Welcome

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 Introduction  Coping with Stress  Revision & Organisation  Pastoral Support  Further Information

Examination Results 2015

COPING WITH STRESS

GET THE BASICS RIGHT

Ensure they get sufficient sleep Teenagers between 13 and 19 need 9 to 10 hours a day to consolidate learning

Maintain a balanced diet and lots of water A good diet is scientifically proven to improve concentration

Before an exam... Eat proteins (helps the brain perform) Drink plenty of water (keeps you hydrated)  Avoid carbohydrates (can make you feel lethargic)  Avoid sugar based soft drinks (can interfere with ability to concentrate)  Avoid too much coffee (increases anxiety/nervousness)

Regular exercise Exercise stimulates the flow of oxygen around the body and to the brain Exercise also lifts your mood by increasing serotonin levels in the brain

Regular exercise “burns away” chemicals like cortisol and norepinephrine that cause stress. Vigorous exercise releases endorphins into the system. Endorphins are the hormones responsible for the feeling of elation. Chemicals like dopamine and serotonin are also released in the brain during exercise. These give a feeling of safety and security that contributes to off-setting some of the "internal" causes of stress, such as uncertainty, pessimism and negative self-talk. People who exercise every day reduce their risk of anxiety and stress levels by more than 40%. Activities had to last at least 20 minutes at a time and induce breathlessness. (From NHS guidance on Stress Management)

Parental Involvement/Support Try to avoid pestering about revision. This tends to increase tension. Try to offer support and encouragement. “...how are you getting on?” “...is there anything I can test you on?” or just a well timed cup of tea!!! Try to ensure there is a quiet and comfortable work area. Try to reduce any distractions.

 Keep an eye out for signs of stress... Lack of appetite Irritable (more than usual!!) Not sleeping well Frequent snacking (again more than usual!!) Unable to switch off from school work (it is neither healthy nor productive to do too much revision)  It is essential to have something to look forward to... short rest periods a free day at the weekend a “treat” to reward all the hard work

Form Tutors & Head of Year  A vital link between home and school  Regular daily contact with the pupils and are available for all parents to contact with any concerns  Track pupils progress closely (Progress Day 12 th Feb)  Focused on your child achieving their potential and higher  They are here to support you and help you through these final few weeks.

REVISION

The Learning Cone

Revision Techniques Using a range of different techniques is most effective (Suggestions in the Guidance Booklet) You will have your own preferences... Some people work better with a background of sound (often music) whilst others find noise distracting Revising with friends can work well for some people. Parents can also join in Moodle has a massive range of revision materials Online revision websites can be excellent

fail to plan......plan to fail In the Guidance Booklet there are two sample planning sheets to help you create an effective revision plan. An overview to plan a month in advance. Aim to cover all the topics for all subjects in the next 8 weeks (including half-term and Easter) A weekly planning sheet will allow a more detailed breakdown for each day. You should be aiming for about 20 hours work each week including any set homework.

Have two copies of each plan you make. Keep one in your personal study area and the other in an open area in the house where everyone else can see it. Use a coloured highlighter to cross off completed sections. This is motivational and helps you to avoid feeling overwhelmed. It will also enable you to highlight areas you feel you need to revisit or ask your teachers about. REMEMBER YOU NEED BREAKS!! REMEMBER YOU NEED BREAKS!!

Study Season  No “Study Leave” anymore. Students are legally required to attend full time until they have completed all their exams. However…  The timetable for all Year 11 pupils will cease in its current form on Friday 8 th May. A new Study Season Timetable will then begin.  Consists of some normal lessons at the same time as the standard timetable (these will cease when the exam date in the subject has passed) examination prep sessions (these take place as exams become imminent` some home study time (this will increase in frequency as subject exams take place) private study time (in school in a dedicated area under staff supervision

Study Season  Attendance at all timetabled sessions is compulsory and registers are taken and monitored in the usual way. LCC will still look to issue fines for poor attendance even at this stage of the year  We ask for your co-operation in ensuring full attendance and accurate time-keeping. It is vital that lessons and revision sessions are not disrupted by pupils arriving late. Staff may exercise the right to send pupils who are late to the silent study area if necessary  Pupils need to be patient! By half term there will be more home study time than compulsory lessons  Full school uniform will be expected at all times including examinations and revision sessions. We would also stress the importance of having the correct equipment. Again we need your support to ensure everything runs smoothly

Thank you for attending and Good luck to the Class of 2015