LIFE IN FORM 4 PREPARATION FOR KCSE 2017

IMPORTANT FACTS KCSE will begin on 6th November 2017 (www.knec.ac.ke) In three weeks candidates tested on 4 years of work Success will depend on PREPARATION

What to consider when planning Short –term goals (for week-days and some weekends) To attend classes and LISTEN To do homework well To prepare well for the pre-CATs and CATs

Long–term goals (weekends) Revisiting topics covered in earlier years if these are not included in the exams they are doing Enhancing their weaker subjects Reading of Literature and Fasihi set books Doing revision questions

Long–term goals (April and August Holidays) They have to do a thorough revision of the entire syllabus.

They must work very closely with the teachers to determine the best way to revise the various subjects and how to order their topics. Priority should be given to weak subjects

SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO PLAN Draw a timetable (must be written) Weekday timetable Weekend timetable Holiday time table

Divide the subjects into papers and papers into topics Prioritise the subjects in terms of difficulty and apportion time appropriately Review progress Think of supplementary material that they may need.

WORK WITH A GOAL Set realistic targets and plan towards achieving them: What grade am I working towards? What subjects will boost me?

which subjects may undermine me and why? What help do I need: books, tuition, alarm, desk? What am I planning to give up this year? How do I plan to balance between sports and academics?

What should happen if this balance is not achieved? Are sports and other extracurricular activities crucial for the university I plan to apply to: foreign, local? If the study methods I use are not working have I reviewed them with my tutor/ teacher?

Do I have all the resources that I need? Text books Handouts (notes) Syllabus Log tables etc.

RELAXATION AND SOCIAL LIFE IN FORM 4 Form 4 tends to be very stressful and hence the need for ample rest: Enough sleep (not less than 6 hours) Physical activities Vary activities

Things to avoid TV and movies both during the week and Saturdays Excessive use of the mobile phone Face book Play stations Frequent outings

Company of older people in colleges or universities Business in or out school Excess cash Suspicious “neighbourhood study groups”

Unmanaged Stress: Worrying signs Form 4 tends to be stressful (something to be expected) Some students may find the stress insurmountable and begin to show signs of distress

Distress may be caused by Lack of proper planning leading to one feeling overwhelmed Setting unrealistic goals Excessive anxiety Burn-out Pressure from outside Mental illness (depression)

Signs of unmanaged stress: Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood Withdrawal from friends and family Lack of enthusiasm and motivation

Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, especially if they coincide with CATs or Pre-CATs Irrational arguments or thoughts of death or suicide

How parents can help to ease the stress Show genuine interest in his studies Be quick to recognise and praise effort and improvement Give positive criticism and offer hope

talk about exams in an encouraging manner Avoid comparisons of siblings Correct using facts and not opinions Occasionally arrange activities that will help him relax: lunch, visits he enjoys,