Parent Workshop: Examination Preparation, 2023
Wednesday 15 March, 2023
Welcome
Huw
Part one
Jones - academic strategies to support excellent examination preparation
Part two Jason Stanley - hints and tips to support wellness and wellbeing through the examination season
Part one - academic strategies: what this is and what this
is not
What this is…
…
What this is not…
Part one - academic strategies: one roadmap, two different stages in the journey
GCSE Roadmap Stage 1 - Y10 summer exams
A Level Roadmap
Stage 1 - Y12 summer exams
Stage 2 - Y11 Nov mocks
Stage 2 - UCAS predicted grades and resits
Stage 3 - Y11 GCSE examinations
Stage 3 - Y13 Jan mocks
Stage 4 - Y13 A Level examinations
Part one - academic strategies: where can I find this information and resources?
Part one - academic strategies: the 5 step plan…
1. Get organised
2. Audit - what are the strengths and weaknesses?
3. Establish a plan of action prioritising areas for improvement
4. Engage in active tasks that are orientated around assessment that improves knowledge and understanding
5. Test knowledge and understanding against assessment criteria - practice plans and answers building up to timed conditions
Part one - academic strategies: step 1…
● Use the exam Preparation Materials to be specific about what is included in the mock examinations
● Ensure your online notes/folders and hardcopy exercise books/folders are organised to align to the specification of each subject
● Make sure your home study space is free of distractions and that you have the resources you need in each subject
Part one - academic strategies: step 2…
● Use the exam Preparation Materials to conduct an audit of content, understanding AND assessment
● Give each area of each component/unit a RAG rating
● Make a list of the red, amber and green topics for each subject - in that order! Use the ‘target setting’ part of the guide
● Prioritise the reds - ‘eat the frog’ - you these will be the areas of your subjects you find the toughest
Part one - academic strategies: step 3 …
● Make a plan to feel in control of your time
● Prioritise holidays, family time and other commitments and work around them
● Use interleaving to space subjects evenly
● Use hard copy plans or online versions but make them PUBLICwork collaboratively
Part one - academic strategies: step 3 continued…
Part one - academic strategies: step 4…
The tasks that we put in place to improve knowledge and understanding must be effective. Some top tips…
1. Active and engaged, not passive
2. Use a range of resources
3. Must be focused on assessment questions, not generic or vague
DO NOT - read, highlight, listen, watch or regurgitate
EVERYTHING YOU DO MUST have an assessment focus
Again, use the exam Preparation Materials subject specific recommendations
Part one - academic strategies: step 4 continued
Different types of tasks do suit different subjects…
•
Mind maps for factors, causes, consequences, reasons and issues - typically humanities and social sciences
• Flash cards - for explanations, content and descriptions
•
Quotation and Example Banks - literature, history and classics
•
Terminology/Glossary Sheets - sciences
•
Summative or Condensing Notes - all
…
Part one - academic strategies: step 5…
Build your ability to perform in an exam gradually…
1. Attempt without time restrictions and open book
2. Then, closed book
3. Then, under timed conditions ALWAYS…
1. Use writing scaffolds and structures provided
2. Mark using mark schemes and examiner reports
3. Make adjustments and improvements in another colour
Part one - academic strategies: top tips…
● Use Pomodoro tactics - aim for 25 minute chunks of time (but could be longer) to be effective then break
● Remove distractions - never prepare with phones/games/social media in the room
● If they use a word processor in an exam then type, if they don’t then don’t
● Make the most of clinic and teaching opportunities NOW if students have any confusion over content and concepts
● Immersive learning - use A3 sheets and put resources on your walls
Part one - academic strategies: different types of learner…
Part one - study leave and the exam season for Y11 and Y13
● We will do our best to ensure that teachers are available for help and support during the lessons that have been vacated
● Contact teachers in advance to let them know if pupils wish to come in and receive support
● Pupils need to be specific with what they want to achieve - ie. specific advice and guidance on a particular topic or question or if you have work to mark and you would like feedback
● Good idea to maintain the rhythm of the school day throughout study leave to maintain healthy and positive work habits
Part one - study leave and the exam season for Y10 and Y12
● No normal lessons during study leave period
● Pupils can come in to study between examinations - Y10 please fill out the Google Form from Mrs Garlick accordingly
● Private study available in the library and in the Sixth Form Centre
● Good idea to maintain the rhythm of the school day throughout study leave to maintain healthy and positive work habits
● Dedicated feedback week following exams to reflect on performance and effectiveness of preparation. Follow up parents’ evenings in Summer Term to set targets for next stage in the roadmap
Part one - study leave and the exam season
● Know the examination timetable – build momentum towards each and every exam - the opposite of interleaving and spacing!
● Make sure you know what you are trying to achieve in each session
● Pick the work environment that works best for the individual pupil - for many that will be the benefit of working in school under semi-supervision
● Keep to the rhythms of the school day
Part one - study leave and the exam season
During the exam period - in general
● Make time for things you enjoy. Find ways to release stress and celebrate progress.You could listen to music, draw, cook, play with a pet or go for a walk.You can try things alone or with friends.
● Talk to others about how you feel. Connect with other people, especially people who are going through the same thing.
● Try to find balance.Take regular breaks and be realistic about what you can do in a day. Keep things in perspective and remember that exams won't last forever.
● Take care of your physical health. Make sure you get enough sleep, food, water and exercise. If you take regular medication, keep up with your routine.
● Focus on yourself.Try not to compare yourself to others.Think of things you like about yourself and what you're good at – this can help boost your confidence.
On the day of the exam
● Prepare your items the night before. Get everything you need ready to take with you, like pens and water for your exam.
● Start your day the best you can.Try to eat breakfast and make sure you have enough time to arrive at your exam without rushing.
● Take your time. Read the exam carefully and plan what you need to do before answering.
● Remind yourself that it'll be over soon.You've done your best and that's all you can do.
After the exam
Try not to compare your answers to others. If possible, avoid talking to other people about the questions, comparing answers or looking up answers online.
Reward yourself.Think of something to do afterwards that you enjoy.You could go out with your friends, play video games, or eat your favourite food.
Focus on next steps. Plan what you'll do next, like going home, doing something fun, then revising for the next exam. Think ahead in a positive way – if you have another exam, focus on the time and date that it'll be over.
Relax before your next exam.The stress from doing an exam can leave you feeling exhausted.You might find it hard to revise again before you take a break.
Q&A