Exams are on us!

The mayhem of the modules will come crashing into thelives ofthe students and parents of every A level student this week. As usual the Christmas of a hundredthousand youngsters hasbeen interupted by revision and panic at the upcoming (and it has to be said rather drawn out affair of the winter diet) To help the last minute panic students and parents should consider the following:

Going in

The way you go into an exam can help you as well. The small details you have to get done at the start, having the materials you need etc all help your mind settle and help you feel prepared.

• Turn up on time. I know this sounds crazy but the number of students who bundle into the exam room with moments to spare astounds me. Turn up a good ten minutes before with your final checklist.
• Make sure you know the format of the exam and exactly what you have to do.
• Do you have a candidate number, or a centre code you need to remember? Make sure you do and fill in the front of the paper in good time.
• Learn where your seat is. Make sure you aren’t falling over others trying to figure out where you have to sit. If seating isn’t assigned make sure you get to the front of the queue and get somewhere you feel comfortable.
• Keep yourself quiet and centred. Don’t chat to others, just focus on what you need to do. Concentrate on the task ahead. Engage with it.

The questions

• RTFQ. This stands for Read the Full Questions (However the F can stand for other things!). The biggest mistakes happen at the start of the exam when you misread a question or instructions.
• ATFQ. This stands for Answer the Full Question (Again the F can have other meanings!). Make sure you have written a full answer, especially if it is an essay.
• What are key words? Have you recognised the key issues? Check quickly as you go and after.
• Do you speak English?

What are the little rules?

• Labelling
• Spelling
• Technique
• Technical language

Timing

• You don’t need extra time if you are writing too much.
• Don’t dither
• Planning your answers – quick
• Plan ahead – how long does it take – where are the marks located?
• Know the layout – know the rules

How does a mark scheme work?

• Hitting levels –
• Knowledge
• Application of knowledge
• Preparation
• Knowledge
• Practising application of knowledge

End game

• Have you answered every question you need to?
• Have you checked that the answers are as full and as correct as you can make them (remember – no negative marking)
• Are all the tables labelled, diagrams drawn, working shown, accents drawn, dates accurate, and language correct?
• Have you answered each question in the right fashion?

Now all you have to do is wait. Sign it off and don't think on it again - you can't change it so no matter how hard it may seem it is job done and time to move on to the next one.

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