1. LIFE IN FORM 4 PREPARATION FOR KCSE 2015

2. IMPORTANT FACTS
KCSE will begin on 12th October 2015 (
In three weeks candidates tested on 4 years of work
Success will depend on PREPARATION

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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

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

8. 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.

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

10. 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?

11. 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?

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

13. 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

14. Things to avoid
TV and movies both during the week and Saturdays
(Excessive) use of the mobile phone
Face book, WhatsApp
Play stations
Frequent outings

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

16. 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

17. 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)

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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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, etc