Introduction

Year 11 is a very important year. Exams, college applications and decisions about the future all comearound quicker than you might expect. Mock exam marks will be used by teachers to makepredictions about final grades. Colleges and 6th forms will want to know them.

The purpose of this booklet is to provide you with essential information about how to prepare foryour mock exams. To achieve well in your GCSEs you need to make the most of the mock experience

The key messages are:1. Get organised! If you can’t do it on your own, get help. Balance your subjects.2. Start early – there is lots to do, the earlier you start, the more manageable it is, cramming your

revision is stressful and not as effective.3. Make use of all the things the school provides – we only recommend things that make a big

difference!

Contents

How do I organise my revision?

Where can I get resources to revise for my subjects?

How do I revise?

Two different templates for making a revision plan

Where can I get resources to revise for my subjects?

The following pages contain the key revision information from every subject. Find your subjects and take note of them!

Subject: English Language

Number of mock exams in November and length:One Paper English Language exam two hoursComponent 2 (only) – reading and writing non-fiction

Topics that may come up in the mock:Section A – Reading (40 marks)This section will test through structured questions the reading oftwo high-quality unseen non-fiction texts (about 900-1200words in total), one from the 19th century, the other from the21st century. This section assesses AO1, AO2, AO3 and AO4.Section B – Writing (40 marks)This section will test transactional, persuasive and/or discursivewriting through two equally weighted compulsory tasks (20marks each). Across the two tasks you will be offeredopportunities to write for a range of audiences and purposes,adapting style to form and to real-life contexts in, for example,letters, articles, reviews, speeches, etc. This section assessesAO5 and AO6.

Recommended resources to use to revise and wherethey can be found:Revision material will been uploaded to G4S.Language revision workbooks are available from the FinanceOffice.The following links may also be useful:

https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/topics/ztpy7hvhttps://www.bbc.com/bitesize/guides/z8tg4j6/revision/1https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/topics/zq2tk7h

Subject: Maths

Number of mock exams in November and length:2 papers, 1.5 hours each (P1 is non-calculator, P2 is calculator allowed)

Topics that may come up in the mock:See revision checklist given out in class and on Go4Schools

Recommended resources to use to revise and where

they can be found:• Past papers will be given out to be used in class and

at home.• Extra set of past papers will be available on the

maths page of the VLE.• Mymaths www.mymaths.co.uk• Corbettmaths videos www.corbettmaths.com

Subject: Double Science

Number of mock exams in November and length:Three exams, each 1 hour and 15 minutes

Topics that may come up in the mock: Trilogy biology paper - one paper - 1 hour 15 mins [Biology paper 1 topics]Trilogy chemistry paper - one paper - 1 hour 15 mins [Chemistry paper 1 topics]Trilogy physics paper - one paper - 1 hour 15 mins [Physics paper 1 topics]

Recommended resources to use to revise and where they can be found:Revision guide - The contents section in the front of the book lists the topics by paper.Google classroom – A variety of revision materials for different learning styles. The login details will be released via the student bulletin and Parent Mail.YOU will need to make sure that you are familiar will the required practicals for paper 1, as these will be a key focus.Additional revision materials are available for purchase via the finance office. A letter will be sent home advising you of the materials we have available, the resources will be sold at cost price which is significantly cheaper than on the 'high street'.Lunchtime revision sessions – We will focus on the four key topic areas for the exam, starting Monday 30 September through to Friday 1 November. Details of the topics to be covered will be published shortly. Students will need to sign up in advance for each session using the same method as for parents evening and we plan to log attendance for the parents benefit.

Subject: Separate Sciences (students who chosescience as an option)

Number of mock exams in November and length:3 exams, each 1 hours and 45 minutes

Topics that may come up in the mock:Chemistry - 1 hour 45 mins [Chemistry paper 1 topics]Biology - 1 hour 45 mins [Biology paper 1 topics]Physics - 1 hour 45 mins [Physics paper 1 topics]

Recommended resources to use to revise and where they can be found:Revision guide - The contents section in the front of the book lists the topics by paper.Google classroom – A variety of revision materials for different learning styles. The login details will be released via the student bulletin and Parent Mail.YOU will need to make sure that you are familiar will the required practicals for paper 1, as these will be a key focus.Additional revision materials are available for purchase via the finance office. A letter will be sent home advising you of the materials we have available, the resources will be sold at cost price which is significantly cheaper than on the 'high street'.Lunchtime revision sessions – We will focus on the four key topic areas for the exam, starting Monday 30 September through to Friday 1 November. Details of the topics to be covered will be published shortly. Students will need to sign up in advance for each session using the same method as for parents evening and we plan to log attendance for the parents benefit.

Subject: Art / Art, Craft and Design

Number of mock exams in November and length:10 hours (over two days)

Resources given by school:Edexcel Exam PaperArtist Research help sheetAnnotation help sheetYellow Learning ladders in the front of sketchbooks

Useful websites:www.pinterest.comhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/art

Other useful resources:• Ask your teacher to see example sketchbooks.• Use YouTube to look at other successful GCSE and

A-level art work and watch tutorials.Top 5 tips when preparing for the Art Exam.• Go to the afterschool sessions to get help with your

sketchbook work. We are open every day from 3-5pm.• Keep up to date with all of the deadlines on your

learning ladder.• Take risks, be creative and don’t play it safe with your

final piece but time yourself when practicing to ensure you can complete it on time.

• Every page should demonstrate your deeper meaning.• Add a mini transcription for EVERY artist research• Make sure your sketchbook is completely finished by

the 10 hour exam!

Subject: Business

Number of mock exams in November and length:Business 1 – 80 marks, 90 minute exam - Multiple choice, short and long answer written questions.

Business 2 – 1 hour paper testing operations and finance topics we have covered only. Multiple choice, short and long answer written questions/calculations.

Topics that may come up in the mock:Business 1 - Business activity, Marketing and People

Business 2 – Operations, Finance (revenue, cost, profit, ARR, sources of finance)

Recommended resources to use to revise and where they can be found:

Class workbook and assessment feedbackIn-house revision guidesRevision sheets/flash cards – which have been completed in classRevision book – Published by Hodder Education GCSE Business (9-1)

Websites:BBC BitesizeTutor2u website

Subject: Dance

Number of mock exams in November and length:1 written exam lasting 1 and a half hours3 days of practical exams –1 day based on choreography1 day based on set phrases1 day based on performance in a duo/trio

Topics that may come up in the mock:*Knowledge, understanding and skills for choreography (see sheet given by teacher)*Knowledge, understanding and skills for performance (see sheet given by teacher)*Knowledge, understanding for critical appreciation of professional set works(see sheet given by teacher)

Recommended resources to use to revise and where they can be found:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNs8IpkQLmk&list=PLLfGdZd7G3WCnr49ADCAbQu7mmaqdxMtW&index=1access code; This link contains all of the professional dance works, along with the interviews by choreographers.

The AQA website has useful examples of past papers and mark schemes which are helpful to read through.

Subject: Drama

Number of mock exams in November and length:One exam 1 hour and 30 minutes

Recommended resources to use to revise and where they can be found:• Google Classroom ‘GCSE Drama Class of 2020’ is

continually updated with information and examples. Make sure you have joined this class. Class code: f7s917

Useful websites:• BBC Bitesize GCSE Drama• BBC Learning Zone

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03dwq2r/clips

Other useful resources:

• ‘Revise Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Drama’• ‘An Inspector Calls’ set text

Subject: Design & Technology Product Design

Number of mock exams in November and length:One exam which is worth 50% of the final GCSE. It is a 2 hour long exam.Coursework (Non Examined Assessment) which is 50% of the GCSE.

Topics that may come up in the mock:D&T and our world – CAD/CAM, Manufacturing, Sustainability, New and Emerging TechnologiesElectronics – Inputs/Process/Outputs, Circuits, MicroprocessorsMechanisms – Principles of mechanical devices, CAMS, Pulleys, Levers, GearsSmart Materials – Modern Materials, Smart FibresMaterials – Papers & Boards, Natural & Manufactured Timber, Ferrous & Non-Ferrous Metals, Thermoforming & Thermosetting Plastics, Natural & Synthetic Fibres

Recommended resources to use to revise and where they can be found:All Design & Technology classrooms have class sets of Revision guides which they can use to revise and borrow.

Students also have their theory books which have all of their theory work in which can be used to revise from.

Useful websites which can be used for revision:www.sohamdt.comwww.technologystudent.comhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/z4nfwty

Subject: Food Preparation and Nutrition

Number of exams in the subject and length:One exam 1hour and 45 minutes

Topics that may come up in the mock:Food, nutrition and health, Food science, Food safetyFood choice, Food provenance

Recommended resources to use to revise and where they can be found:Illuminate Publishing AQA FP&N Revision Guide (to be returned after final exam)

Mock and Past papers from AQA website

http://www.illuminate.digital/aqafood/Login- SSOHAM 3 Password- STUDENT3

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zdn9jhv

Subject: Geography

Number of mock exams in November and length:Two exams

Topics that may come up in the mock:Paper 1: Physical geography - rivers; coasts; natural hazards (UKweather, tropical storms, plate boundaries - volcanoes andearthquakes).Paper 2: Human geography - development including Pakistan casestudy; UK economy; urban including Nairobi and London case studies.

Recommended resources to use to revise and wherethey can be found:Your own exercise books. AQA 9-1 revision guides (e.g. CGP, Collins)may help with general content but there are school specific examplesand case studies which will not be in published resources.The specification is here and gives you a useful overview of what you

should know for each section, as well as checklists provided by schoolhttps://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/geography/gcse/geography-8035/specification-at-a-glance

Tips for revision:Test yourself on key words on each topic.Review your examples - identifying positives and negatives, e.g. ofTNCs in Pakistan, Morpeth's flood defence scheme, ways to reduce theN/S divide, responses to Typhoon Haiyan etc.Make sure you can explain the sequence of factors and processes thatcreate landforms (e.g. spits, meanders), tropical storms, and tectonichazards (what happens at constructive, destructive and conservativeplate boundaries to cause volcanoes and earthquakes).

Subject: History

Number of exams in the subject and length:Paper 1 – Thematic study and the historic environment. Crime and Punishment in Britain, c1000 – present and Whitechapel, c1870 – c.19001 hour 15 minutes

Paper 2 - Period study and British depth study.The American West, c.1835 – c1895 and Early Elizabethan England, 1558 –88.1 hour 45 minutes

Topics that may come up in the mock:Crime & Punishment c.1000 - present:Anything from the course could be in the exam – Laws, policing, crime, punishments over time, key features of Whitechapel.The key focus will be causation (why things happened) and change and continuity (how far things changed or stayed the same).

Early Elizabethan EnglandEverything covered in the course could appear in the exam. Key focus will be on causes of events, analysis of impact and key features of the period.

The American WestNative American life and culture. Early settlement of the West. Settling the Great Plains. Conflict on the plains and the Indian Wars.

Recommended resources to use to revise and where they can be found:All key revision can be done from work completed in class in exercise books. However, you may also wish to consider buying revision guides.

The ‘Revise Edexcel GCSE (9-1) History’ series produce revision guides, revision cards and workbooks. These are readily available from retailers such as Amazon.co.uk. Just ensure you search for the courses listed above next to Paper 1 and Paper 2 as there are many different topic options.

NB Pupil Premium students will receive a set of revision guides in the build up to final exams in 2020. If you would like copies before then please speak to Mr Wale.

Subject: ICT

No mock exam but…

Students have completed external exam in June 2019 and have 2 pieces of coursework to complete as the final part of the course.

Currently working on first piece to be submitted January 2020, second piece starting after Christmas to be completed Easter 2020.

Subject: Computer Science

Number of exams in the subject and length:2 exams (90 mins each)

Topics that may come up in the mock:Paper 1 - Computer systems• Systems Architecture • Memory • Storage • Wired and wireless networks • Network topologies, protocols and layers • System security • System software • Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental concerns

Paper 2 – Computational thinking, algorithms and programming• Algorithms * • Programming techniques • Producing robust programs • Computational logic • Translators and facilities of languages • Data representation

Recommended resources to use to revise and where they can be found:https://www.teach-ict.com/2016/GCSE_Computing/OCR_J276/OCR_J276_home.htmlhttps://student.craigndave.org/gcse-videoshttps://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/z34k7tyhttps://www.cambridgegcsecomputing.org/http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-computer-science-j276-from-2016/assessment/ (sample assessment material)

CGP GCSE OCR Computer Science The Revision Guide (purchase from Miss West)

Subject: Media Studies

Number of exams in the subject and length:One exam 1hour and 30 minutes

Topics that may come up in the mock:Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Pharrell Williams, The Sweeney and Luther

Recommended resources to use to revise and where they can be found:EDUQAS website, which has loads of really useful, focused web resources for each unit, http://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/media-studies/gcse/also the Mediedu website, https://media.edusites.co.uk/article/new-spec-eduqas-wjec-gcse-media-studiesLogin wendysvc, password MCB7/wvAlso loads of presentations, videos and pdfs on Google Classroom – every major assignment with supporting resources is recorded here, including student work

Subject: MFL (French and German)

Number of mock exams in November and length:

Topics that may come up in the mock:Theme 1: Identity & Culture: Me, my family, friends + relationships, Free-time, Technology

Theme 2: Local, national, international & global, Home & local area, Healthy/unhealthy living, Environment, Travel & tourism (holidays), Poverty/homelessness, charity work

Theme 3: Current/future study + employment, My studies, Life at school, Education post-16, Careers/ambitions

Recommended resources to use to revise and where they can be found:Vocab learning – Memrise.com, Linguascope IntermediateGrammar – Languagesonline.org.uk, your exercise bookListening & Reading – BBC Bitesize, Revision guidesSpeaking – questions/answers prepared in your portfolio – this is crucial for both the speaking exams & written onesWriting – assessment portfolio, speaking portfolioRevision guides – available in the Finance office – useful for all skillsTalk to your teacher if you would like additional practice materials

Foundation Higher

Listening 35 mins 45 mins

Reading 45 mins 1 hour

Speaking 12 mins prep + 7-9 mins exam

12mins prep + 10-12 mins exam

Writing 1 hour 1 hour 15 mins

Subject: Music

Number of exams in the subject and length:One listening examination - 60 minutes long

Topics that may come up in the mock:Indian Classical Music, Concerto through Time, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Pop Ballads, Samba, Film/Video Game Music, Melodic dictation (notating missing notes in a score), Italian terms found on a score

Recommended resources to use to revise and where

they can be found:The OCR GCSE Music website:https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/music-j536-from-2016/

Rhinegold OCR GCSE Music Revision Guide

Youtube - OCR GCSE Music Virtual Textbook (there are some excellent tutorial videos covering all areas of study complete with useful videos and audio)

YouTube - OCR GCSE Music AoS1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 (searching for these on YouTube will provide you with numerous helpful videos and tutorials)

Subject: Physical Education

Number of mock exams in November and length:One written exam paper of 1 hour duration

Topics that may come up in the mock:Paper 1 - Factors Affecting Physical Performance –Applied anatomy and physiology; Physical training

Recommended resources to use to revise and where they can be found:

OCR GCSE PE Revision Guides:https://www.amazon.co.uk/GCSE-Physical-Education-Revision-Guide/dp/1789083206/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=ocr+gcse+pe+revision&qid=1569332219&sr=8-4

Sample assessment:https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/316929-sample-assessment-materials-taster-booklet.pdf

Practice paper:https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/234823-unit-j587-01-physical-factors-affecting-performance-sample-assessment-material.pdf

Example answers and commentary:https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/307939-examined-units-j587-01-factors-affecting-physical-performance-candidate-style-answers.pdf

Subject: Religious Studies

Number of exams in the subject and length:Paper 1 on Christianity and Buddhism - 1 hour 45 minutesPaper 2 on Themes – 1 hour.

Topics that may come up in the mock:Christianity and Buddhism

Recommended resources to use to revise and where

they can be found:Resources given by school:Sample questions and answersGoogle classroom has all the lesson powerpoints, resources and links to relevant websitesUseful websites:http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/religious-studies/gcse/religious-studies-a-8062https://www.bbc.com/education/examspecs/zy7spbkhttps://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/index.htmhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianityhttps://www.truetube.co.uk/ has useful videos linked to the themes paperOther useful resources (available from Finance Office):AQA Religious Studies A (9-1) Christianity & Buddhism revision guide.

How do I revise?

The key message when revising is that is must be active and not passive. Passive would be just reading the revision guide then finishing and going to watch TV. Active revision is anything that involves thinking, making a decision or doing.

Instead of just reading it and then having a cup of tea…

- Can you reduce the information down to half the size in note form? Can you reduce it further down to just keywords?

- Can you draw pictures to help you remember it?

- Can you summarise a the information in 5 key points then put them in order of importance?

- Can you draw a mind map and link the information on a topic together?

- Can you turn the page of information into a 10 question quiz that you can get someone to test you on?

- Can you make flash cards with keywords on one side and definitions on the other?

- Can you make a podcast about the thing you are learning about?

Part 1: Learn the information

How do I revise?

Once you feel like you’ve revise a topic, you need to test yourself to see if you really have and practice applying that knowledge. If the subject you are revising for involves writing them you must practice writing your answers

You can do this by answering questions in the revision guides, or by answering the relevant pages in a workbook or internet site.

It is extremely important that you mark the questions yourself – there is no point in doing questions if you don’t know if they are right or not

Exam practice – build up to trying exams, there are not many practice papers so use them wisely! Make sure you mark them afterwards – get help from someone if you struggle. If you can’t help looking at the answers, give them to someone responsible!

Part 2: Test yourself

Date – Week commencing What subjects will I revise and what activities will I do?

Subject Subject Subject Subject Subject

1st October

8th October

15th October (Half term)

Sat- Sun

Mon-Wed

Thurs-Fri

Sat-Sun

27th October

8-9 9-10 10-11 11-12 12-13 13-14 14-15 15-16 16-17 17-18 18-19 19-20 20-21

Mo

nd

ayTu

esd

ayW

edn

esd

ayTh

urs

day

Frid

aySa

turd

aySu

nd

ayWeekly Revision Timetable – In the holidays (for a more detailed plan if you prefer)

What is it?

We are Limited!

Cognitive Load Theory Information for Students

We must therefore manage our working memory using different strategies. There are 3 types of working memory:

1. Intrinsic Load – this means how complex a task is. If a task or problem is really complex then it can take over most of our working memory. If a task is simple, it uses less working memory.

2. Extraneous Load – these are the instructions you are given or how questions are written. Incomplete instructions take up space in working memory and don’t help you learn.

3. Germane Load - This is the amount of work you put in to create a permanent store of knowledge.

What does this mean? You should ALWAYS ASK if you don’t understand something.

1. Break the problem down into parts. This reduces the problem space and lightens the cognitive load, making learning more effective.

2. Look at worked examples to understand how to complete tasks.

3. Take advantage of auditory and visual channels in your working memory.

4. Start with learning simple information and build on it.

5. Create an environment with as few distractions as possible so turn off your phone, music or the TV. Distractions add to your working memory.

Top Tips6. Avoid overloading your brain with too much

information at one time. 7. Always review information from your

lessons as you go along because this will help improve your retention and add knowledge to your long-term memory.

8. Focus on one task or topic at a time.9. Rehearse the components of a complex task

so that it becomes automated, thus freeing up working memory capacity.

10. Create stories from information to be remembered or group information into more memorable categories or more accessible chunks.

Did you know? The mind processes visual and auditory information separately BUT too much visual and text displayed together compete with each other in your mind.

When you have multiple sources of visual information, such as diagrams, labels and explanatory text, your attention is divided between them. This adds to the cognitive load, making it more difficult for you to learn.

Top tips to help you revise:

• Incorporate labels into diagrams rather than writing text in separate boxes

• Use acronyms to help you learn so information can be ‘retrieved’ more easily from your memory

• Try talking through the problem • Watch videos with animation and voiceovers

How will using the Cognitive Load Theory affect your learning?

• Improve your long-term memory and knowledge

• Learn new skills more easily• Remove unnecessary distractions• Reduce anxiety and feelings of being

overwhelmed

better future - brighter hope

Don't overload your brain when you want to learn more efficiently

Top 10 tips to help you apply the Cognitive Load Theory to revisit and learn new information:

‘Cognitive Load’ Theory was developed by John Sweller out of the study of problem solving.

Cognitive load is the amount of information our working memory can hold at any one time. The working memory is where we process information and is key to learning.

What is it?

The Process

Chunking Technique Information for Students

1. Breakdownlargeramountsofinformationintosmallerunits.2. Identifysimilaritiesorpatterns.3. Organisetheinformation.4. Groupinformationintomanageableunits.

1. Practice: Challengeyourselftorememberlistsofthings,whetherashoppinglist,vocabularywordsorimportantdates.Asyoubecomebetteratrememberinglargerchunksofinformation,continuetochallengeyourselftorememberevenmore.

2. Look for Connections: Asyouarecreatinggroupings,lookforwaystorelatethemtoeachotherinmeaningfulways.Thinkaboutwhattheyhaveincommonandwhatmakes sense.

3. Associate: Linkinggroupsofitemstothingsfromyourmemorycanalsohelpmakethingsmorememorable.

Top Tips4. Incorporate other Memory Strategies:Forexample,youmightusemnemonicsasawaytochunkdifferentunitsofinformation.Ifyouneedtorememberalistofthings—suchasbuyingfigs,lettuce,oranges,apples,andtomatoes—youcancreateawordoutofthefirstletters–e.g.“FLOAT”. Onceyourememberthekeyword,youwillthenbebetterabletorecalltheitemsrepresentedbyeachletteroftheacronym.

5. Separate your revision Separatingrevisionintorelevantsectionscanhelpyoudigesteverythingandrememberitmoreeasily.Creatinglinksbetweendifferentbitsofinformationandputtingtheminmeaningfulcategoriescanhelpyourememberthembetter.

Are you ready?

better future - brighter hope

Form Patterns. Develop your tactics. Make connections.

• Itisatechniquewhichcanimproveyourmemory

• Chunkingistheprocessoftakingindividualpiecesofinformation(chunks)andgroupingthemintolargerunits

The power of chunking to help you learn

• Yourmemorysystembecomesfarmoreefficient

• Ithelpsyoutorecalltherelevantinformationinyourexams

• Informationbecomeseasiertoretainandrecall

• Itimprovesyourcreativity

Use HEADINGS and TITLES for differentsections

Use TABLES to summarise LARGE AMOUNTS of DATA

Use BULLET POINTS to summarise and CLARIFY

IMPORTANT POINTS

CombinequickILLUSTRATIONSwithTEXTtocreateVISUAL

ASSOCIATIONS

FOCUS UNDERSTANDING CONTEXT

ChunkingrequiresYOURattentiononthe

learning

Youneedtofullyunderstandinformationbeforechunking

material

Youneedtogobeyondunderstanding the initialproblemorconceptandseeingwhen,whereandhow

toapplyit

What is it?

How can it help you?

Information for Students

• Doing something little and often – spacing – beats doing it at once, or cramming

• The time in between revision allows you to forget and re-learn the information, which cements it in your long-term memory

• It cements information into your long-term memory

• We can learn more information over time than in one longer session

• It helps you revise more efficiently

• Research suggests there is an ‘optimal gap’ between revision sessions so you can retain the information

• If the test is in a month, you should review the information around once a week; if the test is in a week, create time once a day

better future - brighter hope

Spacing and Timing of Revision

Spacing is a revision technique which is all about spacing out your revision so you don’t get swamped and overwhelmed.

It means introducing time intervals into your revision sessions, as well as spacing out the days which you use to revise for topics.

To commit something to memory, it takes time and repetition.

Did you know? The brain requires a physical “prompt” in order to keep something in long-term memory. Otherwise, it is designed to let it go.

1. Know what your revision goals are and set aside blocks of time.

2. Don’t work too much – work smarter, not harder.

3. Establish good habits and a structured revision routine.

4. Don’t procrastinate- don’t waste precious time worrying or thinking about what to do –just do it!

5. Review your work – prompt your brain with short review exercises.

Top Tips for time!

Optimum Spacing

Time to the test Revision Gap1 Week 1-2 days1 Month 1 week3 Months 2 weeks6 Months 3 weeks

1 Year 1 month

To commit something to memory, it takes time and repetition.

Create the perfect revision plan1. Organisation: determine where you need to focus your time – e.g. which subjects, topics, what

you know, what you struggle with etc.

2. Planning: map out what you are going to revise and when. Use a timetable or revision planner to do this. Choose a mixture of a subject’s topics to focus on each day to make sure you are spacing them out.

3. Review: build in different revision techniques to help you do some quick 5–10 minute reviews of your topics throughout your revision plan - e.g. reading through notes, highlighting information, making post-it notes.

4. Transformation task: these are 30 minute activities to help you take in information - e.g. writing summary sheets, flashcards or mind maps for topics.

5. Practice testing: test yourself on the area that you have reviewed, such as with quizzes or by testing yourself with a friend.

6. Exam questions: complete an exam question or questions on the area you have reviewed and mark this yourself, using a mark scheme.

Five hours of time, spent in smaller chunks and spaced periodically, is a far more effective way to learn something than five hours spent the night

before.

How do they help?

How to make them...

Using Flashcards Information for Students

1. Ensure that the flashcards have a question or key term on one side and the answer or definition on the other:

- The flashcard must work the memory.

- If flashcards only contain notes then no

2. Ensure the right questions and knowledge are on the cards.

3. Keep information as short as possible.

4. Write clearly. You should be able to read what you wrote at a very quick glance.

5. Use different coloured cards or pens to categorise your flashcards. For example, use a different colour for each subject or topic. This can help your brain to categorise information better.

6. Make your flashcards as soon as you’ve learnt the topic in class.

Use spaced repetition - review your cards at specific, increasing intervals: for example, on Day 1, Day 2, Day 4, Day 8 and so on. Spaced repetition works because it activates your long-term memory, while leaving small breaks in between studying uses your short-term memory.

Make sure you have a ‘thinking pause’ after picking the card up and reading the question, then turn it over to read the information.

Once you get an answer right using your flashcard – DO NOT DISCARD IT! You need to keep repeating the question even if you get it

Being Smartright multiple times – otherwise it will ‘fall’ out of your memory.

As well as retrieving your knowledge, try writing the answer or definition in your own words and giving examples; this will help your learning and recall.

Try ‘interleaving’: once you have several decks of flashcards for different subjects and topics, try mixing them up. This will test your knowledge across subjects in a single session. Make sure you are confident enough to do this every so often.

Using a system...The Leitner system is a well-known and very effective method of using flashcards. It’s a form of spaced repetition that helps you study the cards you don’t know more often than the cards you already know well.

better future - brighter hope

• They engage you in ‘active recall’ – this creates stronger connections for your memory to recall information

• They promote self-reflection – also known as metacognition, which firmly commits knowledge to your memory

• Metacognition - When you make and use flashcards, you take control of your own learning. You have to decide what to put on each card, how often you’re going to use them, and then evaluate how well you know the information on each card

• They can help you memorise facts quickly • Drilling - flashcards help you to practise

the same information over and over again - and as we know, practice makes perfect

Using Flashcards• Using flashcards is a repetition strategy

• They are a simple ‘cue’ on the front and an ‘answer’ on the back

• Flashcards engage “active recall”

Studies have found that it’s more effective to review a whole stack of cards in one sitting rather than to carry them around

with you and glance at them every so often!

All flashcards start off in box/stack 1.

As you review the cards, each card you

answer correctly goes into box 2.

If you give the wrong answer the card stays

in box 1.

When you review cards in box 2, if you still get it right you

move the card to box 3 and so on until all cards are in box 4.

If you get a card wrong in any box, it goes back to box 1.

• The key is that the cards you know less well are reviewed more frequently than the cards in the higher boxes.

• You now must choose the frequency at which you review each box. For example - Box 1: Every day, Box 2: Every 2 days, Box 3: Every 3 days, Box 4: Every 4 days

retrieval practice will be happening.

What is it?

The Interleaving Technique Information for Students

Pan (2015) says, ‘Mixing it up boosts learning’ compared to more traditional methods of

block learning where students master one topic before moving on to the next in preparation for exams.

What are the benefits?

How to apply it... 1. Break units down into small chunks and split

these over a few days rather than revising one whole topic all at once.

2. Decide on the key topics you need to learn for each subject.

3. Create a revision timetable to organise your time and space your learning.

better future - brighter hope

Do little and often, and mix it up every day!

Interleaving is a method to use when revising, to help you remember more for the exam and to understand it better as well.

It is about what you do with your time when revising.

How does Interleaving work?

Learning is spread over time rather than in concentration on narrow topics one after the other.

Blocking vs. Interleaving

Focus on quality and not quantity- short targeted bursts are more

effective.

It strengthens memory recall.

Your brain is continually changing focus and attempting to find different responses to bring into your short-term memory.

By revisiting material from each topic several times, in short bursts, you can increase the amount you remember in the exams.

Each time you revise information, it strengthens your memory recall

How can it help?

It can even help in Exams!

Keeping ActiveInformation for Students

Exercise triggers the release of various hormones and chemical compounds in the body.

1. Schedule regular breaks during your revision. This could be 60 minutes of revision, followed by a 10-minute break. Exactly what schedule is best varies from person to person.

2. Use your break for something relaxing and refreshing, but which won’t distract you from getting back to work.

3. Do something that involves getting up from where you’re revising and moving around.

How can I fit it in?

Find a routine for youBe flexible. Fit your exercise around your revision timetable, and find what works for you.

Shorter intense exercise is great during the exam period as it doesn’t take too long.

Take regular walks during the day to help you stay fresh and active.

better future - brighter hope

Exercise helps to oxygenate the brain and release tension, helping you to

keep calm, mentally relax and study more efficiently.

• Boost your memory• Improve your concentration• Help reduce stress • Lengthen attention span• Improve cognitive brain function• Improve your ability to focus for longer

periods of time

Physically active students have more active brains.Red areas are very active;

Blue areas are least active

Serotonin – involved in regulating your sleep cycles and boosting your mood.

Norepinephrine – affects motivation and mental stimulation

Dopamine – positively influences learning and your attention span

Why take breaks in Revision?• You're less likely to get distracted while you are revising

• It's much better to spend 60 minutes revising well and 10 minutes on a break than to spend longer, with half the time revising and half playing with your phone.

• Breaks actually make you work more effectively. After all that mental work, your brain needs a rest.

Your brain uses up more glucose than any other bodily activity. Typically, you will have used most of it after 60-90 minutes.

So take a break, get up, go for a walk, have a snack, and do something completely different to recharge.

Top Tips • Exercise regularly• Eat well• Sleep well • Relax often• Socialise and connect with others• Take time out for you