Secondary Mock Exams are Key to Successful IGCSEs

November 29th 2022

Year 11 students and parents are already anticipating the IGCSE mock examinations that start on 3rd January and will hopefully allow students (and parents!) to feel comfortable with the exam procedures and structure.

All Year 11 students were given this editable revision timetable and their exam schedule during tutor time to make preparations easier. Our school would encourage families to take some time over the week to sit down together and plan a balanced and effective study schedule, using either the offered timetable or an appropriate alternative.

We all know just how difficult (and tiring) the exam period can be. So to ensure that students are prepared, we must recognise that revision is a good use of time, even if it seems a little daunting. And, of course, if it is worth doing, it is worth doing right.

Please remember that revision sessions should have clearly defined periods; we recommend around 20 hours a week. The revision timetable has clearly allocated slots where students can decide for long a study period lasts. However, overall distractions must be removed (simple things such as mobile phones being turned off when revising). We also encourage students to get into a routine where they always begin and end their revision simultaneously and to intersperse revision with relaxing activities and exercise to stop their brains from overloading. Do, however, remember the distinction between a break and a distraction!

Finally, as you know, sleep, nutrition and exercise are the most critical factors for good mental health; a well-fed, well-rested student will stand a far better chance of doing themselves justice in an assessment!

Just as there is no one way to learn, there is no one way to study, and I would like to share with you these excellent study tips from previous Year 11 students. Students have other study resources in their tutor group Classrooms that tutors have been going over during tutor time.

Additionally, we have two upcoming assemblies on managing revision and stress.

However, we also want to reaffirm that if students are feeling very anxious or overwhelmed, please encourage them to speak to their tutor or make an appointment with the school counsellors: [email protected].

All in all, students, it is also vital that you find time to switch off a little, to spend time with your family and friends, and to get some well-deserved rest before we come back to school in 2023!

Further information pertaining to the Year 11 exams can also be found in our Examinations Handbook for Year 11 Students. Any queries about these guidelines should be directed to our Examinations Officer, Ms Santos, by email: [email protected].