THE ASHCOMBE SCHOOL
GCSE REVISION TIPS APRIL 2014
Contents
Welcome! ___________________________________________________________ 2
General tips for revision – all subjects ____________________________________ 3
Art- (AQA) _________________________________________________________ 13
Child Development- (AQA) ____________________________________________ 14
DT – Product Design- (AQA) __________________________________________ 15
DT – Graphic Products- (AQA) _________________________________________ 16
DT – Resistant Materials- (AQA) _______________________________________ 17
English- (AQA) _____________________________________________________ 18
Geography Full Course _______________________________________________ 19
History- (OCR) ______________________________________________________ 22
Hospitality and Catering- (WJEC) ______________________________________ 23
ICT- (AQA)_________________________________________________________ 25
Mathematics (AQA) __________________________________________________ 26
Modern Languages: French, German and Spanish ________________________ 27
(WJEC Full Course) _________________________________________________ 27
Music- (EDEXCEL)__________________________________________________ 29
Physical Education- (AQA) ____________________________________________ 30
Religious Studies – Short GCSE course- (OCR) ___________________________ 31
Religious Studies – Full GCSE course- (OCR) ____________________________ 32
Science- (AQA) ______________________________________________________ 34
1
Welcome!
Welcome to the Ashcombe School Revision Booklet.
Pupils told us that they would find it helpful to have a booklet where all
the key examination information and revision tips were collected 'in one
place', rather than having several individual sheets from each subject.
As there are so many combinations of subjects which a pupil could take,
and so many subjects, it would not be possible to collate a booklet
containing every single sheet issued. However, we hope that this booklet
will help to give an 'overview' guide for pupils, parents and teachers, so
that everyone is informed of basic information, and knows where to go to
get more help if necessary.
Each subject area has contributed an overview sheet of what you need to
know. We suggest that you read through the information for the
subjects you study, and make notes of any further questions which you
need to ask your teacher or your tutor in the box at the end of the sheet.
Shortly, this booklet will be available in our Virtual Learning Environment
(Fronter), and we will add links as we find more and more sites which are
useful for revision.
In relation to being successful in the exams it is vital to remember three
key things.
1) You will only achieve your potential through consistent effort.
2) Make sure when you leave the exam hall in June you can tell
yourself you have done your best.
3) Ask if you have any questions.
Please ask if you have any questions
Mr Ketley and Mrs Harper
2
General tips for revision – all subjects
Revision is another word for reviewing. It is the process by which you re-read course
essays, notes and textbooks in order to understand and remember what you have
learned. To be effective, revision requires accurate notes and careful planning.
1. You need to be prepared PSYCHOLOGICALLY.... have a mind set which is
going to give you the motivation to get on with revision, yet not be too stressed
out, as this may make you give up!
2. You need to be prepared PHYSICALLY and PRACTICALLY ... if you’re tired,
or you don’t have the right equipment, you’re not going to be as effective when
revising.
3. You need to be prepared to LEARN ... by knowing exactly what it is you need to
learn, and how you learn best, and building up a variety of techniques for learning,
you’re going to be able to retain key knowledge, concepts, and skills.
There are many excellent books and sites available to give you guidance on how to
prepare yourself for revision and public exams. Below are the key elements which
the advice covers, grouped under headings
1.
PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS
Recognise that level of effort
is the most important thing.
Don’t worry about being
nervous
Get a sense of perspective
 Be in a position to tell yourself that you have done your
best when you pick the results up in August.
 An element of nervousness is normal and can benefit
performance
 Remember that everyone goes through exams at some
point and seems to survive intact. Exams are important
but so are a lot of other things, so don’t get your worries
too out of proportion
3
2. PHYSICAL / PRACTICAL FACTORS
Know when the exam is
Know what equipment you need
Allow enough time to revise the
content ... PLAN. Begin 2/3
months before the exams.
Prioritise
Vary your revision so that you
don’t get too bored
Make the plan REALISTIC
Decide when you revise best
Pace the revision to give
yourselves ‘breaks’ / ‘downtime’
Review your revision
Decide where you revise best –
prepare it
Eat & Drink properly
Breathe!
Sleep!
 Draw up a plan and put exam dates in RED
 calculator / batteries / sharpened pencils / pens /
 Aim for ‘little and often’, ‘planning not cramming’. e.g. 40minute sessions with 10 minute breaks.
 Make a chart of days and months leading up to exams
 Make a long-term revision plan (allocate a number of hours
during the week)
 On your plan, blank out times when you can’t revise in
BLACK
 Tell others what your plan is so that they can leave you
undisturbed... or nag!!
 List the subjects and the major topics. Award a ‘grade ‘ for
how confident you are (e.g. A excellent, B OK, C some
concern, D serious concern)
 Allocate the proportion of time you are going to spend on the
subjects accordingly and put them in the plan
 Mix topics you find easier with topics you find harder
 Vary the subject – 2 subjects a day.

 early morning? afternoons? evenings?
 But relax before you go to sleep – try to have 8 hours’ sleep
 Plan in ‘treats’ for the end of every short period of time (e.g.
food, some music – beware TV as you may get hooked into the
programme!)
 Use ‘spare time’ well e.g. the half hour before eating in the
evening
 MAKE SURE YOU START AGAIN AFTER THE BREAK!!
 Stay focused in every revision period. Decide what you are
going to do, do it, then review what you have done.
 tick off when you have achieved it and feel good about
yourself!
 Some people prefer one place
 Some people like to vary the place
 Quiet, warm, well-ventilated, well-lit room
 Comfortable chair, spacious desk/table
 All files, books, paper, pens, calculator near you
 All TVs, personal audio switched off (or stick to familiar,
music [not on shuffle!!] you know won’t distract you … it may
be a way of avoiding more damaging distractions!!!)
 Body and mind need to be fit and ready for revision and exams.
 Brain needs protein: fish, eggs, milk
 You need energy: nuts and bananas (chocolate? ... effects don’t
last as long (sadly!)!!)
 If you panic take deep breaths and a short break, then start
again!
 Take fresh air
 Especially the night before an exam. A nocturnal session will
burn up the mental energy you need for the exam.
 Danger of too much late-night revising: forget and restart
tomorrow
4
3. LEARNING FACTORS
Know what is tested in each
exam
Know what format the
questions will be in and learn
the relevant techniques
Know what the elements of
learning are
 See overview in this booklet
 See past exam papers (available from board, school and
websites)
 See the syllabus
 See examiner reports which comment on candidates’
performance in past years (especially giving common
mistakes)
 Ask teacher about any things you don’t understand
 Multichoice
 Essay - Discuss/ compare / contrast / evaluate / analyse
 Factual - describe
There are different stages, which tend to build up on each
other:
 Descriptive (know the facts / information; questions often
begin ‘describe …)
 Reflective (be able to understand why .. questions begin
‘explain, contrast and compare, analyse, evaluate)
 Speculative (be able to apply your knowledge to a new
situation .. what if …)
 Ask teacher
Know what equipment you
need for the exam
Understand how your memory  Plan your revision schedule to make the most of this
works. New facts fade after a  Learn something
few hours
 Revise after a few hours
 Revise in the next couple of days etc.
Use a variety of techniques to ‘memorise’ / rehearse your knowledge, understanding
and skills. NB you are not just revising facts, but also definitions and key ideas,
diagrams and formulae
Visual (seeing)
 Spider diagrams using colour, font, pictures – display
them where you are studying
 Pictures / Maps
 Make up a ‘story’ and picture it in your mind
 Watch associated documentary / TV / PowerPoint
 Use colours, symbols, highlighter
 Record yourself and play back
Auditory (hearing)
Kinaesthetic (doing)
 Listen to someone else
 ‘Chant / sing’
 Make up ‘mnemonics’ which will help you remember e.g.
Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain = colours of the rainbow
[the funnier the better]
 Make notes on paper – summarise them – again and again until
you only need a few key words to learn the whole topic
 Make notes on separate cards (postcards / index cards / small
notebook) (you can test yourself later)
 Play games (e.g. matching question/answer cards,
 Get someone to test you (family, friend)
 Make up questions
 Design a Powerpoint
 Give answers ‘out loud’ – work with a friend / family – if you
can explain it to someone else, you can explain it in the exam
 Do practice papers under ‘timed’ conditions
5
Where to get information about examinations
The grid below gives details of the exam board and specification used.
OCR http://www.ocr.org.uk/
www.ocr.org.uk
9 Hills
Then Learners and Parents
Road
Useful documents
 Datasheets, Factsheets, Overviews &
Info packs
 Information Briefs
 Mark schemes and materials
 Specifications and Syllabuses
 Specimen assessment materials
 Student Guides and Materials
Then scroll down to find your subject
Cambridge
CB2 1PB Email: Email:
general.qualifications@ocr.org.uk
Tel: 01223 553998
Fax: 01223 552627
AQA
Stag Hill House
Guildford
01483 506506
www.aqa.org.uk
Then follow the route:
Qualifications / Current GCSE / subject
The navigation bar gives links to
 Specifications (the syllabus)
 Assessment material
 Coursework
 Notice board
 Examiners’ reports
 Guidance
Or click on ‘students and parents’ tab
www.edexcel.org.uk/
Then Qualifications / subject index
(select relevant letter)
When you reach subject page, select
correct qualification and scroll down to
find specification, assessment material
and examiner reports
Or click on ‘I am a … student’
Edexcel
Head Office Edexcel Customer Service,
One90 High Holborn,
London,
WC1V 7BH.
BBC: The bbc site has an excellent section on revision: www.bbc.co.uk/schools/revision/ and then
there is a link to: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/ and
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/studentlife/ from where you can reach a revision and skills area:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/studentlife/revisionandskills/
6
THE PLANNING CHALLENGE!
EXAMPLE OF A STUDY PLAN:
7
8
THE LEARNING CHALLENGE!
(a) EXAMPLE OF A ‘STUDY CARD’.
To summarise this:
What are metals and why are they so useful?
More than three-quarters of the elements are metals. The elements we call metals have
properties that non-metal elements do not have. It is because of these properties that
metals are very useful for some purposes but unsuitable for others.
Metals:
• are all solids at room temperature – except mercury;
• have a high melting point;
• are shiny when freshly cut;
• form alloys that are mixtures of metals;
• are mostly tough, strong and can easily be hammered or bent into shape;
• are good conductors of heat and electricity when solid or liquid.
Design something like this:
(b) Use a mind map to / spider diagram to summarise and organise topics. Colour
code words and lines to help this stick in your mind.
9
10
3. THE EXAMINATION CHALLENGE!
A SUMMARY OF ADVICE ABOUT EXAMS:
1 Always read the instructions carefully.
2 As you read through the examination paper, circle the questions you
want to answer or have to answer. Don’t be afraid to write on the
examination paper.
3 Do the question you feel most confident about first.
4 Arrive in good time for the start of the examination.
5 Make sure you try to answer all the questions you need to.
6 Make sure you read through the whole paper before you start to write.
7 Check how many marks are given for each question. This gives important
information about how much detail is required.
8 It is useful to plan a question before you begin to write. You may even get extra
marks for this as it shows your thinking.
9 Underline key words in a question. This can help you organise your answer.
10 Read through your answer afterwards and check you have answered all parts of the
question.
11 Make sure you are dressed comfortably so that you are warm/cool enough in the
examination room.
12 Stay calm, don’t panic. Counting to ten or breathing deeply may help if your mind
goes blank.
13 Go to bed early the night before the examination.
14 Leave some time at the end of the examination to check through your work. At
least ten minutes is useful.
15 Before you start writing, work out how much time you have for each question.
Don’t spend too long on one question!
16 Read the question carefully and answer it directly. Repeating yourself is a waste of
time and you will not get extra marks.
17 Think and organise your time positively. Do not leave things to the last minute.
18 If it helps you work better, remember to take a bottle of water and/or some sweets.
But don’t let these become a distraction.
19 Get your bag ready with all the equipment you might need the night before.
Always have a spare pen. Check whether you need any resources such as calculators,
anthologies or dictionaries.
20 If you are running out of time, show what you would have written in note form,
e.g. as a list, bullet points or a Mind Map. Showing your thinking can get you marks!
11
EXAMINATION ADVICE continued....
COMMAND WORDS
Analyse
Comment on
Compare
Contrast
Describe
Discuss
Estimate
Explain
Illustrate
Interpret
Justify
Outline
State
Summarise
Look very closely at the detail
Give your opinions or point of view, with reasons
Say how things are the same and how things are different
Say how things are different
Write about in detail
Give the main reasons for and against, come to a conclusion
Give a rough idea, with evidence
Give reasons for
Give examples that make the point clear – it can include diagrams,
figures or drawings
Explain the meaning in your own words
Give reasons to support an argument or action
Give only the most important details
Write briefly the main point
Bring together the main points
CHECKLIST FOR PROOFREADING AN EXAMINATION QUESTION
• Have I answered the question correctly?
• Have I included the main points in my answer?
• Have I followed the instructions, e.g. have I described/analysed/compared, etc.?
• Have I answered in sufficient detail?
• Have I answered all parts of the question?
• Have I avoided repetition?
• Are diagrams labelled clearly?
• Have I included an introduction, development and a conclusion?
PLAN YOUR ANSWERS USING THE WILT APPROACH!
WILT grid
W
What is Wanted?
I
L
What should it Include?
How Long should I spend on it?
How Long should the answer be?
T
What Type of answer is needed?
What form should it take?
Look at the command words – what do they
mean? What other key information is there in
the question?
What is really needed for the answer?
Look at the number of marks awarded – if it’s
only a few, the answer does not need to be very
long.
Should it be a letter, diagram, explanation,
essay, etc.?
12
Art- (AQA)
Assessment Objectives:
AO1 DEVELOP | AO2 REFINE | AO3 RECORD| AO4 PRESENT
Copy of PROJECT CHECKLIST AND PROGRESS REVIEW issued to pupils for
teacher comment and attainment. Exam Jan 2013– April 2013
TASK
This is a minimum of what you should do
1. Artist research page
High quality artist copy, couple of alternative images. Use content, form, process,
mood and context to write about the work of the artist.
2. Second artist research page
High quality artist research produced on a second artist who you would like to
develop your ideas for pieces of work from.
3. A set of 10 photographs
Consider light, content of image and composition carefully!
4. 6 High quality drawings
These might be produced from observation or from selecting compositions from the
most successful of your photographs (you may select a section rather than drawing
the whole thing). They can be between A5 and A2 in scale and you can use any
media (biro, pencil, chalk and charcoal, graphite, fineliner etc..)
5. 3 (in total) developments of YOUR compositions in the style of your Artist
Using compositions from your photos and drawings look at the processes that your
artist employs. It may be that you focus on the way they make marks or their use of
colour… there must be a visual link between their work and your work.
6. Developments of your compositions using other media and materials- marks and
colour scheme may link to the work of your artists. (Unlimited)
Print work, Ink drawings, Chalk drawings, Mixed media work, collage, different painting
styles, textile pieces, Photoshop etc..
7. 4 final piece ideas that are a summary for what has happened in your project so
far.
Must be developed from your compositions, have a visual link to the artists you have
studied in the project and be developed from your own media investigations.
8. Final piece
You must purchase and prepare your materials prior to your exam and should show
your final piece ideas to your teacher before hand as you will not be able to ask
questions on the day!
9. Final task is to present work by mounting carefully, you may wish to design a
cover for your project. You must label with your candidate number, name and
centre number. Complete exam entry paperwork ready for submission. Work
must be handed in on the final day of your exam- we cannot except any work
after you have completed your final piece.
13
Child Development- (AQA)
The Exam
 Paper – 1 hour 30 minutes
The Topics you need to revise:
 Parenthood and pregnancy
 Nutrition and health
 Physical development
 Intellectual, social and emotional development
 Family and the community
The Skills you need to practise:
 Planning essay answers
 Writing essay answers
The Terms you need to understand:
 Pre-conceptual care, reproduction, family planning, ante-natal care, pregnancy,
preparations for birth and postal-natal care.
 Nutrition (nutrients, their functions and the influences of a healthy diet),
conditions for growth, and, responses to infection including the care of the sick child.
 The needs of the new baby, stages of physical development, conditions for
development and the need for safety.
 Conditions for intellectual development, stages of development, the development
of language, learning through play and stages of socialisation.
 Family structures, the child outside the family unit, and the community provision
to care for all children.
Revision Tactics

Produce spider diagrams of nutrients, family planning, stages of development

Use word banks of the different topics

Folder of notes, text book revision sections to each topic

Past exam questions

Plan essay answers to exam questions

To attend the revision sessions which take place in June.

There is a Revision Guide you can buy to help.
14
DT – Product Design- (AQA)
The Exam
 2 hours
The exam is worth 40% of your final GCSE grade
The Topics you need to revise:






Characteristics and properties of materials – particularly paper, boards & card
Components
Systems and Control
Products and applications
Quality
Health and safety
The Skills you need to practise:


Past examination papers – General understanding of materials theory
Graphics – 2D & 3D drawing methods – orthographic – perspective – isometric.
The Terms you need to understand:

Aesthetics, anthropometrics and ergonomics, batch production, blow moulding,
CAD/CAM, CNC, evaluation, flowcharts, function, injection moulding,
production planning, prototype, modelling, research, situation, specification,
testing and trialling, vacuum forming.
Revision Strategies:






Make flash cards of key materials and components / uses etc.
Useful web sites www.kerboodle.com , www.technologystudent.com,
www.aqa.org.uk, www.designandtech.com
Use coursework research as part of revision process
Use software on the network – ‘Engage Revision’ is particularly good.
Learn 5 joining methods, 5 commercial processes ( vacuum forming etc )
Learn in short bursts, but frequently, through the year - starting from now!!
15
DT – Graphic Products- (AQA)
The Exam
 2 hours
 The exam is worth 40% of your final GCSE grade.
The Topics you need to revise:
 Materials – types – uses - properties ( card – modelling foams and boards, smart
& modern materials )
 Production methods – printing methods – screen printing – litho etc.
 Tools and equipment – knives – safety rules etc. – glues – tapes
 Creative Design – Appropriate Development - Evaluation methods– Product
analysis – ACCESSFMM
 Drawing methods – 3D: pictorial, isometric, exploded view - 2D: orthographic –
perspective – developments
 Surface developments (nets) British Standard Dimension rules
 Information charts – pie – bar etc.
 CAD/CAM pros and cons
 Social, moral and cultural considerations for designers
 Graphic Designers – Wally Ollins, Robert Sabuda etc
The Skills you need to practise:
 2D & 3D drawing - exploded views – correctly dimensioning a net
The Terms you need to understand:
Evaluate – analyse – ergonomic – anthropometric – making plan – properties CAD - CAM - Fixtures – jigs- template – surface development – formative
evaluation – smart material – score – align – registration mark – quality control
Revision Strategies:
 Make flash cards of key materials ( choose 5 papers/cards, 5 modelling materials,
5 plastics for packaging)
 Learn 5 joining methods, 5 commercial processes and printing process and all of
their advantages/disadvantages.
 Useful web sites www.kerboodle.com , www.technologystudent.com,
www.aqa.org.uk, www.designandtech.com
 Look over your copy of your controlled assessment
 Use software on the network – ‘Engage Revision’ is particularly good.
 Learn in short bursts, but frequently, through the year - starting from now!!
16
DT – Resistant Materials- (AQA)
The Exam
 2 hours
 The exam is worth 40% of your final GCSE grade
The Topics you need to revise:
 Characteristics and properties of materials
 Components
 Systems and Control
 Products and applications
 Quality
 Health and safety
The Skills you need to practise:
 Past examination papers – General understanding of resistant materials theory
 Graphics – 2D & 3D drawing methods – orthographic – perspective – isometric.
The Terms you need to understand:
 Aesthetics, anthropometrics and ergonomics, batch production, blow moulding,
CAD/CAM, CNC, evaluation, flowcharts, function, injection moulding,
production planning, prototype, modelling, research, situation, specification,
testing and trialling, vacuum forming.
Revision Strategies:
 Make flash cards of key materials /fittings and uses etc.
 Use text books and learn types of joints, processes etc
 Useful web sites www.kerboodle.com , www.technologystudent.com,
www.aqa.org.uk, www.designandtech.com
 Use coursework research as part of revision process
 Use software on the network – ‘Engage Revision’ is particularly good.
 Learn 5 joining methods, 5 commercial processes (vacuum forming etc)
 Learn in short bursts, but frequently, through the year starting from now!!
17
English- (AQA)
The Exams: number of papers, length, title, % weighting
 English Literature Unit 1– 1 ½ hours – Modern Prose and Exploring Cultures, 40%
 English Literature Unit 2 – 1 ¼ hours – Poetry Across Time, 35% (25% Controlled
Assessment)
 English Language – 2 ¼ hours – Understanding and Producing Non-Fiction Texts, 40%
(60% Controlled Assessment)
Topics you need to revise:
 Analysing media and non-fiction texts
 Writing non-fiction texts (writing to argue, persuade, inform, explain, describe)
 ‘Relationships’ poetry cluster, in Moon on the Tides Anthology
 Unseen poetry analysis
 Lord of the Flies or An Inspector Calls
 To Kill a Mockingbird or Of Mice and Men
The Skills you need to practise:
 Skimming and scanning to extract information
 Inference and deduction- ‘reading between the lines’
 Empathy
 Writing to argue, persuade, describe, inform and explain
 Effective essay planning (using P-E-E)
 Selecting and using quotations effectively
Key Terms:
 Poetry:
rhythm
 Prose:
context
Simile, metaphor, rhyme, stanza, imagery, onomatopoeia, alliteration and
Plot, style, narrator, character, atmosphere, symbolism, themes and social
Revision Strategies:
 Place the poems into groups by theme, e.g. loss, love, parent-child relationships etc. and
look for similarities and differences. Include notes on language and structure
 Identify key quotations which reveal the themes, the writer’s feelings and attitudes
 Make character notes for the novel: What does each character do, believe in and what is
their purpose/role? Find quotations to support each idea
 Summarise the key themes for the novel supporting with textual evidence
 Ask your teacher for sample essay titles and practise making plans or writing essays
 Read as much fiction and non-fiction as possible and look for interesting writing styles,
descriptions, opinions, facts and ideas
Reference material available:
 Notes in exercise books and annotations on anthologies
 Revision books distributed by teachers
 Practice questions issued by teachers
 BBC Bitesize revision site bbc.co.uk/education
 Guardian site www.learn.co.uk
 On Fronter there are various revision ideas, resources and videos available for revising
English
18
Geography Full Course
The Exams

Unit B563:
(50%) Terminal Examination. (1:45 hr)



Unit B561:

Unit B562:
Themes: Population and settlement, Economic development
and Rivers and Coasts.
Excludes the theme covered in Unit B561 (2014 – Natural
Hazards).
(25%) Decision making exercise.
 Written paper (1:30 hr)
 Theme 2014: Natural Hazards).
(25%) Geographical Enquiry. Controlled assessment
(Papers in italics have already been completed)
The Topics you need to revise for the terminal exam:
Theme 1: Rivers and Roasts
a) How do systems help us to understand physical processes in a river basin?
b) How does river flooding illustrate the interaction between natural processes
and human activity?
c) What processes and factors are responsible for distinctive land forms
within a river basin?
d) What processes and factors are responsible for distinctive coastal
landforms?
e) Why is the management of coastlines so important?
Theme 2: Population and settlement
a) How and why are there variations between the population structures of
countries
b) What are the causes and consequences of natural population change?
c) Why does migration occur and what are its effects?
d) How is the pattern of land use within cities changing?
e) What affects the provision of goods and retail services in rural and urban
settlements?

Theme 4: Economic Development:
a) What is meant by ‘development’?
b) How and why are there variations between the employment structures of
different countries?
c) What determines the location of different economic activities?
d) How do multinational companies (MNCs) affect development?
e) How can economic activity affect the physical environment at a variety of
scales?
19
REMEMBER TO REVISE KEYWORDS AND CASE STUDIES FOR EACH
TOPIC. REVIEW THE CASE STUDY LIST ON FRONTER TO SEE WHAT
CASE STUDIES YOU SHOULD BE REVISING.
What you will need to know for the Decision Making Exercise.

Theme 3: Natural Hazards:
a) What is the global distribution of different types of natural hazard?
b) What natural processes cause different types of natural hazards?
c) How do natural hazards affect people and places in areas with different levels of development?
d) How can human activities affect the impact of natural hazards?
e) How can people and places be protected from the impact of natural hazards?
Pupils will analyse and interpret previously unseen resources using their knowledge
and
understanding from their study of Natural Hazards.
The first part of the question paper will prepare candidates for making a decision with
a series of structured questions that explore their understanding of a sustainable
development issue in a particular context.
In the final part of the paper, candidates choose between alternative options or
approaches to sustainable development in a specific context and justify their decisions
in the form of a written
report.
The Skills you need to practise:
 Map skills – direction, distance, grid references, contour lines and symbols
 Interpreting satellite images and photos
 Analysing data – describing patterns on graphs and maps
 Answering the long 9 mark questions using Place Specific Information, facts and
figures.
Revision Strategies:
 Use case study cards to condense your case studies into manageable chunks.
 Practise map skills such as grid references and symbols
 Practise annotating photos and satellite images
 Ask your teacher for sample long questions (the 9 mark part)
 Remember you have PPQs in your book/they are also on fronter.
 Practise full questions under timed conditions. You should be taking
approximately 35 mins per question. Hand them into your teacher to mark
Resources:
 See the Ashcombe Geography Fronter page. This has the following revision
materials:
-Recommended revision guides
-Full course outline
-Sample case study questions
-Practise examination questions
20
Geography Short Course
The Exams
 Unit A772:


Unit A771
(50%) Terminal examination (1:15 hr).
Themes: Rivers and coasts and Economic development.
(50%) Geographical Enquiry. Controlled assessment
(Papers in Italics have already been completed)
The Topics you need to revise:
 Theme 1: Rivers and Coasts
a) How do systems ideas help us to understand physical processes that operate in a
river basin?
b) How does river flooding illustrate the interaction between natural processes and
human activity?
c) What processes and factors are responsible for distinctive landforms within a river
basin?
d) What processes and factors are responsible for distinctive coastal landforms?
e) Why is the management of coastlines important?
 Theme 2: Economic Development
a) What is meant by ‘development’?
b) How and why are there variations between the employment structures of different countries?
c) What determines the location of different economic activities?
d) How do multinational companies (MNCs) affect development?
e) How can economic activity affect the physical environment at a variety of scales?
REMEMBER TO REVISE KEYWORDS AND CASE STUDIES FOR EACH
TOPIC. REVIEW CASE STUDY LIST ON FRONTER TO SEE WHAT CASE
STUDIES YOU SHOULD BE REVISING.
The Skills you need to practise:
 Map skills – direction, distance, grid references, contour lines and symbols
 Interpreting satellite images and photos
 Analysing data – describing patterns on graphs and maps
 Answering the long 9 mark questions using Place Specific Information, facts and
figures.
Revision Strategies:
 Use case study cards to condense your case studies into manageable chunks.
 Practise map skills such as grid references and symbols
 Practise annotating photos and satellite images
 Ask your teacher for sample long questions (the 9 mark part)
 Practise full questions under timed conditions. You should be taking
approximately 35 mins per question. Hand them into your teacher to mark
Resources:
 See the Ashcombe Geography Fronter page. This has the following revision
materials:
-Recommended revision guides
-Full course outline
-Sample case study questions
-Practise examination questions
21
History- (OCR)
The Exam – OCR Modern World Syllabus B


Unit A971 - 2hr, Peace Treaties, League of Nations, Hitler’s Foreign Policy, USA Depth
Study
Unit A972 -1hr 30 mins, The Liberal Reforms, Women’s Suffrage, WW1 Homefront
***Short course students will complete Paper A971 without having to do the section on
the USA***
The Topics you need to revise:







Treaty of Versailles and other Treaties
League of Nations in the 1920s and 1930s
Hitler’s Foreign Policy
USA Depth Study – Economic Boom, Roaring 20s, Intolerance, Wall St Crash and New
Deal
The Liberal Reforms
The Suffrage movement in Britain
Life in Britain during World War I
A971 Skills
 Describe and explain questions
 How far do you agree – a balanced response and
conclusion
 Assessing the usefulness of a source
 Assessing the reliability of a source
 Assessing the purpose of a source
 Working out the message of a source
 Tailoring your answer to the marks available
 Condensing information into manageable pieces
A972 Skills
 Message of a source
 Purpose of a source
 Usefulness and reliability of a source
 Use of contextual knowledge
 How to cross reference
 How to comment on the tone and
language of a source
 Applying the above to evaluate the source
 Remembering to quote and explain
 Combining sources to support a statement
Revision Tactics:
 Login to the History revision room on Fronter
 Complete the A3 Revision sheets that your teacher will give you
 Condense the information you have on one topic to one side of A4
 Write the key points of each event onto revision cards
 Do spider-diagrams of important events or people to help you remember the key points
 Practice exam questions when you have done some revision
 Use colours in your notes to highlight long and short-term causes of events i.e. the failure
of the League of Nations or to group together reasons for an event happening.
Reference material:
Text book
Revision Guide (from the department)
Fronter
Dynamic Learning
BBC Bytesize
22
Hospitality and Catering- (WJEC)
The exam:
Paper: 1 hour 15minutes
The topics you need to revise:
 The industry – food and drink.
• Job roles, employment opportunities
and relevant training.
• Health, safety and hygiene.
• Food preparation, cooking and
presentation.
• Nutrition and menu planning.
• Costing and portion control.
• Specialist equipment.
• Communication and record keeping.
• Environmental considerations.
The skills you will need to practise:

Reading the question carefully

Analysing the sample catering company

Answering essay questions fully with many examples
The terms you need to understand:

The industry - The type of services available in different establishments to
include self-service, fast food, cafeteria, take-away, buffet, plate, waiting
service, automatic vending, travel service.

Jobs - Management – Manager, Assistant Manager. Chefs – Head, Second
(Sous), Pastry, Larder, Sauce, Vegetable, Assistant (Commis) Food and Drink
Service – Restaurant Manager, Waiting Staff.

Health and safety - Personal hygiene, Food safety, Common causes of food
contamination. Common types of food poisoning Health and Safety at Work
Act. Simple first aid procedures. Risk Assessment – identification and control
of hazards (HACCP). Health and Safety Executive five-point plan. Fire
Regulations.

Food preparation - The importance of colour, texture, flavour, shape,
temperature and time. The customers' needs. A wide range of culinary skills.
Appropriate methods of cooking. Appropriate methods of presentation.

Nutrition - Functions and sources of the main nutrients. • Current healthy
eating guidelines. Vegetarian choices, nut allergies, wheat intolerance, lactose
intolerance.
Types of menu - table d'hôte, à la carte and themed.

Meal planning - Nutritionally balanced meals. Variety of colour, flavour,
texture. Foods in season. Time of year. Type of outlet. Suitability and appeal
to the client. Multi-cultural variations.
23

Costing - Costing raw materials for a range of food items using standard
recipes. The appropriate methods of portion control and their significance.

Equipment - Small and large scale catering equipment

Communications - Types of communication used, e.g. verbal, written,
telephones, fax, ICT (e-mail, Internet). Which type of communication is
appropriate to the circumstance. The need for accurate, appropriate record
keeping. Different methods of record keeping used in – stock control, data
logging and restaurant bookings

Environmental issues - Conservation of energy and water, when preparing
food. Reduce, re-use and recycle waste in the preparing and serving of meals.
Why it is important for the industry to address these areas e.g. sustainability.
Revision Tactics

Use the revision sheets used in lessons in April/May

Use word banks for different topics

Folder of notes, text book: Exam café sections

Past exam questions

Fronter – has many different methods of revision from power points, video
clips to worksheets
24
ICT- (AQA)
The Exam
Full Course = 1 hour 30 minutes. Maximum 120 marks.
Section A: Short Q&A on ICT theory.
Section B: Extended Q&A, some questions based around software skills, eg.
spreadsheet and database.
Section C: Essay question – you get a choice of two essays. You only have to answer
one.
Short Course: 1 hour. Maximum 60 marks.
You also have three sections, A to C – just ½ the questions to cover!
The Topics you need to revise:
 Refer to revision guide on Fronter.
 Parts of an ICT system – hardware, software, internal data,
input/process/output devices, security systems.
 Application Packages – uses, evaluate, design screen and backup procedures.
 Database theory – encoded data, data capture, validation, verification.
 Networks – LAN, WAN, standalone systems, hardware & software for
networks.
 Communication & Internet – methods and benefits of communication, Internet
hardware & software, features of Internet services, advantages and
disadvantages of Internet.
The Terms you need to understand:
 ROM
 Modem

DTP

RAM

Validation

Primary Key

LAN

Verification

Storage medium

WAN

CPU

Storage device

ISP

Byte

Back-up
Revision Strategies:
 A mark a minute – spend the right amount of time and depth to each question based on how
many marks are awarded.
 Highlight/underline the key words in each question.
 Read the information above questions, it is information that will help you with your answers.
 Explain your answers thoroughly. Justify your decisions by using ‘because’ …
 For ‘Evaluate or Conclusion’ you must include some examples, with explained advantages
and disadvantages of suggestions (and explain WHY its better/worse …. because)
25
Mathematics (AQA)
The Exams: 3 exams in June. Bring pens, pencil, ruler, eraser, compass and protractor.
Calculator for Units 1 and 3.
 Unit 1: Calculator paper, 1 hour
 Unit 2 : Non-calculator paper, 1 hour 15 minutes
 Unit 3: Calculator paper, 1 hour 30 minutes
The Topics you need to revise
 Unit 1 – Statistics and Number
 Unit 2 – Number and Algebra
 Unit 3 – Algebra and Shape, Space and Measure
The Skills you need to practise:
 Using a calculator efficiently
 Written methods of calculating
 Measuring and drawing accurately
 Know rough conversions between metric and imperial measures
 Representing data using diagrams/Calculating averages etc including from tables of data
 Estimating rough answers
 Writing equations from a wordy question
 Manipulating algebra/Solving equations
Terms you need to understand
 Calculate/Evaluate/Work out
 Simplify
 Multiply out/Expand
 Units
 Appropriate degree of accuracy
Revision Strategies
 Watch the CGP videos on Fronter, print the exam question, answer it and check using the
video
 Attend Maths clinic on a Tuesday afternoon
 List all factual knowledge required per topic area onto a card system (use
textbook/revision guide and syllabus for this)
 Learn and test yourself on this knowledge EARLY
 Practise as many questions as possible on each topic
 Follow up any problem areas by asking your teacher
 Practise as many questions as possible on each topic
 Practise exam papers thoroughly – here questions are mixed
 Practise papers in timed sessions
 Read question carefully – check that you have answered them
 Check your own work carefully
Resources to help you revise
 Textbook (on Fronter) and/or Revision Guide
 Fronter
 Packs of past exam papers (issued by teacher, more on Fronter if you finish)
 www.mymaths.co.uk Username: `ashcombe Password: polygon
26
Modern Languages: French, German and Spanish
(WJEC Full Course)
Below is an outline of the papers you will take in May/June. The course assesses four skills:
Speaking, Writing, Listening and Reading. The Speaking and Writing elements account for 30%
each of the final mark. The Listening and Reading account for 20% each of the final mark.
The Revision sections below indicate the main points / skills to revise and where to find help. It
is also important to refer to other revision handouts given out over the GCSE course. A series of
revision sessions are also available – refer to the letter you have received, or ask your teacher.
Listening
Higher: 45 mins + 5 mins reading time
Foundation: 35 mins + 5 mins reading time
Tasks:
 Several passages – some short, some longer in French/German (conversations, interviews,
announcements etc)
A variety of test types (e.g. True/false, tick correct box, note details, choose correct statement,
recognise attitudes, answers in English.
Reading
Higher: 45 mins
Foundation: 35 mins
Tasks:
 Several (typically up to 10) written passages. (Adverts, opinions, reports, letters, interviews,
articles etc)
 A variety of test types (e.g. matching picture with statement, ticking correct boxes, multiple
choice, true/false, linking sentences, picking out attitudes, responding in English….)
Revision strategies for listening and reading
Vocabulary learning:
 Students have their own copies of the GCSE vocabulary list from their teacher. Use this to
systematically learn / revise vocab. Do not leave it until just before the exam, learn a little
and often! Higher candidates – make sure you look at higher as well as core vocab
 Use www.vocabexpress.com with the login and password which we have given you.
 Don’t only learn topic vocab – make sure you also know words for attitudes and opinions etc
(also in WJEC list)
 Be able to recognise synonyms (words with same meaning)
 Also refer to the text books you use and the vocab lists at end of each chapter, as well as your
own exercise book.
Exam skills practice
 Complete past papers in class to the best of your ability, listen to & act on feedback.
 www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize (select French, German or Spanish, listening or reading,
foundation or higher)
27
Listening/Reading practice
 Additional reading & listening activities at end of the text books (e.g.Expo 4 / Echo 4 / Mira)
 CD-Rom: Révision Intéractive / Interaktives Wiederholen (& other resources on school
system, accessible from study centre etc)
 Internet: www.ashcombe.surrey.sch.uk - video quizzes
 www.zut.org.uk (French- account id: 1344, password: pupil, Yr 10&11materials)
 www.gut.org.uk (German- account id:2336, password: pupil, Yr 10&11materials)
 www.linguascope.com (ashcombe/blue) basic vocab
www.linguastars.com (ashcombe/blue) for more advanced vocab & structures)


Fronter( www.surreymle.org.uk) - pupils have individual usernames and passwords
MFL/Resources?languages?KS4/Year11?WJEC Exam
www.samlearning.com; follow links from the GCSE page
BONNE CHANCE!
VIEL GLÜCK!
MUCHA SUERTE!
28
Music- (EDEXCEL)
The Exams
 Paper One – Performing - solo performance / performance of composition/ensemble
performing (30%)
 Paper Two – Composition - 2 pieces (30%)
 Paper Three - Listening and Appraising (1hr 30mins) (40%)
The Topics you need to revise:
 The Set works for Edexcel’s syllabus
The Skills you need to practise for paper three:
 Listening to music perceptively and answering questions (e.g. identifying instruments,
structure, style, year of composition etc.)
The Terms you need to understand:
 The terms used in relation to the set works around the elements of music e.g. structure,
instrumentation, rhythm and melody, harmony and tonality, and texture.
Revision Strategies:
 Listen to the set works. Practise for the exam by listening to short extracts very carefully
 Draw large posters for each of the set of pieces and list their associated musical
characteristics in bold bright colours – draw little pictures/diagrams to help you remember
particular terms and structures
 Complete departmental revision workbook
Reference material available:
 Musical Vocabulary – copies from GCSE syllabus available from your teacher
 www.bbcbitesize.co.uk
29
Physical Education- (AQA)
The Exams
Practical
Theory
60% - Four Practical Assessments for Full Course & Controlled Assessment
40% - 1.5 hrs written paper covering Units listed below from Y10 and Y11
The Topics you need to revise: (tick the box 1 if you have notes on the topic, and 2 if revised)
Unit
Content
1
Unit 1 - Sociological factors
(Media, Sponsorship, Events &
Role Models)
Unit 2 - Individual Differences,
Demands of Performance &
Injury
Unit 3 - Opportunities and
Pathways, ICT and Types of
Competition
Unit 4 - PE in Schools, Extracurricular, Healthy Schools,
New National Curriculum and
Skills for effective Performance
Unit 5 - Characteristics and
benefits of Leisure and
Recreation, Leisure Time &
Social Groupings
Unit 6 - Anatomy and
Physiology
Unit 7 – Health, Fitness,
Healthy Lifestyle & Training
Unit 8 - Aerobic and Anaerobic
Exercise & Diet
Types of media coverage, negative and positive effects,
sponsorship examples, advantages & disadvantages,
competition type, examples, advantages & disadvantages,
role models & participation trends
Age, Disability, Gender, Physique (Somatotypes),
Environment, Risk and Challenge, Activity levels,
Training, Fatigue/Stress, Culture, Health and Safety &
Injury
Roles – provision, choice and pathway opportunities in
school, courses and qualifications and vocational
opportunities, Science & ICT/ Technology uses in sport
Cultural factors, school influences on participation,
themes of healthy schools programme, school initiatives
(Healthy eating) extra-curricular activities and provision,
health and well-being) Sport England, Youth Sport Trust
(YST), National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and The
Dame Kelly Holmes Trust
Leisure, Recreation, opportunities available, growth in the
leisure industry, Providers and Users, concepts of
etiquette and fairness (adherence to the rules). Social
groupings (peers, family, gender, ethnicity)
Skeletal system, Muscular system, Circulatory system &
Respiratory system
Health, Fitness, Components of fitness, Training (aspects
of training, SPORT principle, FIT principle
Skill, Guidance, Feedback, Practice)
Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration & Oxygen debt.
Balanced diet to include knowledge of: Carbohydrates,
Proteins, Vitamins, Minerals, Fats, Water & Fibre
The Skills you need to practise:
 Learning key words, and terms, and then using them correctly in sporting situation answers.
 Make sure you know what the question is asking. What do the following instructions mean:
describe, explain, name, list, give an example, state?
 Reading the question carefully & giving full answers to achieve all available marks.
Revision Strategies:
 For each unit above list 10 key words and give their definitions.
 Learn examples of sporting situations to demonstrate understanding.
 Make sure you have a full set of notes.
 Refer to Fronter (unit revision booklets to practice answering exam questions and Kerboodle.
30
2
Religious Studies – Short GCSE course- (OCR)
The Exams
Two exam papers – each 1 hour long (sat straight after each other)
The Topics you need to revise
For the 2 Ethics papers you will need to revise:

Religion, Peace and Justice – including war, peace, crime, punishment, forgiveness,
reconciliation, guilt, anger.

Religion and Equality – including prejudice and discrimination, sexism and racism,
attitudes towards other religions, forgiveness and reconciliation.

Religion and Medical Ethics – including Abortion, Euthanasia, Animal testing, cloning,
suicide.

Religion, Poverty and Wealth – including issues surrounding poverty, charity, moral and
immoral occupations, giving, gambling.
In the exam you are advised to answer all these topics with reference to Christianity which is
what has been focused upon in lessons.
The Skills you need to practise:
The exams test three objectives:
Knowledge – Knowledge of the issues, religious beliefs, the ways different denominations
within a religion behave.
Understanding – you need to show why religions have certain beliefs about different issues, and
why there is some variety of belief.
Evaluation – you must be able to show different sides to an argument or issue, and develop
your own considered viewpoint throughout.
The Terms you need to understand:
In the exam you will be asked to:
Define certain key words that have been mentioned in the syllabus
“Describe” – this means that you must state a belief or facts about an issue. Try to give detail.
“Explain” – this means that you must show why someone believes something/has a certain
viewpoint. You should be able to back up your explanations with quotes from the
Bible/summaries of different churches position on certain subjects. You will need to explain how
a person’s beliefs affect their actions.
“Discuss – this requires you to respond to a statement giving different sides of an argument,
including specific Christian attitudes and teachings and developing your own opinion
throughout. You may include other religious ideas too as well as Humanist ideas where
appropriate.
Revision Strategies





Produce spider diagrams/mind maps on the issues surrounding each topic.
Pick out two or three Bible quotes for each topic – you may be able to find some quotes
apply to lots of issues (e.g. “Do not murder” and “Love your neighbour”).
Learn the Christian position on each issue, and if possible, the different denominational
views.
For each issue draw out tables which have arguments for and against.
Practise answering the exam questions in the amount of time that you would get in the
exam.
31
Religious Studies – Full GCSE course- (OCR)
The Exams
4 Exam papers – each 1 hour long
The Topics you need to revise
For the Philosophy papers:
 Beliefs about Deity – including beliefs about God, reasons for and against God’s
existence, Bible interpretations.
 The End of Life – including beliefs about Heaven and Hell, judgement, salvation and
Funeral services
 Good and Evil – including beliefs about where Evil comes from, the philosophical
problems the existence of evil has.
 Religion and Science – How these views are compatible or against each other, and the
approach to environmental issues.
For the Ethics papers:

Religion, Peace and Justice – including war, peace, crime, punishment, forgiveness,
reconciliation, guilt, anger.

Religion and Equality – including prejudice and discrimination, sexism and racism,
attitudes towards other religions, forgiveness and reconciliation.

Religion and Medical Ethics – including Abortion, Euthanasia, Animal testing, cloning,
suicide.

Religion, Poverty and Wealth – including issues surrounding poverty, charity, moral and
immoral occupations, giving, gambling.
In the exam you are advised to answer all these topics with reference to Christianity which is
what has been focused upon in lessons.
The Skills you need to practise:
The exams test three objectives:
Knowledge – Knowledge of the issues, religious beliefs, the ways different denominations
within a religion behave.
Understanding – you need to show why religions have certain beliefs about different issues, and
why there is some variety of belief.
Evaluation – you must be able to show different sides to an argument or issue, and develop
your own considered viewpoint throughout.
The Terms you need to understand:
In the exam you will be asked to:
Define certain key words that have been mentioned in the syllabus
“Describe” – this means that you must state a belief or facts about an issue. Try to give detail.
“Explain” – this means that you must show why someone believes something/has a certain
viewpoint. You should be able to back up your explanations with quotes from the
Bible/summaries of different churches position on certain subjects. You will need to explain how
a person’s beliefs affect their actions.
“Discuss – this requires you to respond to a statement giving different sides of an argument,
including specific Christian attitudes and teachings and developing your own opinion
32
throughout. You may include other religious ideas too as well as Humanist ideas where
appropriate.
Revision Strategies






Produce spider diagrams/mind maps on the issues surrounding each topic.
Pick out two or three Bible quotes for each topic – you may be able to find some quotes
apply to lots of issues (e.g. “Do not murder” and “Love your neighbour”).
Learn the Christian position on each issue, and if possible, the different denominational
views.
For each issue draw out tables which have arguments for and against.
For each topic concentrate on two or three denominations – you won’t be able to
remember every one, and you are likely to become muddled in the exam.
Practise answering the exam questions in the amount of time that you would get in the
exam.
33
Science- (AQA)
The Exams
There are three 1hr exam papers which each count 25% of your final Additional Science GCSE
grade, making 75% in total for the exams. These contain structured questions where your
answers must be written on the lines provided.



Paper 1 – Biology 2
Paper 2 – Chemistry 2
Paper 3 – Physics 2
The Topics you need to revise:
The topics you need to revise are all those which have been taught in class during Year 11. Use
your Additional Science Revision Guide (issued on loan to all year 11 students at the beginning
of the year) to show you what topics need to be revised. The page numbers from the Additional
Science revision guide are as follows:
Biology
Cells, Organism & Enzymes
p1 -15
Respiration, Inheritance & Evolution
p16-30
Chemistry
Structures, Bonding & Quantitative Chemistry
p32-47
Rates of Reaction, Energy & Electrolysis
p48-60
Physics
Motion, Forces & Energy
p62-75
Electricity, Nuclear Physics & The Universe
p76-97
The Skills you need to practise:
 Writing full sentences to respond to each question
 Know the key science words and be able to USE them in answers.
 Practise using and rearranging equations that you might need (you’ll be provided with them
in the exam)
 Read the information given in the question very carefully
 Matching the number of different points in your answer to the number of marks for the
question
Revision Strategies
 Learn key words and definitions for each topic
 AQA Science Lab specimen papers
 SAM Learning – AQA Additional Science resources
34