Exam preparation
| Year group: | Year 11 | |
|---|---|---|
| Key subject: | PSHE | |
| Cross curricular: | Art and Design, Citizenship, Design and Technology, English, Geography, History, ICT, Mathematics, Modern and Foreign Languages, Music, Physical Education, PSHE, Religious Education, Science | |
| QCA scheme of work: | Self-portrait | |
| Useful equipment: |
Computer and projector if you wish to demonstrate some of the helpful websites available |
Aims
This Y11 assembly sets out to give positive support to students facing examinations. It aims to:
- summarise possible problems and pitfalls
- give tips and advice for success
- and offer help.
Introduction
"Are you a Ron Weasley or a Hermione Granger? Do you put everything off
till the last minute like Ron, or do you do heaps of extra revision like
Hermione? Or are you somewhere in between? In the fifth book of the Harry
Potter series, Harry and his friends not only have to deal with foul teachers,
budding romance and fighting off the forces of evil, but they have to face
their first major exams, their Ordinary Wizarding Levels or OWLs. You
might be feeling as though you have a lot in common with Harry at the
moment!"
Main presentation
Explain that this assembly will focus on exam preparation. It won't be able to remove the stress and hard work involved but it should give some tips for coping.
The key to dealing well with exams is self-awareness and having the right attitude, so explain that you are going to use a quiz so that they are aware of their strengths and weaknesses. Ask a series of questions which focus on key areas like time for revision, planning, methods, etc. After each question, take a little time to discuss the best strategies. Here are some sample questions:
1. When planning a revision schedule, do you:
a) spend a lot of time creating a plan in pretty colours then forget it
b) don't bother planning, and just fit it in when you can
c) create a plan and try your best to stick to it
2. When you are revising, do you:
a) revise a little bit every day
b) leave it all till the weekends
c) leave it until just before the exam
3. Do you:
a) always revise on your own
b) sometimes revise with a friend
c) revise with a group of friends so you can have a good chat too
4. Do you like to revise:
a) in front of the TV
b) in your bedroom
c) in the library
5. If you run out of ideas, or get stuck, do you:
a) find a book or a website to help
b) ask friends or a teacher or your parents for help
c) just forget about it and go on to something else
6. When preparing for an exam, do you:
a) eat lots of chocolate bars — after all you deserve a treat!
b) find that you don't eat a lot — you're too anxious
c) eat plenty of brain food — like fish!
7. Are you revising for:
a) your parents — they'll be disappointed if you don't do
well
b) your teachers — they'll be disappointed if you don't do
well
c) yourself — this is your life and your future
Summary
"Just as Harry Potter finds his own individual way through problems, you will find your own way through a difficult time. If you take some of the advice we've discussed today, you'll find it should make it easier. So think of one key area that will help you; keep it in your mind, and take it with you from this assembly."
Additional notes
It may be worth asking individual curriculum areas if there are resources which they would recommend. These could be listed in a leaflet, together with any key tips from the assembly, and distributed to students.
Extension/shortening tip
To lengthen
Look at some of the resources and sources of help that may be
available in your school, eg resource centre, school website.
You might demonstrate some of the excellent websites available.
You could also begin to look at some revision techniques, such as mind
mapping.
To shorten
Focus on one particular area of preparation, such as planning, or where to find
help.
Recommended resources
Websites
The BBC Onelife website has many tips to help with revision
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