GCSEs What can parents do? Mrs F Rogers and Mrs D Jotham Head of Year 11 A and B Ms A Pathan Vice Principal

The most common frustrations for parents He always leaves everything to the last minute – one moment he has all the time in the world – the next it’s all stress and stropping because it has to be in tomorrow and he hasn’t got the stuff he needs to do it ….. There’s a million websites to help but how do you know which are any good? I can’t stand the arguments and stress when I tell him exams are important and try to make him work – it always ends up with him saying it’s his life and slamming the door ’ Surely she shouldn’t be going out again when she’s got exams coming up?

Priorities  Understanding the long-term importance of doing the best they can  Learning to shelve short-term fun at times in the interest of long-term benefits

Unfortunately! The teenage perspective interest and effort in education and the long-term benefits these can bring often come rather a long way down the priority list Sometimes friendships, the ‘right clothes’, social life, romantic concerns and hobbies can come first Sometimes friendships, the ‘right clothes’, social life, romantic concerns and hobbies can come first In addition, children will differ in their levels of maturity, their ability to take responsibility for their learning, organisational skills and level of motivation

  Parents’ active engagement with their children’s learning is the most important long-term influence on academic success and behaviour, research published by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust shows   Parental support is eight times more important in determining success than social class   ‘The findings also show that, contrary to many views, students not only welcome their parents being actively involved in their learning but that it helped them raise their achievement’ Prof Alma Harris, Warwick Univ. EPRA HowYou Can Help How You Can Help

It Doesn’t Always Seem That Way!

That ‘R’ Word… REVISION “10 hours of independent study / revision in one subject can make a difference of up to one grade to attainment” All resources on the HAJC website

Revision Basics   Everyone gets nervous as they prepare for exams but revision doesn't have to be a drag, so long as they do it in a way that works for them   Research has shown that bite size revision over a long period of time is more effective than cramming

Revision Basics   Support them to ‘make a plan’ – –draw up a realistic timetable – –Switch between subjects to avoid becoming bored of a single topic – –The most effective way to revise is to concentrate on understanding rather than memorizing

Exam Stress   Exams – –A little bit of stress can be a good thing as it motivates them to knuckle down and work hard. But exams can make stress levels get out of hand, which can stop them from performing their best – –So it's important to address it and get it back under control

Exam Stress   How to manage exam stress – –A break or a chat with someone who knows the pressure they're under will get things into perspective – –Get them to avoid comparing their abilities with their friends. Those "Oh my God I've only read Macbeth 17 times" conversations are such a wind up – –Everyone approaches revision in different ways, making a realistic timetable, sticking to it and revising using the method that works best for them are the key factors

Brain Food   Wholegrain - High energy slow releasing   Essential Fatty Acids – (OMEGA 3)increase brain function. Oily fish, pumpkins seeds, soya.   Berries – Vit C. Increases mental agility, improves short term memory   Broccoli – Vit K Enhance cognitive function   Bananas – Normalises Oxygen levels, increases mood.   Sage – improve memory   Eggs- cognitive performance ( Choline)   Water – stay hydrated

Don’t forget  Form Tutor  Subject Teacher  Learning Adviser  Heads of Year Will be on hand to offer support to both student and parent/carer

Extra Support  Subject specific revisions sessions Easter School Easter School Extra sessions lunch time and after school Extra sessions lunch time and after school Half term sessions (to be confirmed) Half term sessions (to be confirmed)  Look on Firefly

ExamEssentials

Workshops  Using Past Papers Effectively – Mrs A Knapp (6 th form dining area) RED  Online Learning – Mr M Boast (A11) YELLOW  Revision Strategies – Dr C Smith (6 th form upper area) BLUE