Here are some ideas of what you can do get ready for the trial examinations:
1. Revision
• Revise in short bursts. Quality and not the quantity is what counts. Give yourself a time limit.
• Create a revision schedule. Choose the topics in different subjects you feel need greater attention - don't ignore the rest though!
• Make sure to have plenty of breaks.
• Choose the right environment in which to revise, for example a quiet room.
• Be active in your revision. Simply reading a textbook or your notes will not help. Try writing information down or talking to another person about the topic you are revising. Get that person to question you to test your knowledge. This will help you to memorise the essential facts and figures.
2. Study Leave
• This is the time you will not need to be in College - use the extra time wisely.
• Get up at the normal time and do a normal day's work. You will be amazed how much you can accomplish.
• Work with a good friend. Share the revision load between you and test each other. CAUTION - choose your friend wisely. Don't let them hinder your success.
• Stick to your work schedule or revision timetable.
3. How to answer questions effectively
• Read every question carefully. Don't scan it. Read each word and note the punctuation. Cheek how many marks are allocated to the answer.
• What are you being asked to do? Identify the command words such as describe or explain.
• Answer the question. Use any information provided by the question to help you form your answer. Check to make sure you have provided all of the information to gain full marks.
• Check through all of your answers at the end. Do they answer the question? Never leave a question unanswered. If unsure, answer with an intelligent guess - you could get some marks.
4. Exam checklist
• Check the examination details - time, date, place, etc.
• Equipment - pens, pencils, ruler, protractor, rubber and spares in case your pen breaks or you run out of ink.
• Calculators - essential for maths and science. Check the battery is OK. Note that programmable calculators will have their memories reset.
5. The Examination
• All the examination boards have a code of conduct. You MUST follow this code. Failure to do so may result in disqualification from all subjects.
• Turn up 10 minutes before the start of the exam. If you are late, then you run the risk of not being allowed to sit the exam.
• Listen to instructions given out by the invigilator.
• You cannot talk, communicate or disturb others once in the exam centre. To do so will risk you being disqualified.
• Mobile phones and any other electronic devices (apart from calculators) are strictly prohibited. If you are caught with a device on you, you will be disqualified. If you bring a phone, switch it off and hand it to the invigilator for safe keeping until the exam has finished.
If at any time you need help or advice, seek out your teacher(s). They will gladly help you to help yourself succeed
GOOD LUCK!
