Key Stage 4
The Parent Handbook
and
Subject Guide 2014-16
`STEPS
TO
SUCCESS’
Introduction to Key Stage 4
Key Stage 4 is the most important time of your child's time in school so far. The next
two Years will provide plenty of challenges but by focussing on the right things and
aiming high your child can achieve every success. This booklet provides an overview of
the subjects that your child is studying and some information that we hope you will find
useful about curriculum areas, but also about Key Stage 4 as a whole.
For almost every subject within Key Stage 4, your child will be assessed by way of examination. As you will see within the booklet, the percentage that this counts towards
the final grade varies, but exams are the single most important element across the
range of subjects. As such careful preparation before examinations, including internal
tests and mocks, is vital. This includes effective revision beforehand, but also an understanding of examination technique for each specific subject to ensure that your
child applies their knowledge in the right way to gain the most marks. Almost all courses are linear in nature; this means all of the exams come at the end of Year 11 assessing learning from right throughout Years 10 and 11.
Controlled Assessment (or coursework in some subject areas), is the other major contributor to final grades. However, unlike examinations, this is work that is completed
during Years 10 and 11 in lessons and often at home. This provides your child the
chance to enter the final examinations with a significant number of marks already under their belt. This is vital as with controlled assessment there is little 'unknown' as may
be the case for examinations. It, therefore, provides the opportunity to shine before the
exams evens start and can make a huge difference to students on the borderline between two grades. Good organisation, time management, resilience and self motivation
are critical to the success of controlled assessment .
What can parents do to
help?
What can students do to help
themselves ?
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Use your planner
Record deadlines
Note homework carefully
Organise your time
Do not leave things to the
last minute
Ask your teacher for help and
advice
Don’t let the work pile up so
it becomes unmanageable
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Encourage your son/daughter
to do the best they can.
Check your child’s planner regularly
Be aware of coursework and
controlled assessment deadlines and encourage your child
to meet those deadlines
Avoid taking holidays during
school time
Ensure that the work produced
is their own work
Crawshaw
Academy
KEY PERSONNEL
Pastoral Leader Key Stage 4
Mrs O Pattison
Achievement Leader Key Stage 4
Mr A Searle
SLT Link Key Stage 4
Mr R Ghosal
Form tutors
Your child's Form Tutor is often the first point of contact for general matters within Key
Stage 4
Year 10 Administration
Mrs M Wyspianski - 0113 3368540 Ext. 61525
madeline.wyspianski@crawshawschool.org.uk
The Learning/Academic Mentors
We have a team of Mentors whose role is to
support students, helping them identify barriers to learning and develop strategies to
overcome them so that they can achieve
their full potential. An example of this could
be Learning Mentors would help resolve
disputes between students. The Learning
Mentors will liaise with parents, teaching
staff and students in order to provide the
appropriate support needed. Academic
Mentors will deal with most issues in school
to support academic learning. As an example they spend time working with students
in lessons or in small groups in the Blue
Base.
Mrs Fowler
Special Needs - SENCO
Ms A Hewitt
Behavioural Manager
Mrs D Bell
Behavioural Issues
Mr S Pugh
Attendance Improvement Officer
Miss K Simon
Family Support Worker
Ms E Brown
Subject, Controlled Assessment
and Coursework
Art
Art & Design
Business
Design Technology
English Language and Literature
Child Development
Drama
Geography
Health and Social Care
History
ICT
Languages
Maths
Music
P.E.
Integrated Studies
Science
Study Plus
INDEPENDENT LEARNING/HOMEWORK– KS4
In Years 10 & 11 there are MINIMUM expectations of
Independent learning/homework that should be set by subject
areas.
Every week students should get a task from Maths and MFL
(French and Spanish)
Every fortnight students should get a task from other subject
areas.
There is no maximum amount of homework that students
may receive – subjects will set a level of homework that
is needed to help students succeed and achieve – this
means that they may well get tasks set more than once a
fortnight.
What sort of tasks may there be?
It can be anything appropriate to the subject:
Exam preparation – past exam style questions;
BTEC/coursework assignment completion;
Research;
Skills based work;
Revision for tests / exams;
Spellings / learning subject specific keywords
Will it all be assessed?
This depends on the nature of the task. Some work may be
Teacher assessed whilst other work may be Self or Peer assessed
with the chance to respond using green pen.
Because of the importance of learning outside of lessons in
achieving success and the best outcomes, ALL
Independent Learning activities/Homework must be
completed and are a minimum expectation.
The following pages contain subject,
controlled assessment and coursework
information. Students can identify times
during Year 10 and 11 when they may be
faced with the need to meet several deadlines
in a short period of time.
GCSE FINE ART
Content
Candidates are required to work in one or more area(s) of Fine
Art, such as Painting and Drawing, Mixed Media, Sculpture, Land
Art,
Installation, Printmaking, Lens-based and/or light-based
media and new media.
Coursework—Final Deadline January 2016
60% of the total marks
Marked out of 80
The portfolio should be selected from work undertaken during the
course of study and must include more than one project.
Controlled Test—February 2016—April 2016
40% of the total marks
Marked out of 80
10 hours of sustained focused study.
Students respond to their chosen starting point. Unlimited
preparation time and 10 hours of supervised time.
Interim coursework deadlines are set throughout the course.
Independent study should be completed at home for at least an
hour a week/2 hours a fortnight as set by the teacher.
BTEC FIRST AWARD IN ART &
DESIGN
Guided Learning Hours = 120 hours
This qualification is equivalent to 1 GCSE
grade A* to C.
Tutorials are given to students to help them gain
accreditation. Students are required to keep to tight
deadlines for successful completion of the course.
Unit 1
Introduction to Specialist Pathways in Art & Design
Students explore different types of media to ascertain
their specialist pathway e.g. Graphics, Textiles, 2D and 3D
visual communication.
Unit 2
Creative Project in Art and Design
This Unit will be externally set by Edexcel in the form of a
paper. The paper will provide an overall theme and
guidance on the interpretation of the theme as a brief in
specialist disciplines.
Units 3 & 4
Specialist Optional Units
Students choose two additional Units to complete that
they feel they are most interested in and where they can
achieve their full potential.
BTEC BUSINESS COURSES
There are two options for students to follow in KS4 for Business
OPTION A: BTEC AWARD in BUSINESS
75% of this course is assessed internally via coursework. 25% is assessed
externally via an onscreen test, under exam conditions, of one hour’s duration. Work is assessed at Pass, Merit or Distinction level.
There are two core/mandatory units:
Unit 1: Enterprise in the Business World.
Unit 2: Finance for Business – this is the externally assessed unit.
Students will then complete a further 2 units from the following:
Unit 3: Promoting a Brand
Unit 5: Sales and Personal Selling
Unit 7: Providing Business Support
Unit 4: Principles of Customer Service
Unit 6: Introducing Retail Business
Unit 8: Recruitment, Selection and
Employment
OPTION B: GCSE BUSINESS
All students complete Units 1 and 2.
Unit 1: Introduction to Small Business
(worth 25%, assessed via a 45 min external written exam).
Unit 2: Investigating Small Business
(worth 25%, internally assessed over approximately four weeks, you will be
given a list of controlled assessment tasks to choose from based on what you
have studied in Unit 1).
Students then complete Unit 3 (worth 50%, assessed via a 1hr 30 min external, written exam) to determine their final qualification.
Unit 3: Building a Business
(leads to a GCSE in Business Studies).
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
Food Technology
Product Design
Controlled coursework is continuous during Years 10 and
11.
You will have the chance to make improvements on your
coursework up to the final deadline in February of Year
11.
In order to achieve the best grade possible take note of
the feedback given by teachers and meet the
interim deadline set for the various components.
Controlled assessment accounts for 60% of your
final grade.
Modules:
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Materials & Components
Design & Manufacture Influences
Processes and Manufacture
You will be required to complete theory practice in the
form of homework every two weeks—this is in preparation
for your WRITTEN exam, which is worth 40% of your
final grade
GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE
The English Literature GCSE course gives students the opportunity to increase their wider reader of a variety of prose, poetry and drama. They will
develop skills of analysis, research and developing interpretations with
confidence. There are three units of study. Exams will be taken at the end
of Year 11 and they will write essays for each question.
Unit 1—Exploring Modern Texts (Exam)
Modern Drama—An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley
Exploring Cultures—Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
In the exam, students will answer one question on each text.
Unit 2—Poetry Across Time (Exam)
Students will study a variety of poems from an Anthology. The theme they
will study is ‘Character and Voice’. In the exam students will also respond
to an unseen poem, which they will have prepared for in lessons.
Unit 3—The Significance of Shakespeare and the Literary Heritage
(Controlled Assessment)
Students will study the play Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare. They will
explore this alongside selected poems by Robert Browning.
While the final exams will take place at the end of Year 11, the teaching
and preparation of this subject will largely be delivered during Year 10.
They will study the following components during Year 10:
Of Mice and Men
An Inspector Calls
Shakespeare and the Literary Heritage Controlled Assessment
GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
The iGCSE course assesses students’ reading and writing. The reading is
more focused on non-fiction, in contrast to the English Literature course.
The exam will be taken at the end of Year 11, although preparation and
teaching will be delivered over Year 10 and Year 11.
Exam Component
Students will answer questions based on two reading passages. They will
answer questions which assess their comprehension and summarising
skills, as well as their ability to interpret through writing creatively using
the information given.
Coursework Component
Candidates submit a coursework portfolio of three assignments, each of
about 500–800 words. The assignments may be conducted in any order,
and are:
Assignment 1: informative, analytical and/or argumentative
Assignment 2: descriptive and/or narrative
Assignment 3: a response to a text or texts of approximately two sides of
A4. Students respond to a non-fiction text by selecting, analysing and
evaluating the content of the text. They may write in any appropriate form
they wish.
Speaking and Listening
Students will prepare a speech about a topic which they are interested in.
They will deliver this speech to their teacher, who will then ask them
questions.
While the final exams are at the end of Year 11, the written coursework
will be completed during Year 10. They will also get an opportunity to
practise for the exam and experience a mock.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Two units of controlled assessments count for 60% of the final
grade.
Research Task
20% of final grade
Approximately 7 hours
May/June of Year 10
Child Study
40% of final grade
Approximately 25 hours
September – March of
Year 11
Research Study - This involves selecting an area from the module
titles below to study in detail. Primary and secondary research
methods will be used to gather information which is then analysed to
select the most appropriate information which will be communicated to
parents in booklet or Powerpoint format.
Child Study - The student selects a child under 5 years of age to study
over six months. They will observe changes in their physical,
intellectual, emotional and social development through planning and
carrying out a variety of monthly activities.
Interim details will be set throughout the controlled
assessments.
Modules titles include:
Parenthood
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Pregnancy
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Diet, Health & Care of a Child
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Development of the Child
Support For The Parent & Child
OCR GCSE DRAMA
GCSE drama students will complete three units over the duration
of the course.
To support these units of practical work students will also
complete a written record of the drama process for each one. This
is called a Working Record.
Working record
This is marked out of 20 for each unit.
Your working record is a succinct planning and reflection document; it
should chart and reflect your work on your performance.
The evidence in your working record may contain notes, diagrams,
sketches, CD or DVD evidence, continuous writing, storyboards, scenarios,
photographs, drawings, excerpts of dialogue, designs, character notes,
views and ideas of self and others, as appropriate.
Examples of format might be:
a) Between 8–12 sides A4
b) Between 3–5 minutes of CD or DVD commentary
c) About 700–1400 words of continuous prose
d) A mixture of elements from the above.
The student’s working record will be completed in lesson time under
controlled conditions (i.e. under your teacher’s supervision) and the
document should not be taken home.
You will be expected to complete other tasks at home such as learning
lines, character development, research etc
GEOGRAPHY
The AQA B GCSE Geography course is split into three units
with each unit studied in turn with exams at the end of Year
11.
Assessment
UNIT 1: Managing Places in the 21st Century 37.5%
1hr 30 mins Exam June Y11
UNIT 2: Hostile World 37.5%
1hr 30 mins Exam June Y11
UNIT 3: Controlled Assessment
· Local Fieldwork Investigation
· Geographical Issue Investigation
15%
10%
Controlled Assessment has now replaced coursework
Students will undertake two controlled assessment tasks.
1) The first will be a Geographical Issue Investigation in
which students will conduct research and planning on an issue
and then complete a two hour task under a high level of control.
This will take place during the Summer term of Year 10.
2) The second assessment, a Local investigation including
fieldwork, will involve a one day field visit to collect data. The
title and location will vary from year to year. Students will
complete the initial elements of the project in class but the final
sections will be completed over four hours under a high level of
control. This will take place in the Summer term of Y10 and into
the Autumn term of Yr11.
Controlled Assessment makes up 25% of the overall GCSE
grade.
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
BTEC First in Health & Social Care is a vocational course
offering essential health & social care knowledge.
Assessment is through a variety of different coursework
methods and an externally marked assessment.
You will complete four units over the course. You must
complete two core units & two optional units.
Core units are:
Unit 1 Human Lifespan Development (externally assessed)
Unit 2 Health & Social Care Values
Optional units are chosen from:
Unit
Unit
Unit
Unit
Unit
Unit
3
4
5
6
7
8
Effective Communication in Health & Social Care
Social Influences on Health & Wellbeing
Promoting Health & Wellbeing
The Impact of Nutrition on Health & Wellbeing
Equality & Diversity in Health & Social Care
Individual Rights in Health & Social Care
The qualification grade is calculated across the whole
qualification using a points-based scale. This means that the
final grade will accurately reflect learner achievement &
showcase their strengths. A problem with an individual unit,
will not create a problem to overall achievement.
HISTORY
There is no coursework in History, however you
will take exams in Year 11; sit a controlled
assessment and will be expected to prepare for it
accordingly. The controlled assessment in Year 11
involves teaching time on the impact of the
railways in Britain and in Pudsey and then a
certain number of hours are given in school to
ensure that this is completed as independently as
possible. The exam topics are ‘Medicine and
Public Health Through Time’ and ‘The American
The linear nature of the course means that it is
really important that students revisit and revise
their work throughout the course. We will
ensure that there is continuous assessment of
Year 10 work even in Year 11.
Core ICT—(1 lesson every 2 weeks)
This qualification will lead to a
Level 1/2 Cambridge National Award in ICT
Equivalent to GCSE short course
This course is made up of 2 units of work over the 2 year course. The grades of the
course Range from Level 1 pass to Level 2 Distinction *
Unit 1 understanding computer systems –this unit will give students an understanding
of Computer systems. The majority of the work for this unit will take the form of a
number of homework tasks coupled with research using a text book. Students will also
research a number of case studies and prepare work to take into a 1 hour written exam. Student's will get the opportunity to carry out a number of practice exam
preparation tasks.
Unit 2 ICT Skills for Business—this is a will involve a practical centre assessed
coursework task which will be carried out in lesson time. Some planning and
preparation work will form part of homework tasks set. The aim of the Unit is to give
students a range of ICT skills that will equip them to work in a business environment
Students wishing to complete the level 1/2 Cambridge National Certificate will have an
option to carry out two additional units which will make the qualification up to the
equivalent of a full GCSE
.
Option ICT - (5 lessons every 2 weeks)
This qualification will lead to a
Level 1/2 Cambridge National Certificate in Creative Imedia.
Equivalent to a full GCSE
The course is made up of 4 units of work over the 2 year course.
The grades of the course Range from Level 1 pass to Level 2 Distinction *
Unit 1 Pre production Skills - This is an exam based unit with a 1 hour written exam.
There will be an element of pre exam preparation work to be carried out. The unit will
involve the student learning about pre production skills used in the Creative and digital
media sector.
The following units will involve a practical centre assessed coursework task which will
be carried out in lesson time. Some planning and preparation work will form part of
homework tasks
Unit 2 Creating Digital Graphics—students will learn the basics of digital graphics editing
Unit 3 Creating a digital sound sequence—students will learn the basics of creating a
digital sound sequence using sound editing software
Unit 4 Creating a digital video sequence—students will learn the basics of using video
editing software to create a short video
MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES
(G.C.S.E.)
French
Spanish
Coursework makes up 60% of your final mark!!
So it is vital you spend time on your homework and keep
organised notes to help you!!!
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Two pieces of written coursework must be
produced under exam conditions. This is worth
30%. One piece will be completed each in Y10 and
Y11.
Two speaking pieces of coursework will be prepared
and assessed in Y10 and Y11. This is worth 30%.
Preparation of coursework
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Up to six hours preparation in class — you can use
all your notes and a dictionary
Coursework must be learnt and reproduced using
only a dictionary for the writing element.
MATHS
We follow the Edexcel (1MA0) Linear Mathematics
course with all sets.
* Examined in June of Year 11
* Areas covered: Probability, Statistics,
Number, Algebra, Geometry and Measures
* Paper 1 – calculator not allowed (1h 30mins)
* Paper 2 – calculator allowed (1h 30mins)
Foundation Tier
Grades available C – G
Higher Tier
Grades available A* - D
Tier of entry will be decided in January of Year 11
There is no coursework or controlled
assessment in mathematics!
MUSIC
The course is made up of three areas:
Performing; 40% (coursework)
You must perform as a soloist and as part of a group. You will
work with your instrumental teacher and class teacher on
suitable pieces.
Composing; 40% (coursework)
You will compose two pieces. One free choice and one set by
the exam board.
Listening and Appraising; 20%
You will have a 1 hour exam which explores the five Areas of
Study (AoS) through the three Strands of Learning:
All students will have instrumental lesson once a
week.
You will need to attend all your specialist
Instrumental lessons and take on board the advice
that the teachers give you. This will be essential in
choosing the right pieces for your performances.
Students are expected to take an active role in the
extra curricular life of the department.
This will involve some after school rehearsals.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
G.C.S.E.
The course is:
40% Theory (written exam 1 hour 30 mins),
12% Analysis of Performance and
48% Practical Performance.
The Practical Lessons in school time are preparation for a
final controlled assessment worth 48%
Students are marked on their performances in four
different activities
It is important that students participate in the
maximum number of sessions in order to be able to
complete each unit of work and students are expected to
perform competitively in at least two of these
activities either by representing school or a local club
Students will need to complete a large written
project in the Autumn Term of Year 10 which is based
upon a practical Personal Exercise Programme.
During the Autumn Term of Year 11, students will need to
prepare for a question and answer interview on the
analysis of their chosen sport. This is worth 12%
Students will have a number of practical lessons
including core PE lessons and so may need to have
additional PE kit.
INTEGRATED STUDIES
Integrated Studies builds
empathy, understanding and respect in a world
often characterised by diversity, conflict and
change.
The subject provides a unique opportunity to learn
about different cultures and their people in an open
and respectful way.
The course combines PSHE with Religious Studies.
Detailed investigations into issues such as drugs,
contraception, and euthanasia are studied. The
curriculum aims to expose the students to the varied
opinions that people have on key issues.
Students are required to study two hours per week
and some students will work towards a full GCSE in
Religious Studies following the AQA specification B
specification. The qualification is highly respected by
colleges and can make all the difference when pupils
are searching for sixth form places.
GCSE CORE SCIENCE (Y10)
Science is a double award subject following the OCR 21st
Century Science Suite . In Year 10 students will complete
the equivalent of one GCSE. There are 2 pieces of
controlled assessment required for GCSE Core science which
is worth 25% of the grade. The work is carried out under
exam conditions in a specific time limit as per the OCR exam
board regulations. It is marked by teachers, standardised
and then it is externally moderated.
1. Data Analysis
(12.5%)
You will be assessed on your ability to plan, test analyse and
evaluate a given scientific hypothesis related to the science
modules studied in Y10.
2. Case Study
(12.5%)
The case study is related to an aspect of science that
involves an element of controversy. You will be given some
background information by the exam board and must then
formulate a question, research both sides of the controversy
and present your conclusion and
recommendations.
You will also be assessed on the reliability of your sources of
information and how you reference them.
Students may take their Core Science exams at the end of
Year 10
GCSE TRIPLE SCIENCE
This course is equivalent to three GCSEs in Biology, Chemistry
and Physics.
For each GCSE there will be one piece of controlled assessment
(three in total) that contributes 25% of each GCSE grade.
You will be given some background information from the exam
board related to one of your taught modules and will be assessed
on your ability to:
·
·
·
·
·
·
Formulate a testable hypothesis
Plan a strategy to test the hypothesis
Carry out a practical accurately
Analyse the primary data collected
Compare primary and secondary data from various sources
Describe trends in data using the correct scientific
knowledge and understanding
All examinations are taken at the end of Year 11.
STUDY PLUS
This option is aimed at those students who feel that additional
support at KS4 would benefit them. It may be that they would
like to work on their literacy or numeracy skills, that they need
support with their GCSE / Btec subjects or that taking the full
complement of courses at KS4 might overwhelm them.
Students will take part in a series of activities in the first
instance to identify areas of strength and areas for development
and a plan will be drawn up with the individual student.
Students will then follow their own programme of work for part
of the time and will be monitored across all their subjects their
teachers will liaise with their subject teachers to identify and
provide appropriate support.
Students will also be encouraged to take part in activities which
will develop confidence, independence, resilience and teamwork,
for example undergo a work experience or take part in an
enterprise project which will culminate in them running an
enterprise activity in school.
Enter
your
subjects
1
2
Autumn term
1
2
Spring term
Year 10
1
2
Summer term
1
2
Autumn term
1
2
Spring term
Year 11
1
2
Summer term
Look at the list below and highlight the subjects you have chosen. This will help you keep track of
what you will be required to do over the next two years. The two blank spaces at the bottom are
for you to add any additional commitments you may have.
My Controlled Assessment and Coursework Deadlines
Tracking and Monitoring of Progress at Key Stage 4
At Crawshaw we want all students to be aspirational and achieve
the best outcomes they possibly can. Targets provide students with
an aspirational goal to aim for. They are not predicted grades, but
are designed to stretch and challenge every individual student.
Without aiming high, students will not achieve their full potential
and as such the targets that they are provided give them an
indication of the level we expect them to be striving to achieve. The
minimum expectation will be based upon a number of factors
including their performance at Key Stage 2 English and Maths and
baseline tests early in Year 7.
We will monitor a student’s progress towards these minimum
expected outcomes throughout the year. Information will be
collected half termly through the year and shared with students and
parents.
In addition to progress information, we will also provide parents
and students with an Attitude to Learning score on a scale from 1
(Outstanding) to 5 (Serious Concern). This helps parents to
understand the effort and ethic that their child is displaying within
class and to their general work in addition to how they are
achieving academically.
NOTES
NOTES
STUDY SKILLS and HELPING YOUR CHILD
SUCCEED IN EXAMINATIONS
An important part of the process in Key Stage 4 is the support from Parents
in helping students revise and prepare for examinations effectively. This can
include working with your child to plan their revision and monitor how they
are using their time; working with them to try out the range of strategies
shown below, to help identify the most effective for them; helping provide a
quiet place to study, where possible, free from distractions. This can happen
whether it is for mid topic tests, mock exams or the real thing.
Effective revision – for this to happen, the 3 R’s need to be
followed:
The R
What it means
Revising
The amending, editing,
reworking and addition
of notes.
Mind maps, revision cards, revision sheets
Reviewing
The re-reading of
notes for recall
The recall and memorising of information ACTIVE REVISION
Using your revision notes, rather than your
original class books
Explain your work to someone else; Repeat
notes aloud over and over again; Past papers (for Y10)/ be tested by others; Record
yourself and listen back
Remembering
Suggested strategies
Simply reading class books is not sufficient nor effective.
Top Tips for Parents to help their child revise:
1. Post-it notes and mind maps
Post-it notes dotted around the house with facts written on them are a great revision
tool. They're great for 'visual learners' and can be stuck on just about anything from
the fridge to the bathroom mirror.
Mind mapping is also useful to brainstorm information and help your teen remember
the facts. Using bold colouring pens and big sheets of paper, mind mapping can help
to break down complicated topics and pinpoint keywords. Start with a topic e.g.
maths, draw branches from the word and add its key words e.g. percentages and key
facts around it creating a web effect.
2. Revision books
Revision books are available for each subject and break down each topic into
bite-sized chunks and diagrams to make it easier for your teen to understand. They
also have question and answer sections that you can go through with them, so it's
worth investing in a good revision book for any subject your child finds hard.
3. Use memory techniques like rhyming words
We all know and love the alphabet song, which we sing to help us remember the
letters of the alphabet. Well this is a perfect example of mnemonics, a revision
technique that could help your teens remember difficult words, dates or names.
4. Use past papers for practice
Past papers from previous exams are really useful revision tools.
They can help your child to get a feel for the questions that could be asked, how they
could answer them and organise their time during the exam. They could also use the
past papers as practice exams under timed conditions.
5. In the zone
Having their own space to revise in the house is so important.
Make sure you create a dedicated area in the house that your teen can revise in
without any distractions. If they share a bedroom with a younger sibling, see if you
can time revision sessions when the other one is out of the house.
6. A study buddy
Some teens may find it easier to work with their friends. This can be a good way of
revising as they can they'll be able to their share notes and knowledge with each
other and ask each other questions from revision books.
7. The importance of sleep
One of the key ways to help concentration levels during revision is making sure they
get the right amount of sleep, especially before an exam.
8. Revision timetable
A timetable is a great way to keep on top of revision and map out what needs to be
done and how long your teen has to do it in.
Make sure they have a plan of action before they begin revising and work out exactly
what topics they need to revise by looking at their exam specification, which they can
get hold of from their teacher - there's no point revising a topic that won't be in the
exam.
Then sit down and design a revision timetable together so you know how much they
have to do. Don't forget to add in their social breaks to lighten the load!
REVISION GUIDE
BOOKS
SUBJECT
PRICE
ENGLISH
GCSE AQA English – Understanding Non-Fiction
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And
finally
Good Luck
Remember
a good student
needs to
work, rest and play in order to
achieve their full potential
Good time management is one of
the keys to
success