As we approach a period of examinations for our Year 7 and 8 pupils, we want to share some insights and tips to help your son prepare effectively and manage any anxiousness they may experience. We want to ensure that your son can approach the exams confidently and perform at their best. By sitting these examinations, they will learn some valuable lessons about overcoming potentially stressful situations and the importance of preparation, which will benefit them both academically and vocationally in the future.
In Year 8, the boys should be used to preparing for and sitting examinations. This should be an opportunity to show their progress from their last set of exams in November and help to shape their focus for their final set of exams in June. Success in these exams will set them up to start their senior school positively and they will already be well on their way to success in their GCSEs.
In Year 7, boys have a series of PSHE lessons on study skills and dealing with the pressure that can come with exams. This is in preparation for their first set of exams, which are two weeks after the half-term break in the Lent Term. If they are up to date with their classwork, are fully aware of what they will be examined on, and how they will be examined, the exam should be seen as an opportunity to demonstrate how much they have learned so far in Year 7. This is a summary of what they are taught.
Assessment: Purpose and Importance
Boys learn about types of assessment and why they are conducted.
The multiple purposes of assessment in measuring progress as well as identifying areas for improvement and areas for future teaching to focus on is emphasised.
Understanding a little about how their brain works
Boys learn about the functions of the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
Tips are provided on how to revise based on their dominant hemisphere, helping them utilise their natural strengths.
Preferred Learning Style
Boys identify whether they prefer visual, auditory, or kinaesthetic learning.
They are then given tailored revision tips to try which may suit their preferred learning style, making studying more effective and enjoyable.
Dealing with Anxiousness
Boys are taught techniques to manage exam-related anxiety, such as deep breathing exercises and positive visualization.
They are encouraged to communicate openly about their feelings and to seek support when needed.
Lifestyle Tips
The importance of adequate sleep, proper nutrition, and a balanced lifestyle including rest, relaxation, and exercise, is highlighted.
There is also advice on the limited use of mobile phones, especially before bedtime and during revision periods, to ensure better focus and rest.
Exam Techniques
Boys are reminded about reading exam questions carefully and to plan their answers.
They are given strategies for checking their work and managing their time effectively during exams.
Preparation
The boys should know what will be examined and the format of the exam in advance.
They should have all the equipment they need for each exam and be familiar with how to use this equipment if any of it is new.
They should utilise teacher feedback, from tests and work throughout the year, and should know the areas they need to focus their attention and revision on.
Throughout the remainder of their time in Year 7 & 8, they are reminded of the key points of these lessons in assemblies and during discussions with their Form Tutors in advance of examinations. They are also taught specific revision methods and exam techniques by their individual subject teachers.
We would also like to highlight that your sons’ foundation of knowledge starts in the classroom. This is why it is so important for them to remain focused and on task during lessons. When boys apply themselves and work with industry and purpose at school, revising at home becomes much easier and less time-consuming. Research has consistently shown that initial learning at home is far less efficient for memory retention, compared to grasping the material with the guidance of their teachers. Teachers, with their subject-specific expertise, provide deeper explanations, identify cross-curricular links and build upon previously taught concepts and knowledge enabling the boys to fully understand new content. This facilitates the long-term retention of information which will be further aided by their revision.
Tooled Up
The school now has the excellent resources provided by Tooled Up. Here are some of their resources which are provided for parents to support their teenagers.
Dealing with exam stress (webinar)
https://members.tooledupeducation.com/resource/webinar/dealing-with-exam-stress
Resources to Reduce Exam Anxiety for Parents and Teens
https://members.tooledupeducation.com/resource/webinar/dealing-with-exam-stress
Including:
A Quick Guide to Exam Preparation for Teens (and Related Tooled Up Resources)
https://members.tooledupeducation.com/resource/article/a-quick-guide-to-exam-preparation-for-teens-and-related-tooled-up-resources
Smart Reviser
https://members.tooledupeducation.com/resource/tips-to-try/smart-reviser
Jon Harahap
Head of Years 7 and 8