Exam Preparation
- This topic is also covered in the Parental tab under KS4 Support (click here).
All our experience and research shows that Exam preparation for GCSEs is a TWO YEAR programme; it is not something that starts after Christmas in year 11.
You need to make sure that you understand all the content you cover as you go through the year. If there are any aspects you do not fully understand, see your teacher immediately. You need to memorise material as you go through the course and it is almost impossible to memorise material that you do not fully understand. Do not wait until year 11 to focus on problem areas.
It is important to use EFFECTIVE techniques to memorise material.
Please find a revision booklet (attached) that will support you with this.
Please find attached a Topic list booklet (attach KS4 exam topic booklet) for each subject. This booklet informs you of every topic covered in each subject.
KS4 Exam Topic List Booklet for website
Do not:-
- re-read multiple times,
- read and highlight,
- copy material out.
All of these activities require very little brain effort and thus have very little impact on your long-term memory.
At RMA, we support our students to think about their learning more explicitly. We do this by teaching them specific ‘learning to learn’ (trying to deliberately increase the chance of learning) strategies’.
These are taught and practiced in assemblies, during tutor time and in lessons.
During tutor time, year 11 practice learning to learn strategies every Tuesday. They have an exam technique session every Thursday tutor time, where these strategies can be applied.
The four strategies we use at RMA are below with a link. You can use these at home to support your children with homework and revision.
Brain Dump – Brain Dump
Dual Coding – Dual Coding
Summarising and Chunking – Summarise and Chunking
Flash Cards – Flash Cards RMA
When you come to the run-up to exams you will need a Revision Timetable. Blank timetables are available from the KS4 office or can be accessed below.
Please click the link Homework Timetables to support you to create an effective homework or revision timetable.
All subject specific resources that you may need are available on the student shared area. Click here to access the Revision folder which has Revision Checklists, Knowledge Organisers, Exam Technique Booklets etc.
Each subject also has its own, separate folder on the Student Shared Area (Foldr) with even more resources for you to access, including links to past paper questions.
Students frequently start to feel anxious and stressed as exam approach and it is important to look after your mental health.
Click here for a general guide to staying calm and happy and here to see a range of Apps for your phone.
We have a video on ‘Coping with Stress’ on our RMA YouTube page, linked here Coping with Stress RMA
At RMA we have created Animated Study Skills videos for you to watch together (adults and children).
They are designed to support with completing homework as well as ways to prepare for tests and exams.
Please watch these together and discuss ways you can best support the development of independent home learning, which will support academic progress.
Please click the links below to view the videos.
The last piece of advice is to ASK your teachers – we are here to help if you aren’t sure of anything.
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