Exam Ready Evening Year 11 2018 Mrs A Mills - Assistant Headteacher - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Exam Ready Evening Year 11 2018

Mrs A Mills - Assistant Headteacher Progress Leader for years 10 and 11

Revision Techniques

Mrs A Mills - Progress Leader for Years 10-11

What are we doing in school?

• Why do we encourage revision?

○ To consolidate learning ○ To increase understanding ○ Repeating what you learn helps you to remember

• Study rooms at lunch
• Study Timetable
• Extra revision time for consolidating

learning during PHSEE

• Online support

Common revision errors

• Leaving it until the last week and not having a timetable organised.

○ If you can stick to hourly then plan which topic you’ll do each evening and stick to it.

• Revising things you already know!

○ A light touch approach can be given to information you already know but more revision time should be allocated to information you don’t know.

• Not revising regularly.

○ You retain more if you revise the same information after 24 hours then again after a week and then again after a fortnight. You have plenty of time to revisit information you don’t know now!

• Only revising one way, you learn more by varying the way you revise.

○ Make sure you collect a booklet of the “Park School’s Academic Study Guide”

• Too much screen time!

○ Parents please switch off the wifi for two hours a night so you child can work and revise. ○ No screen time an hour before bed. ○ Listen to podcasts of information to get you to sleep earlier!

Make sure you are specific about the topic you wish to

• revise. Don’t just

put biology that is too big an area, be specific such as “Plant Disease” or “Antibiotics”

Plant Disease Antibiotics

Revise in 20 minute chunks you will retain more this way. Have a short break and go back to it for a maximum of 2 hours.

Parent request Over Christmas: Set a specific timetable for when to revise, leave time for festivities but reward your child for sticking to it. Vary the type of revision too.

Mock Exam Timetable January 2019

Parent request

What is meant by a ‘mock’?

Use the printed handouts and the academic guide to give you ideas on how to revise in a variety of ways. We have found some really useful information for you to use which has been tried and tested!

How to avoid Exam stress! Top 10 tips.

• 1. Plan your study e.g. revision timetable, scheduling subjects and topics.
• 2. Help improve concentration- sit at the same place, at the same time for study so your

mind is tuned into the environment.

• 3. Put all distractions out the way e.g. phone, forms of social media
• 4. Do your difficult subjects first: Avoid postponing, ask for help from teachers, friends,

experts.

• 5. Take the right amount of rest breaks.
• 6. Get the right amount of sleep!
• 7. Eat the right types of food e.g. healthy snacking fruit, wholesome meals.
• 8. Have a positive attitude: Think and feel like you’ve already succeeded, stop

comparing yourself to others. It’s never too late to start!

• 9. Talk with your parents/carers - Be honest about how you feeling.
• 10. Talk to your teachers - Ask for help where you need it, they know what you’ll need to

revise.

Parent request

Parent request

When your mind goes blank…….

• Use the anxiety technique mentioned

here, it can clear your mind and enable you to start again.

• Breath slowly - In for 5 and out for 5 to

slow your heart and help you think.

• Use the BUG technique Mr Greenland is

about to show you.

• Start noting down keywords on the topic

the question relates to. This could jog your memory.

• Move onto the next question and come

back later.

• If you’re in a lesson and it is allowed ask

to talk it over with a friend, they can help refocus you.

What can parents do? Top 10 Tips

• 1. Get on board with your child's revision.
• 2. Help them by allocating them a clear space to revise in.
• 3. Ensure that they set a revision timetable.
• 4. Give them gentle reminders to stick to their timetable.
• 5. Take an interest in what they are revising. One of the best ways to learn

something is to explain it to others.

• 6. Time them while they are working through past papers.
• 7. Help them by testing them with their revision flashcards for example.
• 8. Turn off the TV, XBOX or Wifi for a few hours a day - A good driver for boys!
• 9. Insist on healthy eating and a good sleep every night!

10.Reward their good attitude towards revision.

Motivation strategies

• Look ahead to what you want to do, having a goal can

really help keep you going - Try Careerpilot to see what you need to succeed in your dream job! www.careerpilot.org.uk

• Try the Chain Theory - This strategy is all about

deliberately practising a skill each day until it comes a

• habit. Make a chart so you can see the chain build as

you tick off each day. It works in all sorts of areas!

• Develop a reward system - A ticket to the rugby or an

extra 30 minutes on the Xbox.

• Make a date to study together! - It’s harder to get out
• f it if you let people down!
• Getting the right balance Too much work or play can

negatively influence the other.

• Developing a positive attitude that you can do this!

Parent request

ENGLISH exam revision techniques

Head of Department - Mrs M Jones

Parent request

Remember the basics…

The basics are where the marks are lost in English Language GCSE. Capital letters, full stops, and paragraphing – forget these and you will be limited to a Grade 3. Whatever subject is being revised – switch the SPAG button on! You can’t switch it on and off as suits. Keep it on! If you see your child not using capital letters, or using them incorrectly - point it out! Write ALL of your exam answers with your SPaG switched on!

Useful websites – use the right exam board!

• SAM Learning – has folders set up for Eduqas English Language and English

Literature GCSE

• GCSE Bitesize – has tasks, quizzes and revision clips on many of the skills and

texts we focus on in English.

• GCSEpod – a wide range of easy to listen to podcasts focusing on the texts

that we teach. These are specific to Eduqas.

• Google Classrooms – individual class resources available

Pick up a list of texts that your child is studying in order to best help focus revision.

Past Papers

New courses for 2016 mean that there are only two official past papers. However, we have created many

• versions. These are particularly useful

for English Language where the texts will be unseen.

Pick up a set of past papers at the end of the

• session. Get your child to talk you through what

they need to do for each question.

Parent request

Helping with exam technique!

How many marks is the question worth? That is how long they should spend on it in the exam. Any

• ther time should be for planning and proofreading.

Longer answers - essays, creative prose writing and transactional (non-fiction) writing MUST be planned. Those who take 5 minutes to plan, do better - PROVEN!!

Revision Guides and Workbooks

Chief Examiner Eduqas English Literature Summer 2017: “The single biggest thing a student can do to help themselves progress is to reread the texts they have studied.” Prod them to reread the books; ideally, they should read books at least once more each before the exams.

Not got texts or guides and want them? Write your child’s name and English teacher on the sheet and we’ll get in touch about options.

Gentle Quizzing!

Ask your child to explain the plot, main characters and themes of their texts? Ask them to explain how characters, themes and relationships change

• ver the course of a text.

Help them remember quotes! Repeat EMOTIVE LANGUAGE and IMAGERY as a night-time mantra! Test them on spellings, punctuation and grammar.

Pick up a Gentle Quizzing sheet with top questions / activities to ask your child to do with you.

Practical examples of Online Learning

Mrs Mills - Assistant Headteacher Line Manager of Science

Maths exam revision techniques

Mr Tamlyn - Deputy Headteacher line manager of Maths

Parent request

Exams: ∙ AQA exam board ∙ 3 exam papers of 1 hour 30 minutes ∙ 1 non-calculator and 2 calculator papers Presentation & expectations: ∙ Show all your workings out ∙ Diagrams - Use a pencil and ruler ∙ A scientific calculator (Casio) is essential for the calculator exam and should be in school every day ∙ No marks for SPaG in Maths

Symptoms of a Fixed Mindset:

• I’m either good at it, or I’m not
• When I’m frustrated I give up
• I don’t like to be challenged
• When I fail I’m no good
• Tell me I’m smart
• If you succeed, I feel threatened
• My abilities determine everything

A Fixed Mindset is the belief that you can’t significantly change your most basic characteristics.

Extract from a blog by: James Anderson - https://mindfulbydesign.com/not-growth-mindset/

Symptoms of a Growth Mindset:

• I can learn anything I want to
• When I’m frustrated, I persevere
• I want to challenge myself
• When I fail, I learn
• Tell me and I’ll try hard
• If you succeed I am inspired
• My effort and attitude determine everything.

A Growth Mindset is the belief that you can significantly change your most basic characteristics - intelligence, talents and abilities.

Extract from a blog by: James Anderson - https://mindfulbydesign.com/not-growth-mindset/

Be Positive!

• Always talk about Maths in a positive way. PLEASE never say:

“I wasn’t any good at Maths”

• Ask your child to teach you how to do something/what they

are working on.

• Encourage perseverance when “stuck” - signpost to where

they can get additional information to support (see later slide). Talk through the problem with them.

• Praise effort in trying to solve something; make sure they

show their workings and can explain what they are doing.

Revising for Maths

• Use past papers to get a better understanding of exam style questions
• Learn the key formulae by practising using them – Emailed from your teacher

and/or within your assignments on Google Classroom

• Show you method
• Focus on exam technique – underline/highlight key words, re-read the

question when you think you have finished

• Use videos to revise a topic – GSCEPod, OneNote, RawMaths etc.
• Use your target sheet from previous mock exams
• Ask you teacher for advice

Support with revision for Maths

• Attend Maths twilights and lunchtime revision sessions
• Buy packs of past papers for £1 from Maths teachers

(available tonight)

• Use OneNote revision resource – linked on ClassCharts and

within Google Classroom

• MyMaths – www.mymaths.co.uk
• RawMaths website – www.rawmaths.co.uk
• Corbett Maths website – corbettmaths.com
• Revision guides & workbooks
• Google Classroom
• Follow @ParkMaths for updates nearer the exams

Practical examples of How to tackle the Question

Mrs Greenland - Head of Geography Mr Lewin - Assistant Headteacher Progress Leader for years 8 and 9

Parent request

Exam Techniques and the Art of Never Giving Up!

To include:

• 1. Reading the Question- BUGs the question technique
• 2. Structuring the Answer- Pearl/Peel
• 3. Command Words-Common language in exam questions
• 4. Time/Answers versus marks
• 5. The Art of Never Giving Up
• 6. Deal with the Stress

Technique 1: Reading the Question- BUGs

• One of the biggest hurdles for

students is reading and answering the question.

• This sounds obvious…but when

rushing and stressed we do tend to make more mistakes…

• Use this technique!

BUG the question!

BOX the command word and

MARKS

UNDERLINE the keywords GO through the question. Check

you understand - PLAN

BUG the question!

Geography example: To what extent is river flooding natural phenomenon? 9 Marks + 3SPaG

Hands

• 2. On one hand… PEEL

Use Your HANDS!

Assess? Discuss? Evaluate? Justify? To What Extent?

• 1. Give your opinion - Conclusion first!
• 3. On the other hand… PEEL

Add more PEEL for more marks and a final conclusion

BUG the question!

Geography example: To what extent is river flooding natural phenomenon? 9 Marks + 3SPaG

Hands PEELx4

BUG the question!

Geography example: To what extent is river flooding natural phenomenon? 9 Marks + 3SPaG

Hands PEELx4 Check! Vs Human

BUG the question!

BOX the command word and

MARKS

UNDERLINE the keywords GO through the question. Check

you understand - PLAN

History Example: The role of the government was the main reason for the progress made in medicine between the 17th and 20th centuries." How far do you agree? 16 marks + 4 SPaG Pupils must present a balanced two sided argument before reaching a conclusion justifying the extent of their agreement/disagreement. They must include a wide range of supporting evidence

Hands Others? Evidence?

English Language: Compare the attitudes of the two writers to whale-hunting.

• you should comment on the views presented by both writers
• you should comment on the use of language and structure by both writers

PEARL

Technique 2: PEARL/PEEL

• Knowing what to write is half the

battle, knowing how to structure longer answers can really help gain marks…

• Use what you are guided to do

and practice it.

P: Clear opening statement that answers the question and links firmly to that question. E: Evidence with a quote (1- 8 words) and identify relevant terminology IF appropriate. A: Analyse - explain the meaning and effect of the quote. R: What would the reader feel, imagine, or think about X at this point? L: Can you link your reader analysis to anything else ?

Technique 3: Command Words and Terminology

• The examiner wants you do a

certain thing.

• The mark scheme rewards you

for doing this.

• BUT there is a difference

between describe, explain and evaluate and it is important to get this distinction right!

Command Words:

Identify – Name something Outline – Give a few details about something or briefly explain Define – Give the meaning of Describe – Give a detailed account Explain – Say why Suggest – Offer an idea or explanation or both Compare – Similarities and differences Contrast – Differences only Justify – Give reasons to support your opinion / conclusion

If you don’t deal with the command word you will not get maximum marks!

Higher level command words:

Examine – look at

something closely. Specific detail

• needed. Lots of

detail needed.

Evaluate – Weigh up the pro’s

and con’s or advantages and disadvantages or the good and bad points. Give your opinion.

The pictures may help you remember!

When you go to the doctor for a medical they will look closely and do lots of different tests! You weigh things on scales!

• 2. On one hand… PEEL

Use Your HANDS!

Assess? Discuss? Evaluate? Justify? To What Extent?

• 1. Give your opinion - Conclusion first!
• 3. On the other hand… PEEL

Add more PEEL for more marks and a final conclusion

Technique 4: Time

• Each questions has a certain

allocation of marks.

• You should only spend so long on

each question.

• Use one mark per minute as a

maxim to exam by…

Technique 5: The Art of Never Giving Up.

• If you write nothing you will get nothing.
• If you write something there is potential

for marks.

• Your end grade is also dependant on how
• ther people answer.
• If you use your intelligence and attempt

a blag you may end up with low levels of marks…but you end up with marks…whereas other people may not…

Technique 6: Deal with the stress

• Exams are hard.
• Life is hard.
• Tough times do not last, tough people

do.

• Think and plan for the months ahead-

but retain a clear view on the end results and outcomes that you want.

• Unleash your inner hero.

Science exam revision techniques

Mrs Mills - Assistant Headteacher Line Manager of Science

Parent request

Background: Changes for first exam 2018

• Grades 9-1 - True
• More academic ‘rigour’- True
• More stuff ‘to learn’ – True

More difficult for you- Not True-Work Smarter

What we noticed marking mocks

• Questions left blank
• Instructions not read

eg tick TWO boxes, student only ticks one describe “…..”, student tries to explain it

• Formulas not learned
• Working out not shown – lost marks!
• Long answers not planned – jumbled up, not in logical order
• BASIC IDEAS not learned eg mass / atomic number; photosynthesis/respiration
• Percentages not calculated correctly (what is 72 as a % of 148?)
• Graph scales not read carefully (1 big square = 50 so what is each little square?)

New style papers – “Sawtooth”

Your mocks were designed like this!

Foundation Higher Q1a-Q1e Q2a-Q2e Q3a-Q3e Q4a-Q4e Q5a-Q5e Q6a-Q6e Q7a-Q7e Q8a-Q8e Q9a-Q9e

This time there is a ramp in each question, ie each question will become more challenging as you go through it. The first question will usually be fairly easy right through, but then each question starts off easy, then ends up being more challenging then the next question starts off easy again

Advice

Attempt EVERY question READ the information at the START of the question BEFORE starting to answer, you will need it! Be prepared to leave a question partly finished and then come back to it

Question Read all this carefully first

NEVER leave blank a MULTIPLE CHOICE or LINK BOX QUESTION

Nor a SENTENCE COMPLETION question…

Nor a PICK FROM A TABLE question…

Final Advice

• Know your target grade and how to get there
• Work to a grade above it
• Be prepared to leave a question half way through and go to the next
• ne
• Come back later and have a go
• Never leave tick box answers
• Think before doing long answer qs

When should we be making a revision plan, when When should we be making a revision plan, when should we start revising and what resources to should we start revising and what resources to use? use?

Motivation for struggling boys! English, Maths and Science information please! Tips on interpreting

• f questions

Where marks can be picked up

How to answer a question even when your mind's gone blank

Past Papers Thank you for coming if you have any more questions please feel free to ask