The Bromfords School and Sixth Form College Yr 11 Examination Preparation and Study Support Evening April 21 st 2016

Welcome The examination process – Mr B Pratt Y11 Additional study programme – Mr J Edwards Practical tips to support your child – Mrs K Coulson

Dates Some Practical Exams are complete Coursework/Controlled assessments are sent off shortly First written exam is Monday 16 th May Year 11 leavers assembly Friday 27 th May (after the morning exam) Exam season complete by the 27 th June Results day, Thursday 25 th August Sixth Form registration – Thursday 25 th August 2015

The Bromfords School and Sixth Form College The Examination Process

Your Child’s Exams Check the exam timetable The night before… Double check the start time – don’t get am and pm mixed up Check with friends doing the same course On the day: Arrive 7.45am for morning exams and go to the Hall for Just in Time Revision Arrive 1.15pm for afternoon exams (when not already in school) and go to the Hall for Just in Time Revision

If Your Child is Going to be Late Phone the school immediately to inform them Then bring your child straight to the school The school is bound by the Awarding Body regulations and will try to accommodate lateness Lateness beyond the first 60 minutes will prevent a student being admitted

If Your Child Misses an Exam Through illness: You must obtain a doctors note that certifies illness on THAT DAY and pass to the school immediately however, the exam boards rarely accept illness as an excuse and will issue a grade that does not include this component so is significantly lower Other circumstances: The exam board are unlikely to recognise any other circumstances such as incorrect timing, auditions, holidays etc. and will issue a grade that does not include this component so is significantly lower

Important Equipment Clear pencil case or polythene bag 2 Black biros 2 HB pencils 30 cm Ruler Pencil sharpener Eraser

Specialist Equipment Calculator (simple without retrievable memory) Protractor Coloured pencils Pair of compasses Any set texts or permitted pre release materials

Banned Items Mobile phones Digital Watches MP3 players Notes or paper Food Chewing gum packets Outdoor coats, etc.

Drinks Only allowed in a clear plastic sports cap bottle – no large drinks bottles No labels etc. Inappropriate drinks will be set aside until the end of the exam

Behaviour Silent at all times Follow all instructions without question Not attempt to communicate under any circumstances Do not turn round

Exam Checklist Check the paper is correct Read instructions on the front of the paper Read questions carefully and answer all When finished go back and read through answers No student will be allowed to leave an exam early But Will be removed and reported for attempting to distract others

Collection of Books and Materials Please bring all text books and other materials to the school at 9.00 on 29 th June

Results Thursday 25 th August from 10.00am onwards Or Leave a stamped addressed envelope

Problems Ask for help immediately if there are missing grades or a Q, X or # Appeals: Made quickly Cost Result could go down as well as up

Certificates Notification in October Kept for 12 months then destroyed Can be replaced but at significant cost

The Bromfords School and Sixth Form College Y11 Additional Study Programme

Y11 arrangements Exams start 16 th May Keep going to normal lessons Revision – 7:45am before morning exams Or supervised study Or space to relax But ALL students must be in by in at 7:45am Revision – lunchtime before afternoon examinations Carry on right up until half term*

After half term Students will be back in school There will be no study leave BUT… Not on the normal timetable*

Why? Every day, every LESSON counts Most students do not study effectively at home*

Additional Study Programme Every day there will be revision for different subjects Flexible start and finish times Fitted around the exams*

Example Wed 8 th June P1/P2 Maths revision P3 Business revision P3/P4 Geography or History or Music revision P5 Geography Exam Geography Exam 1:45pm Geography revision lunchtime Non Geog/History/ Music students go home 10:55 History/Music students go home 1:45pm

What next Continue to support your child Form time – personalise the Additional Study Programme Ensure that they attend as per the additional study timetable Keep an eye out for Half-Term revision activities at the school*

The Bromfords School and Sixth Form College Study Support Over the Examination Period

Coping with stress

Before the exam Know your exam timetable Know where you need to be and at what time – leave plenty of time Allow time for the brain to wake up Make sure you have EVERYTHING you need - including equipment and spares, you never know! Keep to a normal routine – go to bed and get up at the normal time Visit toilet BEFORE exam Keep hydrated Don’t worry about not remembering anything right before the exam – it will come back to you

Have a plan on HOW you are going to tackle each exam: - how long to spend on each question -which question you will answer first -Start with what you are confident with Practice calming yourself - breathing

Breathing technique Sit comfortably and close your eyes Breath in slowly through your nose to the count of 10 Hold this breath while you count to 10 again Let the breath out slowly to the count of 10 again Repeat until you feel calmer

During the exam You will feel nervous – this is good makes extra adrenalin Breathing – deep breaths, if at any point you panic turn paper over and go through the breathing technique. READ instructions then questions. DON’T pick the pen up until this is done. Be positive – if you are finding something difficult move on, you can always go back.

Parents – Before the exams Be positive Try not to ‘rise to the bait’ they will push the limits at times – this is stress – Breathing techniques (parents can do it too!) pick the battle when exams are over. Help them prepare – equipment, timetables, times, what to do if they panic Help them to keep routines the same Before the exams make sure they drink/eat something, remind them any strategies, tell them you love and value them whatever happens.

Parents – After the exams Let them tell you about the exam, do ask but don’t interrogate. Remember what is done is done Ask if there is anything they might do differently for the next exam, then review preparation.