables or graphs) Be able to state the facts & say why one argument is better than another.

10. Mathematical Skills E P x t Magic triangle!

11. Things to do Sit down and sort a plan of when revision will be done. Morning, afternoon or evening, which days can it be done over half-term. How much time each day? Be realistic. Go through checklists/syllabus together and highlight areas that need most attention. (smiley face it when it has been tested?) Make sure there are no distractions: ban use of X-Box/ playstation/ ipad/phone(!?) / facebook(!!?!) etc. for 3 weeks!! Or use it as a bribe if enough revision has been done each day! (Don’t use the phone as a calculator – buy a calculator that you can take in the exam) Make sure that a table or desk is available with a good amount of light. Students should try to eat well and sleep well. Keep hydrated. Don’t Procrastinate!!! Start Revising!!!! With the understanding that sometimes some things will be difficult! and breaks will be needed.

12. Regular review and revision of work improves memory Why revise? Image borrowed from: Ryan, L. (1996) ‘Chemistry for You’. Stanley Thornes: Cheltenham It doesn’t matter how much I revise – when I get into the examination hall I forget it all

13. Knowledge: Revise the basic facts Understanding: Describe and explain the knowledge Application: Apply the knowledge to an examination question Revision is a three step process

14. How should students be revising 1.Learn definitions – Flash cards, making lists etc make mind maps (fill in revision sheets from tonight) 2.Do recall and short application questions from revision guide (all students have one) 3.Core Science Specimen Paper Questions from http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/sci ence-a-4405/past-papers-and-mark-schemes (look at Unit 1) http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/sci ence-a-4405/past-papers-and-mark-schemes

15. How to revise ‘actively’- The Cornell System 5cm 4cm Summary Write down a mini summary of the notes which appear in the box above. This must be in your own words. Include all the key words and phrases. Key points Read through the notes you have made. Write down the key words and key phrases in this section Blank A4 Paper Key questions Look at the key words and key phrases. Devise some questions linked to them. Write them on this sheet. Notes Write the revision notes in this space here Transfer your summary onto a cue card

16. How to revise ‘actively’- Mind Maps Mind map Generate your mind map using short sharp sentences, key words and diagrams. Learn it Place the mind map in a prominent place – you need to actually learn it! Cover it Cover the mind map with a blank sheet of paper try to redraw it Compare it Compare the new mind map with the original – the difference between the two is what you now need to learn Learn; Cover; Draw; Compare

17. How to revise ‘actively’- Effective use of YouTube Examination board Different examination boards cover different material GCSE or KS4 This will ensure the work is at the right level Other suggested videos Be careful you do not end up on the You Tube video link trail that always leads to… Kittens

18. Revision Pack Revision Checklist – check this off with your child – or check that they have checked it. If they have, look at the relevant pages from the revision guide and test them!! Mind maps and answers – tests understanding and great resource as notes Youtube channel: http://www.my-gcsescience.com/http://www.my-gcsescience.com/ BBC Bitesize: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/aqa/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/aqa/ Students already have CGP exam papers Teachers will be giving more out over the week Use link to specimen papers from AQA websitewebsite

19. Exam Dates- Core Science/ retakes – Unit 1 Biology (F) 17 th May (pm) 1 hour (H) 17 th May (pm) 1 hour – Unit 1 Chemistry (F) 19 th May (am) 1 hour (H) 19 th May (am) 1 hour – Unit 1 Physics (F) 25 th May (pm) 1 hour (H) 25 th May (pm) 1 hour

20. Revising the night before the exam? It is most probably too late to learn the whole syllabus at this stage! But it is useful to look over notes and keeping key definitions fresh in the mind It is not the time to do that question that you always got wrong! It is time to keep calm and maintain confidence in what you do know Getting a good night’s sleep, eating well and keeping hydrated is important to keep concentration up.

21. On the day of the exam Students must have a clear pencil case with: – a couple of sharp pencils – A rubber – A couple of black pens – A ruler – A calculator

22. Ok – so what can I actually do? Encouragement – positive language Ask them ‘how’ Provide a space without distractions Help them create a realistic plan of action Test them on the facts Ask them to explain Test them using past papers (examination boards; old SATs papers)

23. How we can help Communicate with your child and ensure that are attending all the available revision classes Lunchtime exam busting sessionsLunchtime exam busting sessions and extra support available to them Access resources available on gateway where there are a vast number of resources and revision strategies that they can access.gateway Useful revision websites which you will find in the science handout