1. Sixth Form Advisory Evening 11 March 2013

2. Our purpose Post-examination services Structure of A levels
Grade boundaries
Technique
Strategies

3. 1. Post-examination services
Review of marking available until 16 April
Photocopy of the script until 15 March

4. 2. Structure of A levels
Yr 12 AS
Yr 13 A2
50%

5. Units AS A2
2 or 3
Units/Modules
A further 2 or 3

6. Retakes
Year 12
Year 13
Summer 2013
Summer 2014

7. Year 12 Outcomes

8. CI CF

9. 3. Grade Boundaries UMS 2 UNIT AS 3 UNIT AS 50 per cent of A Level

10. Full A Level 4 UNIT 6 UNIT A 320 A 480 B 280 B 420 C 240 C 360 D 200

11. Within a subject… UMS A B C D E Unit 1 80 64 56 48 40 32 Unit 2 120 9684 72 60
Unit 3
Unit 4

12. Should I retake…? 71 Unit 3 Unit 1 80 UMS Unit 2 120 UMS Unit 3 80
Total so far
Unit 4
Retake 54
101 55
227
Need 320 for A
93 UMS
Unit 3 71

13. Should I retake…? 55 69 20 50 29 Unit 1 80 UMS Unit 2 120 UMS Unit 3
Total so far
Unit 4
Retake 60 70 51
181
Need 280 for B
99 UMS
Unit 2 and 3 55 69 20 50 29

14. Some additional factors
Overall workload
Other commitments – employment
Level of preparation
Skill development over time
Total number of exam and retakes
Timing of retakes
No chance next January

15. Typical Student Responses
Type A
Retake modules where underperformed
Possible retake where only just achieved the grade boundary
Follow structured revision
Follow detailed retake strategy
Achieve target grade +
Achieve first/second University place

16. Type B
Retake most modules as advised
Fail to follow structured revision
Achieve similar grades in Summer exam
Restricts Year 13 choice
Miss first and second choice
Clearing

17. 4. The importance of technique

18. Descriptive/ Generalised
Causation questions
Range
Depth
Links
Level 1
1-2 marks
Descriptive/ Generalised
Level 2
2-6 marks
Descriptive or limited
(1-2 factors)
Little supporting evidence
Level 3
7-9 marks
Range of factors (usually 3+)
Some supporting evidence
Level 4
10-12 marks
Range of factors (3 adequate)
Precise supporting evidence
Makes links between factors 18 18

23. Essay style questions:
Depth and range
Focus
Balance
Judgement
Level 1
1-6 marks
Limited detail or a little description
Generalised comment / assertion
Level 2
7-11 marks
Some detail or some description
Some (limited) explicit links or comment
Level 3
12-16 marks
Suitable detail / lacks depth
Explicit links / lacks weight
May be some balance
Level 4
17-21 marks
Good range of detail
Explicit understanding
Balanced argument
Level 5
22-24 marks
Precise detail
Well balanced argument
Judgement 23 23 23

24. What identifies a Level 5 answer?
Level 5 should not be an impossible mark to reach.
The following should be considered:
Personal judgement
Should be precisely supported in favour of a view
A firm, convincing conclusion
High level of understanding, demonstrated in use of vocabulary and concepts
Level 5 answers should have a healthy mix and do not need to do all in equal measure.

25. 4. Strategies to raise performance

26. Effective strategies: general
Perseverance
Performance not fixed
Communicating with teachers
Action plan
Increasing engagement
Responding to all feedback
Organise

27. Effective strategies: practical
Increase the amount of independent study at home
Work with a peer mentor
Attend support lessons
Complete past examinations in private study
Complete summary technique for each unit
Attend additional revision sessions/Easter revision
Complete additional reading
Work with our learning mentor
Seek progression guidance

28. Sixth Form Team A – all on target B – one on target, others under
C – 1-2 under target
D – Significantly under target E/U
Praise: on target +
Praise for on target, free drink
Check AcM being fulfilled
Interview RNO/NRN
Letter
Page planner
Page 30/31 planner then
Next steps action with NRN/RNO
Free drink
Page 30/31 planner
PS at tutor discretion
Fixed PS
Encourage peer mentor
Peer mentor
Emphasise Easter Revision
Emphasise HTRMG resources

29. Parents Patience Encourage to see performance as not fixed
Encourage to look at examination papers
Encourage reading as depth is needed at A Level
Encourage 2 hours independent study per day
Encourage active revision
Keep tutor informed

30. Further help… Tutor first point of contact
After Thursday
After Yr 13 final CAT 29 April
Dr Gregson, Mr Renton, Mr Oxby

31. Reassurance: A level %A*-B
2010
2011
2012
59.6
68.7 70
UK all cands 52.6
Target for 2012 was 65%
Study leave
Year 12: 3.35 Friday 10 May
Year 13: noon Friday 24 May