KS4 EXAM SURVIVAL KIT

revision One of the secrets to doing well in exams is really good planning so start by making a weekly/daily revision timetable and sticking it up somewhere you can’t miss it.

A tried and tested and very successful technique for revising. Revision technique A tried and tested and very successful technique for revising.

20 MINUTES This technique is recommended By therapists to reduce exhaustion during revision and to promote the best possible learning. The technique is based on hourly Periods of revision study broken into 3 x 20 minute bites.

Repeat steps 1-4 again two more times with two new topics. 20 MINUTES Step 1: Scan quickly what you have set yourself to learn or revise; this is so the brain knows what its goal is. Step 2: Revise the topic for 20 minutes Step 3: After 20 minutes, stop, get up, preferably leave the room,  take 1 minute break, no longer, then take a sip of water and return to your desk. Step 4: Quickly scan what you have just learned; use coloured pens to pick out the most important phrases/words. Repeat steps 1-4 again two more times with two new topics.

20 MINUTES At the end of 3 of these 20 minute sessions, you should leave the room where you are revising and take either a 10 minute break doing something completely different or a proper break such as lunch for up to 1 hour.  Use the 4 step process to revise a new topic for another hour

20 MINUTES The important thing is the brain remembers beginnings and endings so the scanning part is extremely important.

Take regular exercise and take breaks during revision.

ORGANISATION If you have a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or autism you may have issues with organisation and time management. Get someone to work with you and help you.

Are you entitled to exam concessions?

EXAM CONCESSIONS If you have exam concessions, make sure you know where to go for the exam.

THE READING PAPER Read the questions first, then read the text and then start to answer the questions.

DON’T PANIC You can ask if you don’t understand which question you are supposed to answer.

Vocabulary in your pocket Discuss Highlight key words in the question Contrast Evaluate Comment Share tips with other parents. Argue Define Demonstrate

Postcards Condense Time attempts notes onto postcards at practice to act as revision prompts. Time attempts at practice papers.

you can only explain something to someone else if you understand it yourself Ask questions about the topic and encourage them to answer in sentences. If you understand something, you can explain it to someone else.

...so get someone in your family to ask you a question so you can give an answer. Use sentences in your explanations.

It helps if your siblings are supportive and sensitive. Family It helps if your siblings are supportive and sensitive.

don’t work too late Stop work an hour before you go to bed or your brain will be churning all night.

It is really important to get a good night's sleep before an exam.

EATING

EATING Join family meals, even if it's a busy revision day - it's important to have a change of scene and get away from the books and computer for a while. Eat foods which are slow release energy foods such as pasta and dark chocolate.

EATING Cashews, peanuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds provide energy. They are calorie dense and high in fats so if you want a boost without a crash, grab a handful of nuts or seeds. Protein-rich foods like eggs, meat and full-fat dairy products are some of the best foods for sustained energy

Eat breakfast no matter how small. Taking exams is hungry work. Take a bottle of water Get to school early. You’ll panic if you’re late.

Success for it’s own sake Do well for your own sake rather than to please others

Your best is good enough

good luck!