SUPPORTING GCSE STUDENTS SUCCESSFULLY MRS D SMITH, ACTING PROGRESS LEADER Y10/Y11 TUESDAY 12TH APRIL 2016

The purpose of this evening ‘What parents do is more important for children…than parental occupation, education or income’. (DCSF 2008 now known a s DfE) ‘Parental support is eight times more important than social class….parental involvement can mean the difference between an A* and an ‘also-ran’ at GCSE’. (TES, Oct’03)

A challenging time ahead…. Study leave – after the May half term. Being organised and prepared during exam period. Maintaining effort and motivation levels – both at school and home. Tension and stress for students and family.

So what can you do as a parent? At home, provide: a quiet space and a ‘workbox’ Make their exam timetable visible Easy, nutritious snacks, drinks and meals to sustain energy a listening ear, a comforting shoulder Rules and routines Praise, rewards and sanctions

So what does good revision look like? Successful revision involves: Making a plan that is achievable and sustainable Having clear aims for each study period Reducing the information to a series of key-points which can be expanded in response to an exam question Re-visiting this condensed work regularly Using revision guides/websites (so long as they are current and relevant – see individual subject tutors for their recommendations) Testing your knowledge and understanding (verbal & written) Stick to planned times Making a note of topics that you struggle with so you can seek help later.

Before Encourage :- Revision Planning – look at dates and be aware of where they are. Extra, sustained effort in class – completing revision tasks, ensuring all coursework is completed on time. Organisation of files and equipment Attendance of After School sessions Discussions between student and teacher or other support staff as necessary (e.g. tutor, SENCO, Chaplain, School Nurse, Careers Adviser, Mentor, PAL) Established routines (breakfast, relaxation and bed-time) Regular conversations about what’s been achieved, what’s ahead, how they are feeling but agree when in advance

During Monitor and support by :- Removing Distractions – social media! Stick to the plan for Revision Maintaining routines (study and break-times) Having conversations about what’s been achieved, what’s ahead, how they are feeling – be prepared for tears. Providing short and long-term incentives. Getting involved in revision tasks. Choosing your battles – aim for balance.

After Praise and reward :- Congratulate them on sustaining their efforts Fulfil on any promised incentives! Allow them to choose how they will relax Talk about the future Be around to celebrate/pick up the pieces on Results Day (Thursday 25th August)

After School Sessions Apr/May Session, Room and Teacher MondayTuesdayThursday A and D Room 10 Product Design – teacher available Art Room 7 LR Art and Design – teacher available Music Room DQ Music theory and composition English CCOpen session until 5pm Open Session will run until 5.00 Open session until 5pm Geography Room 21 Subject surgery History Room 22 Subject surgery Maths Foundation Level Room 30 Higher Level Room 26 Science VK Science Revision ICT* ICT and Business Studies RERE revision Year 10 and 11 Afterschool Revision and Study Sessions Term 5 All sessions will run until 4.30 unless stated *There is also a Tues lunchtime session for ICT

Question Time