SUPPORTING GCSE STUDENTS SUCCESSFULLY MRS C BOWLEY, PROGRESS LEADER Y10/Y11 TUESDAY 21 APRIL 2015

The purpose of this evening ‘What parents do is more important for children…than parental occupation, education or income’. (DCSF 2008) ‘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 from 11May Transition of school routines and structure Being organised and prepared during exam period (12May-22June) Maintaining effort and motivation levels 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 (water improves concentration up to 70% more than caffeine) 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 goals about what will be achieved by the end of 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 on the day of the exam, the night before, a week before and within a month of the exam (THIS REALLY WORKS!) Using revision guides (so long as they are current and relevant) Testing your knowledge and understanding (verbal & written) Using a clock to ensure a regimented balance between study and down-time Making a note of topics that you struggle with so you can seek help later

Before Encourage :- Revision Planning (DO something with an output/know dates of exams and course-work deadlines) Extra, sustained effort in class, with homework and coursework 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 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 Providing short and long-term incentives Getting involved in revision tasks Choosing your battles – aim for balance Praying with and for our children

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 20 August)

After School Sessions Apr/May The library will be also open to all students for quiet study after school until 4.15 each day Laptops will be available Session, Room and Teacher MondayTuesdayThursday A and D Room 10 Product Design, Electronic Products, Graphics Controlled Assessment Art Room 7 LJ Art and Design 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 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

Additional Ideas and Support Please see Mrs Emery to purchase a recommended guide at £3.00 each: GCSE’s – What can a parent do? 101 tips to ensure success Websites: S-cool; Revisionworld.co.uk; gcseguide.co.uk; childline.org.uk (Examstress line ); familylives.org.uk

Question Time