1. No category

AG+
Key Stage 4 Guide
to Successful
Learning
1
Alder
Grange
and Technology
School
SOME
TIPS
ONCommunity
USING THIS
REVISION
DIARY
Exam Dates 2012-2013 (Provisional)
Page
3
Title
Exam Timetable
4-7
Some tips on using this Revision Diary
8-9
The Alder Grange Revision Guide
10
The Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve
11 - 12
The SQ3R way to study
13
Ten Tips for Brilliant Mind Maps
14
Revision Classes and Study Resources
15 - 16
May – June 2013 Calendar
17 - 18
Mon – Fri and weekend Revision Timetables
19 - 21
Useful Revision Websites
22
Past Papers
23 - 24
Revision and Study Guides
25 - 27
GCSE Keywords
28
Exam week coping skills
29
During the exam
30
Equipment
31
Important areas in school
2
ALDER GRANGE COMMUNITY & TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL
EXAM DATES 2014-2015 (PROVISIONAL)
GCSE SUMMER EXAMINATIONS 2015
Morning
Monday 11th May
Tuesday 12th May
th
Wednesday 13 May
th
Thursday 14 May
th
Friday 15 May
th
RE Ethics
Fr read & List
IT Camb Nationals / IT GCSE U1
Chemistry 2 & Chemistry 3
Biology 2 & Biology 3
PE
Monday 18 May
th
Tuesday 19 May
th
Wednesday 20 May
st
Thursday 21 May
Friday 22nd May
Eng Lit U1
Electronics
Business U1
Monday 1st June
Tuesday 2nd June
Wednesday 3rd June
Thursday 4th June
Friday 5th June
History U1
English U1 & English U2
Computing
Maths U1
Business U3 / Music
Monday 8th June
Tuesday 9th June
Wednesday 10th June
Thursday 11th June
Friday 12th June
History U2
RE Philosophy / GS U1
Hos Cat / Health & Social care
Geography 1
Physics 2 & Physics 3
Eng Lit U2
Geog U2
Biology 1
Chemistry 1
Monday 15th June
Tuesday 16th June
Wednesday 17th June
Thursday 18th June
th
Friday 19 June
Monday 22nd June
Tuesday 23rd June
Afternoon
Maths U2
Physics U1
GS U2 / Media
Stats
Product
Results Day Thursday 20th August 2015
Please note these dates are provisional for guidance only.
The exam boards always make some changes to the dates.
3
SOME TIPS ON USING THIS REVISION DIARY
1. REMEMBER:
(a) You face a big job. Preparing for up to 9 GCSEs is not easy – and not meant to
be – because GCSEs are worth having and working hard for. But, remember
too, that you are not being asked to do anything you can’t handle!
(b) Even the biggest job can be cut down to size:
You eat an elephant by cutting it up into small mouthfuls!
(c) The GCSE courses last for over 18 months so revision (the word means “looking
again”) – gives you a superb chance to put straight those things you may not
have understood or have got wrong earlier in the course, and to pull together all
the units and other bits of each course to make a clearer “whole”!
(d) As well as exams to prepare for, you will have homeworks to complete and
Controlled Assessments to sit. This guide gives you the guidance you need to
be successful.
(e) Being ORGANISED is the key to success. You MAY need to work harder.
Everyone needs to WORK SMARTER!
(f) There will always be something else that you think is better to do than revision.
Having a plan made in advance ensures you are more likely to stick to it and use
it! Also if the plan has “me time” built-in you are more likely to follow the plan.
(g) There is little doubt that no two people study the same way, and it is a near
certainty that what works for one person may not work for another. However,
there are some general techniques that seem to produce good results. No one
would argue that every subject you are studying is going to be so interesting that
revising it is not work but pleasure. We can only wish.
4
Examinations are a test of your learning not, as many people think, the ability to remember
a list of facts. Yes you need to know the facts, but it is how you use them which are more
important. Also, revision needs to start early. For a person to learn effectively, it is
important to understand how we learn. In general, there are 3-broad learning styles.
Successful learners can learn in several different styles, questionnaires like the one
below are useful in identifying your preferred style. That said, the worst thing you
could then do is only ever learn in that style, this will reduce your learning power.
Questionnaire: Check your Learning Style
Tick ONE box only for each question.
1. When you think about spelling a word, do you ….
V.
See the word
A.
Sound the word out
K.
Write the word down to see if it looks right
2. When you are really concentrating, are you distracted by ….
V.
Messiness/untidiness
A.
Noise/talking/music
K.
Movement
3. When you try to remember specific incidents, do you ….
V.
Do it with pictures/images
A.
Sounds
K.
See moving pictures
4. When you are angry, do you ….
V.
Remain silent, but seethe inside
A.
Shout loudly
K.
Clench your fists, grit your teeth, stamp about
5
5. When you forget an incident that has happened or a person you’ve met, do
you ….
V.
Forget names but remember faces
A.
Forget faces but remember names
K.
Remember only where you were and what you did
6. When describing an object, for example your front door, would you ….
V.
Picture it in your mind
A.
Describe it with words
K.
Think how it feels, sounds, opens, etc.
7. When you are learning, do you prefer ….
V.
Work that is written down in many colours
A.
Listening to a person talk or give instructions
K.
Participating in activities, making or doing
8. When you do leisure activities, do you prefer to ….
V.
Watch TV, read, play on a computer
A.
Listen to music
K.
Play sports and games
9. When you are talking, do you ….
V.
Talk little and are reluctant to listen for too long
A.
Like to listen and talk as well
K.
Talk with your hands and gesture a lot
10. When you receive praise or a reward, do you prefer to ….
V.
Receive a written note or certificate
A.
Hear it said to you
K.
Be given a “pat on the back” or a handshake
6
Total number V (Visual) answers:
______
Total number of A (Auditory) answers:
______
Total number of K (Kinaesthetic) answers:
______
Revision Strategies for particular Learning Styles
Visual Learners









Recopy notes in colours/use different coloured paper
Visually organise notes using columns, forms, charts, grids or models
Write/review facts, formulas or notes on posters for your bedroom wall
Use index cards and arrange on the wall or floor
Use mnemonics (keep it visually appealing and memorable)
TV/video supplements important for understanding or remembering
Create images and scenes in your mind
Use of highlighters
Near memorisation of chapter/notes
Auditory Leaners







Helps to revise with a group of friends or form a study group – listen to each other
speak
Record revision sessions or notes for re-listening later (always ask teacher if you
can record revision sessions)
Give presentations to an imaginary audience – listen to yourself speak
Simultaneous talking, walking and studying
Set information to rhyme, rhythm or music
TV/video/radio supplements useful for obtaining information
Background music may help you concentrate
7
Kinaesthetic Style








Copy notes over and over (to make them neat or organised)
Prefer to take notes even when a hand-out is available
Doodles whilst studying
Move about at times when studying. Harder to sit at a desk to revise
Simultaneously talking-walking, talking-exercising, or walking-reading
Music, chewing gum, eating and drinking whilst studying
Trace key words with finger or marker
Re-enact situations whilst studying
2. GIVE YOUR MIND A CHANCE:
(a) In each revision “slot” you should try to hit 3 targets.
(i) Choose a main topic on which you may spend 45 minutes to 1 hour
(E.g. module of Maths or Science or the Origins of the First World War);
(ii) A second topic which should be the main topic from the previous day on
which you should spend perhaps 20 minutes making sure you learned it
accurately, correcting errors and driving the main points/techniques etc.
home. It is often a good idea to take this from a different subject area other
than the main topic. Variety is the spice of life!
(iii) A third topic which should be the main topic from 2 days before, on which
you should spend perhaps 15 minutes double checking and reinforcing your
knowledge and understanding;
(iv) Re-visit the completed topics from time to time. One way of doing this is to
have a subject session where you look at all the different units/topics
covered and see how they link together;
(v) In a moment you’ll see the Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve or “memory graph”
and how it can make a huge difference to what you remember.
3. GIVE IT A REST!!
(a) Don’t try to do too much at one session. Give yourself at least one SHORT
break when doing your main topic.
(b) Have a rest between your 2nd and 3rd topics.
8
(c) If you can relax by watching a favourite TV programme, build it into your
timetable as a reward and break.
(d) Try to begin at a set time – early in the evening is best, before you get too tired –
then you can enjoy a well-earned break.
(e) DO NOT GIVE UP EXERCISE – it’s a great way to keep things in proportion, to
sharpen your mind and to keep your brain well supplied with oxygen.
(f) DO NOT GIVE UP YOUR SOCIAL LIFE. You really cannot afford to be out
every night of the week. You need to be working for a good 2-3 hours a night
from now on but you need to escape from your work too so give yourself one or
two – at most – nights off (preferably at weekends).
(g) Do remember though, that you know best when you work well. If you prefer to
work on a Saturday night, that’s cool!
4. BE COMFORTABLE BUT ALTER WHEN YOU WORK:
(a) Use a well-lit and ventilated room.
(b) Sit at a desk or table, preferably with a light.
(c) Organise your papers, files, etc.
(d) Sit up! Slouching interferes with your blood flow and makes you less efficient.
Find a comfortable way to work; you’re more likely to find getting into revision
easier.
5. MAKE YOUR BRAIN DO THE WORK:
You can trick yourself into thinking you are working when you’re achieving nothing.
(a) READ THROUGH the work you are revising – all of it, to get the picture.
(b) Underline, highlight or copy onto file paper the KEY POINTS (remembering that
much of what you read is like the packaging on a chocolate Easter egg –
designed to make you “buy” it and to keep it safe until you eat it. You can, when
you read through almost all your work, discard the “packaging” and pick out the
“chocolate” – the important point/fast/idea. You should be able to compress
most work to about 25% of its original size.
(c) THINK about this as you do it, looking for patterns and easy ways of
remembering these points such as using rhymes.
(d) Find mnemonics to help (“Richard of York Gave Battle in Vain” for the
spectrum’s colours).
9
(e) Read these key points carefully and practice writing them out, referring to the
“master” copy.
(f) Test yourself – see if you can write these out from memory, checking your
accuracy each time. Reward yourself if you can!
(g) Teach what you have been learning to someone else – this makes you organise
your thinking.
(h) Mind Maps-see later in the guide for instructions on making mind maps.
(i) Study cards
(j) Get your family involved, turn revision into a quiz/game if this helps you to
remember and recall information once you’ve learned it on your own!
6. USE THE ADVICE YOU GET:
(a) This guide is only a brief reminder of the techniques you can use. Subject
specialists all have their own “tricks of the trade” to pass on to you. Do use
these carefully. They are tried and tested!
(b) Your success at Alder Grange is dependent on your ability to study effectively
and efficiently. The results of poor study skills are wasted time, frustration, and
grades. It’s your life, your time, and your future. All we can say, upon
reflection of many years as teachers, is that time is precious and not to be
squandered, no matter what you believe right now.
(c) The ideas presented here depend on one thing, and that is your willingness to
WANT to improve and do well in school. If you really don’t want to make the
effort and sacrifice, no amount of suggestions, ideas or outlines can help much.
You are the one who is responsible for your education. To that end, one last
word of advice – work smart, not hard!
7. HOW TO MAKE A REVISION TIMETABLE:
Later in this guide we’ve shown you how to make a revision timetable, it’s the
section called the ‘Alder Grange Revision Planning Guide’. But remember, it’s one
thing to make the guide but another to regularly use it!
10
The Alder Grange Revision Guide
This information will help you to make a revision timetable; having a plan already made will
help you get started with your revision and help get over the ‘there is always something
better that I could do’ issue
Follow these steps in order
1. For each day in the week think about any clubs, jobs, other activities you might
have
For example:
Monday:
Wednesday:
Football training
Swimming
2. Now, for each day work-out how many hours you have available for revision, but
be realistic. You are not expected to give up all your interests, sports or clubs.
However, you will need to cut-back (for a while) on your activities and social life to
allow for some revision!
For example:
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Football training
No activities
Swimming
No activities
revision 1 hour
revision 3 hours
revision 0 hours
revision 3 hours
3. Add up the number of hours you have to get a total then double it. This gives you a
number of 30 minute revision slots
4. List all your subjects in order of hardest/needs most revision first down to
easiest/needs little revision just occasional reviews
5. Now put a number next to each subject, this is the number of 30 minute slots you
will spend on that subject across the whole week
For example:
Chemistry
French
PE
6 slots
6 slots
4 slots
and so on…
11
6. Now put slots (empty at this point, we’ll put the subjects into them in a moment) by
each day across the week
For example:
Monday:
1 hour
__________
__________
Tuesday:
3 Hours
__________ __________ __________
__________ __________ __________
7. Now put subjects into the slots, remember not to put more than 2 similar
subjects together if you can avoid it. Also, it is better to get difficult revision out
of the way first, perhaps earlier in the week.
For example:
Monday:
Tuesday:
1 hour
3 Hours
Physics
Maths
PE
Geography
Chemistry
8. Put your plan onto a sheet of A4 or A3 paper in landscape format
9. Finally road-test it! Is your plan realistic? Does it work for you? If not go back and
adjust some of the times available each day. The next job is making it work for you.
Put copies around the house; give someone at home a copy so they can guide you.
YOU have to be self-disciplined though; no-one else can make you stick to the plan!
Colour code the plan so that each subject has its own code making it easier to read
Make a tally chart to show how many revision sessions you’ve done. Build in
rewards as you hit key targets, i.e. if I use my revision plan all week I’ll go to the
pictures, play football etc.
12
The Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve
This curve describes the way we remember information. You can recall your date of birth
or telephone number without a problem. However, if you read an unknown telephone
number and were then asked to recall it 1-day later you would find it very difficult to do this.
With regular review we move information from our short term to long term memory. Here
we have a much more successful chance of recalling that data when we need it, for
example in an examination. Basically it’s use it or lose it!
Here is the curve:
13
The SQ3R Way to Study
The SQ3R method is a really cool way to sharpen study skills. SQ3R stands for Survey,
Question, Read, Recite, and Review. Take a moment now and write SQ3R down. It is a
good slogan to commit to memory to help you get into your revision!
It looks really hard but the steps below help you along; give it a try!
Survey


Get the best overall picture of what you’re going to study BEFORE you study it in
any detail.
It’s like looking at a road map before going on a trip. If you don’t know the territory,
studying a map is the best way to begin.
Question





Ask questions for learning. The important things to learn are usually answers to
questions.
Questions should lead to ideas on the what, why, how, when, who and where of the
subject.
Ask yourself questions as you read or study. As you answer them, you will help to
make sense of the material and remember it more easily because the process will
make an impression on you.
Those things that make impressions are more meaningful, and therefore more
easily remembered.
Don’t be afraid to write your questions in the margins of textbooks, on lecture notes,
or wherever it makes sense.
Read




Reading is NOT running your eyes over a textbook. When you read, read actively.
Read to answer questions you have asked yourself or questions your
teacher/student has asked.
Always be alert to bold or italicized print. The idea is that this material receives
special emphasis, key points to remember
When you read, be sure to read everything, including tables, graphs and diagrams.
14
Recite





When you recite, you stop reading every few minutes to recall what you have read.
Try to recall main headings, important ideas that were presented in bold or
italicized, and what graphs, tables or diagrams are telling you.
Try to develop an overall idea of what you have read in your own words and
thoughts.
Try to connect things you have just read to things you already know.
When you do this regularly, the chances are you will remember much more and be
able to recall material for your GCSE!
Review






A review is a survey of what you have covered.
Rereading is an important part of the review process.
During review, it’s a good time to go over your notes or revision guide to help make
sense of points you may have missed or don’t understand.
The best time to review is when you have just finished studying something.
Don’t wait until the week before an exam to begin the review process.
Before an exam, do a final review. If you manage your time, the final review can be
thought of as a “fine-tuning” of your knowledge.
SQ3R
Survey
Question
Read
Recite
Review
15
Ten Tips for Brilliant Mind Maps
1.
Work in landscape and start in the centre
2.
Make the centre colourful and eye catching
3.
Main branches are thick and each is a different colour
4.
Write in upper case above the line
5.
Length of branch = length of words
6.
Emphasise by size and shape of words
7.
Use pictures or symbols alongside – or instead of – key words
8.
Sub-branches and twigs get thinner as they move out, but are the
same colour as the main branch
9.
As far as possible each main branch, sub-branch or twig should
contain only a single key word
10.
Make study brain trees as memorable as possible by using:
 Colours
 Shapes
 Pictures
 Symbols
 Association
 Framing
16
Revision Classes & Study Rooms
School will be running revision classes in all subjects, both at dinner times and after
school. Also E4 and H3 will be available on Monday and Tuesday after school if you need
any help or just a space to get on with work.
E4
Mondays
H3
Tuesdays
E4 and H3 are
now available
after school
for anyone in
Year 11 who
wants some
space to get
on with
homework or
revision
17
May 2015 Calendar
May 15
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
1
2
3
Week
18
4
Bank Holiday
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
GCSE Written
Papers Start
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Half term
26
27
28
29
30
31
Week
19
Week
20
Week
21
Week
22
18
June 2015 Calendar
Jun 15
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Week
23
Week
24
Week
25
Week
26
GCSE Written
Papers End
19
Revision Timetable: Monday to Friday
3:30-4:00
4:00-4:30
4:30-5:00
5:00-5:30
5:30-6:00
6:00-6:30
6:30-7:00
7:00-7:30
7:30-8:00
8:00-8:30
8:30-9:00
M
T
W
Th
Fr
20
Revision Timetable: Weekend
9:0010:00
10:0011:00
11:0012:00
12:001:00
1:002:00
2:003:00
3:004:00
4:005:00
5:006:00
6:007:00
7:008:00
9:0010:00
10:0011:00
11:0012:00
12:001:00
1:002:00
2:003:00
3:004:00
4:005:00
5:006:00
6:007:00
7:008:00
Sat
Sun
21
Useful Revision Websites
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/revision
www.s-cool.co.uk
www.gcse.com
www.revisionaid.co.uk
www.revision-notes.co.uk
www.revisioncentre.co.uk
www.aldergrange.com
www.design-technology.info
22
Useful Revision Websites
CEPA
www.eduweb.com/insideart/index.html
Business
Studies
www.businessstudiesonline.co.uk/
Design
Technology
& Systems
Control
www.technologystudent.com/
Design
Technology
Food
www.foodforum.org.uk
Design
Technology
Graphics
Design
Technology
Product
Design
Design
Technology
Resistant
Materials
English
www.designandtech.com
www.technologystudent.com
www.technologystudent.com/
www.englishbiz.co.uk/
www.frenchinaclick.com
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/french/
French
www.linguascope.com (the intermediate
section)
(username: aldergcts; password: will need
to see the MFL staff as we are required to
change our password every year, around
Feb/March time)
Geography
www.georesources.co.uk
23
Useful Revision Websites
General Studies
www.bbc.co.uk/news
www.telegraph.co.uk
Health and Social
www.newman.ac.uk
History
www.schoolhistory.co.uk/diagrams/
www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/
www.johnclare.com
Maths
www.mymaths.co.uk
Username: Alder
Password: Square
Music
www.rpfuller.com/gcse/music/
Physical Education
www.teachpe.com/
Science
(Biology, Chemistry and
Physics)
www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize
www.creativechemistry.co.uk
www.aqa.org.uk
Spanish
www.linguascope.com (the
intermediate section)
(username: aldergcts; password:
will need to see the MFL staff as
we are required to change our
password every year, around
Feb/March time)
Statistics
www.mymaths.co.uk
24
Past Papers
AQA
http://web.aqa.org.uk/exams-office/exams-guidance/qp-ms_finder.php
Edexcel
http://www.edexcel.com/i-am-a/student/Pages/pastpapers.aspx
OCR
http://www.ocr.org.uk/i-want-to/prepare-and-practise/past-papers-finder/
WJEC
http://www.wjec.co.uk/index.php?nav=106
25
Revision and Study Guides
Throughout the year there has been opportunity to buy revision and study guides. If this has been missed all the subjects and exam boards are listed
below and where appropriate suitable guides are recommended. You can order them from any good book shop like ‘Waterstones’ or online from ‘Amazon’.
SUBJECT
BOARD
CODE
ENTRY TIERS
ART & DESIGN
D & T ELECTRONICS
D & T PRODUCT DESIGN
AQA
AQA
AQA
4201
4542
4557
Single Tier
Single Tier
Single Tier
FRENCH
WJEC
4220
Examinable elements are tiered,
reading and listening.
GENERAL STUDIES B
GEOGRAPHY A
HISTORY B
MUSIC
BIOLOGY
CHEMISTRY
PHYSICS
ADDITIONAL SCIENCE
SCIENCE A
STATISTICS
BUSINESS STUDIES
HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE
AQA
AQA
AQA
Edexcel
AQA
AQA
AQA
AQA
AQA
AQA
EDEXCEL
EDEXCEL
4762
9032
9047
2MU01
4401
4402
4403
4408
4405
4312
2BS01
2HS01
Single Tier
Foundation or Higher Tier
Single Tier
Single Tier
Can be different tiers in each exam
Can be different tiers in each exam
Can be different tiers in each exam
Can be different tiers in each exam
Can be different tiers in each exam
Foundation or Higher Tier
Single Tier
Single Tier
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
EDEXCEL
2PE01
MATHEMATICS
R.E. (FULL COURSE)
AQA
OCR
IT
OCR
IT GCSE
EDEXCEL
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
REVISION/STUDY GUIDE RECOMMENDED
Lonsdale Essentials of GCSE Electronic Products
Lonsdale Essentials of GCSE Product Design
CGP GCSE French Complete Revision & Practice with Audio CD or CGP
GCSE French Revision Guide - Higher or CGP GCSE French Revision
Guide – Foundation
Written Option
GCSE Essentials Study Guide AQA A
AQA Modern World Syllabus B revision Guide
GCSE Biology AQA Science Nelson Thorne
GCSE Chemistry AQA Science Nelson Thorne
GCSE Physics AQA Science Nelson Thorne
GCSE Additional Science- AQA Science Nelson Thorne
AQA
Text books provided
None needed
Single Tier
Edexcel GCSE revision guide
4365
J621
Cambridge
Nationals
2IT01
Foundation or Higher Tier
Single Tier
Any CGP
OCR Religious Education
WJEC
4170
Foundation or Higher Tier
ENGLISH LITERATURE
WJEC
4200
Foundation or Higher Tier
ENGLISH
WJEC
4190
Foundation Tier
WJEC
4740
Single Tier
4810
2DR01
Single Tier
Single Tier
Single Tier
HOSPITALITY &
CATERING
MEDIA
DRAMA
COMPUTING
AQA
EDEXCEL
OCR
J275
REVISION LESSONS
Single Tier
Single Tier
WJEC English and English Language Revision Workbook - Higher by
Natalie Simpson and Foundation by Paula Adair - published by
Heinnemann and available to buy in school
York Notes for Inspector Calls and Of Mice and Men
Pupils can purchase their own copies of About A Boy, An Inspector Calls
and Of Mice and Men if they wish.
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GCSE Key Words
What are they and what do they mean?


It is important to understand the key words used by examiners
This is a generic list of words that could apply to all your subjects


The key words will enable you to work-out what the question asking you to do?
Knowing the meaning of key words is really important, they will help you score more marks.
The examiners are looking to award you marks not take them away!
Being familiar with key words is an example of working smarter not harder!
GCSE questions generally fall into two types:


1. Those that ask you to dig deep into your brain to retrieve something you have been
taught (facts, dates, names etc.). They will be familiar to you in that you’ll have heard
them before but can’t quite recall them at the moment. There will be a relatively small
number of these types of questions. They are used to see if you have learned
something, not if you can use information to solve problems; this type comes next!!
2. These are the really cool ones (only joking!!). They ask you to think about things that
you have been taught and then to apply them to new or unfamiliar situations. Some
exam boards might ask you to apply a relatively straight forward concept/model that
you have learned to a situation you have never heard of. It is easy to think, ‘We
didn’t do this in class or, I did not learn about this.’ But the questions want to see if
you can work-out how what you’ve learned can be fitted to the new situation.

So, here are the various key words that can appear in many of your subjects. This is not an
exhaustive list. Add extra words to your guide as you go along with your revision. If you
write the words down you can learn them and then apply them. Without doing this you are
more likely to forget important words, this could cost marks!
We have listed them alphabetically they are not in order how challenging the words might be to
use
Account for
Analyse
Comment on
Compare
Explain the causes of
Divide into parts and describe each part
Explain why something is important
Are the things very alike, or are there
important differences. Which do you think is
best? Why?
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Contrast
Criticise
Define
Differentiate
Discuss
Distinguish
Describe
Explain
Factors
Illustrate
Indicate
In relation to
In the context of
Justify
Outline
Relate
Role
Summarise
State
Look for differences
Use evidence to support your opinion on
the value or merit of theories, facts or views
of others. Remember to use PEE, Point
Evidence Explain
Give the meaning of
Explain the difference between
Write about the important aspects of the
topic; are there two sides to the question?
Consider the arguments ‘for’ and ‘against’
then give your opinion. Remember to use
PEE, Point Evidence Explain
Explain the differences
Say what happens
Say why something happens
The facts or circumstances that contribute
to a result
Give examples or diagrams which make
the point clear and prove your answer is
correct
Show and demonstrate
Refer to specific aspect of something
In a particular setting; referring to
Give reasons to support an argument you
are making. Remember to use PEE, Point
Evidence Explain
Choose the most important aspect of a
topic. Ignore the minor details
Show the connection between things
The part something plays and how it does
this
Bring together the main points
Recall a fact
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Trace
Show how something has developed from
beginning to end
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Exam Coping Skills
Positive
self
talk
Motivation
Use
only
review
notes
Avoid negative discussions with your friends
Exams are the natural end to your GCSE’s, most people
will take this in your stride
Panic will only create blockages and confusion.
At the last minute—counter-productive to go back to class
notes at this stage.
If you haven't done enough, making review notes may
help now.
Stick
to
timetable
Don't be distracted by panic, keep a cool head
Check
Key word
list
Past papers should help you understand
A dictionary could help
Check
equipment
Make sure you always have it with you.
Use the equipment check sheet in this booklet
Ask subject teacher.
Check
exam
dates
Start times and rooms
Keep them with you at all times
Keep a copy on your bedroom wall
Arrive
on
time
Not too early or too late.
Be at exam door a good 5 mins before exam starts
Keep calm—breathe slowly and count to 4/ hold for a
count of 4, exhaling for 4.
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During the Exam
1
Look closely at the instructions
2
Scan all the questions
3
Mark all the questions you could answer
4
Read the questions carefully, read again
to check your understanding
5
Decide on an order
6
Divide your time up
7
Underline key words in the question
8
Plan your answer; mini-mind map etc.
9
Write your answer
10
Leave enough time to check your answer
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Equipment
 2 black pens
 2 Pencils
 Rubber
 Pencil sharpener
 Ruler
Stored in a clear bag/pencil case
 Coloured pencils
 Compass
 Protractor
 Calculator
 Angle measure
Most items are available from Student Services
(but DO NOT wait until the morning of the exam)
REMINDER
 Full school uniform for all exams
 Know your exam room and seat number
 No mobile phones, iPods or other devices in the exam room. If you bring
them to school you will be asked to hand them in before the exam.
They will be stored in a secure location and returned at the end of the
examination(s).
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Important areas in school
The Exam notice board is located on the music corridor and will
have up-to-date details of exam dates etc. The examination room
seating plan will also be displayed.
Do you know which room you will sit your exams?
______________________________________________________
Do you know your seat number?
______________________________________________________
Your exam number will also be displayed; do you know your exam
candidate number?
______________________________________________________
Exam rules will also be displayed, these will be read to you in the
exam room but you should be aware of them. Have you read the
rules?
The examination officer is MRS N ANDREW and her office is
located on the Music corridor. If you have any questions about your
exams see Mrs Andrew, but make sure you do this early.
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Exams - What to do if.....
 You think you have been entered for the wrong exam.
If you have any doubts about the subject or tier that you have been entered for, see your subject
teacher urgently so that any changes can be made with the Exam Board.
 Your name or date of birth is incorrect on your statement of entry.
All pupils are entered for exams under their legal names. If you think that you have been entered
under the wrong name, see Mrs Andrew as soon as possible. It is difficult to change names and
dates of birth after certificates have been printed. Ensure that you write your legal name on your
exam paper.
 You are ill on the day of the exam.
It is always better if students can take their exam if at all possible. If you are ill you should come
into school for your exam and let Mrs Andrew know so that the Exam Board can be informed. If
you are still unwell after the exam arrangements can be made for you to go straight home after
you have sat it. If the illness is sufficiently serious that you cannot come into school, your parents
should ring Mrs Andrew as soon as possible to discuss alternative arrangements and a doctor’s
note will be needed to cover the absence. Now that exams are linear there is no guarantee that a
mark or grade will be awarded so it is important that you sit your exam if at all possible
 You can’t remember your exam number or your seat number.
This information is displayed on the exam noticeboard in the Music corridor; if in doubt check this
information before coming to the exam.
 You’re not sure when your next exam is.
There is an up to date exam timetable on the website. If you are still not sure ring school and
speak to Mrs Andrew. Don’t rely on second hand information from friends who may not be sitting
the same exam.
 The fire alarm goes off during the exam.
The invigilator will stop the exam and tell you what to do. If you need to evacuate the room, leave
everything on your desk. You must not try to communicate with anyone else, whether they are
sitting the same exam as you or not.
 You finish your exam early.
All pupils are expected to remain in their exam room for the whole duration of the exam. No one is
allowed out of an exam early at Alder Grange CTS. Use any remaining time to check your work
and answer any questions you may have missed.
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 You will not be able to collect your exam results.
If you are away on results day you can arrange to ring up for them or ask someone else to collect
them on your behalf. Arrangements must be made for this in advance. If you would like your
results posting home, please provide a stamped self-addressed envelope to Mrs Andrew before
the end of the summer term.
 You do not get the grades you need for college.
Subject teachers and Senior Managers will be available for you to talk to on results day. If you
feel strongly that you want your work to be remarked you are advised to seek advice from your
teacher and there is a substantial fee for unsuccessful remarks.
 Exam Certificates.
These are awarded at Presentation Evening during January. You will receive an invitation to this
event when you collect your results. If you cannot attend Presentation Evening, certificates can be
collected after this date from school but please note we can only store them for a period of 1 year.
If someone is collecting certificates on your behalf they will need a note from you to authorize this.
 You have lost your certificates.
Exam boards do not issue copies of certificates. If you have lost yours you can contact Mrs
Andrew at school for a letter confirming your results. Alternatively you can contact the exam board
directly and they will issue a certifying letter. Exam boards make a charge for this service.
 You have two exams at the same time
If you find that you have two exams timetabled for the same exam slot on your statement of entry,
arrangements will be made for one of these to be taken at a different time on the same day. You
will need to remain in isolation between exam sessions and will need to bring snacks and drinks
with you. You should receive a letter prior to the start of the exam season outlining arrangements
for the day.
 You have any other questions.
If you have any other questions or anything you don’t understand please ask. You or your parents
can contact Mrs Andrew or your subject teacher to query anything you are unsure of. It is always
better to check.
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Post Results Information
Following the release of exam results there are various post results services
available from the exam boards for a limited time.
Access to Scripts – students can request that the exam board return their completed
examination script. The cost of this service is approximately £12 per script
dependent upon exam board. The exam board deadline is usually 6 weeks after the
release of results.
Clerical check – students can request that exam boards check that all marks have
been added correctly. The cost of this service is approximately £7 at GCSE and
£14 at GCE dependent upon exam board. The marking is not checked during this
service. Marks could go up, stay the same or go down.
Remark of script – students can request that the exam board remarks their exam
script. Care must be taken in requesting this service as a remark can result in the
mark and grade going up, remaining the same or going down. If you would like to
discuss this option please do not hesitate to contact the subject teacher or Mrs
Andrew. The cost of this service is approximately £60 dependent upon exam board.
Exam board deadlines are usually 3 weeks after the release of results.
If you would like any further information about any of the above services or to know
the fee or deadline for a particular exam please do not hesitate to contact Mrs
Andrew at school. Forms for all of the above services are available from Mrs
Andrew and must be signed by pupils to give their consent to the application.
On completion of an unsuccessful remark an appeal can be made to the Exam
Board concerned however appeals can only be made against the procedures
followed by the Exam Board and not against the actual marking.
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